10 things…

We’ve just barely begun biting into the sweet deliciousness that is summer, with all the sink-your-teeth-into-it moments that wouldn’t happen any more than if we lived on a set for the Food Network, and yet we’ve started the filling process of celebrating summer.

I’ve noticed myself saying YES more than NO lately.  And not to the wrong things, but to the summer things, the kid things, the sweet and sticky things… the right things.  Like when we arrive home from a full day out and I could fall asleep if a pillow were placed anywhere near me, but the sun hasn’t fallen yet and my daughter asks, “Can we go for a walk?” as she pulls her bicycle out of the garage.  Or when we’re near one of the best homemade ice-cream parlors in Michigan, and my husband shoots me that sly smile with a “Should we stop for some?” and visions of my baby licking his first baby cone dance through my head.  I rally.  I rally with an enthusiastic YES.

Lately, we’ve been enjoying crossing some things off of our summer bucket list in a completely un-orderly order, because sometimes, life throws a little random in there…

Movie Theater Dates with the Littles
Complete with slushies and popcorn, giggles and cheesy smiles, fast cars and talking trucks.

Impromptu Stops at the Splash Pad
While we’re on our way to the grocery store, I look down and notice the temperature reads 78 degrees, not too hot really, but warm enough for a stop at a nearby splash pad to let some of that energy bubbling up in the backseat find a place to escape.  When the light turns green, I switch off my right-hand turn signal and make a quick lane change while turning the wheel to the left.

My new #1 Summer Rule: Keep swimsuits in the diaper bag and towels in the trunk.  And luckily on this day, I had both.

He Likes Shoes
When we’re heading out the door, I’ll say “Get your shoes” and he runs with a grin to his room saying, “sue, sue” and emerges with a random pair.  But there’s nothing better than seeing chubby set of curled up baby toes trying to fit into daddy’s sandals. CUTE.

Making Dinners at Home a Little More Special
Not that we don’t cook at home, but lately, we’ve been so busy that when we do, it’s usually a simple, easy, fall-back meal.  I decided to change that.  And instead of the usual, I’ve been directing little hands to help me mix in yeast and flour, spread out dough, decorate the cheese with colorful toppings, and wearing big gloves to carefully remove from the oven.  And she’s loving it.  Pizza night is now: half pepperoni, half spinach and feta and a side of cranberry apple walnut salad with a freshly whipped maple vinaigrette.

And water is always more special with a slice of lemon.

Getting a Little Help
Just rented this amazing lens for this gorgeous couple’s wedding coming up, and I can’t wait to play with it.

Stopping at Starbucks
If you know me at all, you know my affinity for Starbucks.  I think the fact that I travel a lot helps feed the fire, it’s one place that is the same everywhere.  It’s one place that helps me to feel at home no matter where I am.  And when I am at home? My family loves it just as much as I do.  But taking a few minutes to use the real table ware and pull up a chair while engaging in rousing conversations with my four year old and one year old, well, that’s the icing on the very berry coffee cake.

Kittens
There is no love loss for these little cuties that have been growing up in our home these past 6 months.  Aliyah still dresses them up, and they take it… and still cuddle with her at bedtime.  Brayden lays on them to give his more than generous hugs, and they take it… though usually begging with their eyes for reprieve.

And when we’re spending one of our long mornings sprawled out on the big bed, my two legged littles and their four legged tag-alongs are usually all pretzeled there together.

Monthly Photoshoots
We’ve been having fun charting Brayden’s growth each month with his large plush giraffe, and now? He want’s to climb on it rather than stand next to it.

Sixteen month post coming soon…

My Daughter, the Photo-Grapher
And yes, it’s pronounced just like that.  Two words.  Photo Grapher.  That’s what she said after playing tirelessly with my camera.  When she finally, reluctantly, gave the camera back said, “Maybe that’s what I’ll be someday too, a Photo Grapher.”

Yes, baby, maybe you will.

A bit of her handiwork:

Baby’s First Cone
He finally had his very own baby-sized cone, about the size of our thumb, and it was too cute. I think this photo was taken towards the end of it’s devouring, where he let out a satisfied “Mmmmmm.”  Yes, a good cone on a hot summer day is so very satisfyingly Mmmmmm.

Happy Tuesday friends!  Can’t wait to hear what you’ve been enjoying lately.