Squeezing

 

So when I complained that we weren’t really getting a summer (weather and vacation wise), I really meant that we were trying to squeeze one in at every chance.

And hilariously, the weather finally hit and they ordered a heat advisory for the area.   “Hilariously” because the temps were expected to exceed 90 degrees, and I know a whole lot of you would be scoffing at such weenieness.

 

So some bits and pieces from our pretend summer – because I’d be lost without the photographic proof on my phone:

Driving Itty Bit and my nieces home from that epic slip n’ slide… Apparently putting Toby Keith on the radio makes them kinda sorta pretty much lose it.

 

No worries.  Itty Bit is not having a seizure.  Apparently he just wants to talk about ME, talk about I, talk about NUMBER ONE, OH MY ME MY.

Then the kiddos hit up the local fair.

You would think that this picture would be proof that these kids have never been happier.  You would be wrong.  Apparently, the FREE playground was waaay more fun than the not-so-free fair.

 

See my mom pushing the spinning Christmas tree thingie at the playground?  When I’m with someone who signs, I realize just how much I miss from the daily world around me.

My mom completely lost it when the kiddo in the green shorts behind her jumped on the ride and screamed,

 

THIS IS BETTER THAN LASAGNA!!!!!

 

Just for fun… guess how many times my kid has now randomly yelled, LASAGNA! at home…?

 

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Oh, and hey… what’s more summery than your kiddo painting your toenails in patriotic colors?

Hint, it’s not him begging you to return the favor, and then daddy finding out…

Ask me how much Mr. Redneck Daddy loves it, go ahead.

 

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Wait a minute… who stole my phone?

 

 

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And then… some completely unexpected wonderful news… Our beloved K, her Dear Husband, and their beautiful R were coming to visit.

 

And then disaster…

traffic.

And a pretty awesome kid who just couldn’t keep his eyes open.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y’all know what a complete crapshoot it is when a kid takes a midday nap and wakes up in an unfamiliar place, right?

And then you hope the sleepyhead doesn’t give a top-notch demonstration of The Whiny Voice to everyone in the nice restaurant you’re meeting at.

 

(photo shamelessly stolen from Floortime Lite Mama’s blog)

 

Thankfully, he was already excited to meet R (which was only affirmed when they arrived with an ENORMOUS Nerf gun). 

(Another one of K’s pictures.  Really, I’m shameless…)

 

 

 

 

Me?  I was crazy excited to get to meet K.  Can’t you see the chipmunk oversmile going on?

 

Please note… the woman looks like a Hollywood star – and she is absolutely as drop-dead gorgeous in real life.  Unfortunately, the sunglasses were not for show… my lily white skin was dangerous.

 

Apparently she had read my last post where I may have referred to myself as a weight-challenged elf.  When we finally got within hugging distance, the first thing out of that supermodel’s mouth? 

“You’re not chubby!”

 

 

I kissed her and told her I loved her.  Then I introduced myself.

Not awkward at all, right? :)

 

(And yes, I totally put her comment in BOLD and Size 18 font.  Because my stupid brain makes me so insanely nervous when meeting other bloggers and I can’t photoshop myself in person, ha!)

 

 

The conversation was wonderfully seamless.  Frequent laughter and many smiles.  Knowing looks while each parent tried to cajole two busy boys into eating their respective cheese pizzas.  A feeling of knowing each other for much longer than a few moments.  So normal, and so beautifully enjoyable.

 

 

We couldn’t seem to pry the men from their animated conversations…  I think this photo was the only time either stopped.  Talk about instant friendships and connections.

And the love of an almost 8-year old?  Man, I hope my kiddo still thinks the world of me as he grows… their mutual affection is unmistakable.

 

 

I am so very thrilled that they are moving nearby… and not just because Itty Bit needs more targets :)

 

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So grateful for these breaks of sunshine in what has been a very hard time.  If you think of it, could you please keep us in your prayers?  That Thing We Can’t Talk About… this week is an opportunity for people to do the right thing and to fix some of the insane stress that has been unbloggable for the last few years.

 

Like Mom always said, “stay blameless, stay blameless.”