Happy Weekend

The key to having the children to yourself over a weekend is having a strong plan, keeping your cool when things go off the rails, and praying for good weather.  And praying you stay healthy because you can't afford a sick day!

I think we did it…at least we made it this far.

Chess master?

Does this surprise you as much as it does me?

Our energy-bursting-out-of-his-skin child who says when he grows up he wants to do something dangerous like be a ninja or race car driver is actually interested in chess.

Rhys has picked up this ancient game at summer camp and now our chess set is seeing more action than it has, well ever.

My skills are at a less-than-beginner level so I'm an easy victim to R's tricks and half-rules!

Is this my real life?

Do you have an image of what that your real life should look like?

I do -  my ideal "real life" involves an Oak Park Victorian house, a Golden Retriever, two children and a husband - a lovely mess (as opposed to an ugly mess - you know the difference) -- it's fall -- there is calmness, serenity to the scene…I can almost taste it! :)

But the reality is that my house doesn't have that perfected mess, or yummy dinner cooking on the stove six of the days of the week and sometimes not even seven days, or the sweet dog waiting for someone to play fetch with -  and I realize this is my Real Life.

When I'm sitting in our yellowAdirondack chairs on the Lane watching the children play, and I'm reading a book and waving to my neighbors,  I'm about as close to nirvana as I can be.

So I banish my burning ember of a house and embrace this one - and my kind husband and two amazingly maddeningly wonderful children here.

So happy birthday to me --  41 is not bad at all -- it's pretty darn good.

Three Nights Away

Thanks to Dom's great job performance in 2013 - we were able to enjoy a three-day semi-vacation to San Diego a few weeks ago sans children. :)

My dad came down from LA for a night - always great to see him!

And the highlight for me was our visit to Miramar -- quite impressive.

Followed by the Award Ceremony.

And now back to our regular summer schedule -- work, camps, sunshine and pools.

"princess" culture

Interesting how peer relationships start to influence behavior early - way earlier than age 4 actually but here's Claudia now in a "Princess" dress and Tiara - willingly -- playing with her friend's 50+ Barbies.

I am a wee bit thankful that all this stuff is at a neighbors house, and not mine. :)

Strong

Building strength is top of mind - for me, physical strength, and for my children -- strength of mind.

Here C is demonstrating her physical prowess on the monkey bars … the best part, the joy on her friend's face when she could do it, too.