Sum-Sum-Summertime

I haven't had much to write about, lately. We're finally getting settled into a routine. We spend some days at the park (which is usually a disaster). The parks here are amazing! Where are the metal slides of yesteryear that burned my thighs so?

Other days we just hang out at home. I really like this picture because it's a nice representation of all of us. Chloe is wearing a crown and being sheepish, Harrison is in motion, Miles is distressed, and I'm probably explaining to them why they can't do something.

Once we put the older kids to bed, we spend our evenings doing this:

I'm genuinely loving baseball season. They played the All-Star game here a couple of weeks ago. I cried a little.

Here's President Obama practicing his pitching with St. Louis' Albert Pujols.

Go Cards!

Smells Like Optimism

A while back I took a trip to Bath and Body Works to find some body wash and lotion that would make me smell pretty. I found something in their aromatherapy section: Optimism.
Earlier this week, Jeff was bathing Chloe and as he poured a drop of body wash on a washcloth, he told her "This will make you optimistic, Chloe." She answered, "I really don't think so, Daddy."


That's been the theme of the week. Everything Mommy suggests is met with a similar response.



"It's a beautiful day! You guys should go outside and play."

"I really don't think so, Mommy."

"I'll bet your fairies would love to play in the backyard."

"I really don't think so, Mommy."


"Make a funny face and I'll take your picture."

"I really don't think so, Mommy."

"When can we go inside?"

"This isn't fun at all."

My plan for the future is to slather myself with Optimism and hope I survive the rest of the summer.

Speaking of optimism, Jeff thinks it wouldn't be prudent at this juncture for me to say so, but I think my baby has blue eyes.

Harrison's Birthday . . . Again.

Harrison turned six last Wednesday. As I suspected, he completely forgot about his birthday party two months ago and I ended up having to make a big deal out of his actual birthday. But why not? He's not going to be young forever. I was reminded of this as I was searching for a baby picture of him to put on this post. Here's one of my favorites:

He always looked like an old man.

When I see him as a baby I think of how clueless we were as parents. I pity the fool who's born first in any family. I'm sure being our first pancake hasn't been easy for him. I hope he doesn't end up too burned. One thing's for sure: he's growing up way too fast. Here he is just yesterday:

[He's singing Happy Birthday to his cousin, Emmi, but you can pretend he's singing "M-E."]

Miles Smiles!

Ode to the Backyard

Happy 4th of July!

From the future President of the United States