My Thoughts

1). Lilly is starting preschool next week. I am having some mixed emotions about it...like every other mother does when she sends her kids to school. Lilly is going to love it, I know she will. Every time I tell her about school though, she hates the thought of me not being there. I am excited for her though, she seems ready. She loves to color, and sing, and be around other kids.
2). My mom took all the girls in the family out for dinner to "Francks". Holy Moly. YUM. It is a place I would never think to go with Anton, thus making it even more fun :) The food was delicious, and the company even better. I feel so lucky to have such extraordinary women in my life.
3). Today we went to the pool - probably one of the last times before summer winds down. Lilly is such a good little swimmer! She refused to swim with her floaties, and she did so much better than I thought she would. She was swimming all over the place....except for, I didn't want her swimming where she couldn't touch. But, at least she has the concept of face in the water, kicking and using her hands to get to where she needs to go. I was so proud!
4). Claire and Lilly are finally starting to enjoy one another. Claire has always loved Lilly, but not so much the other way around. Now that Claire can run/walk, it has made a big difference. Lilly realizes she can actually play with Claire now. Don't get me wrong...about 75% of the time, they are still fighting over someone taking someones toys, but it's getting better. Slowly, but surely.
5). I feel so grateful for my little family. I think of my life without Anton and my girls, and it honestly makes me want to cry. We aren't perfect, and there are days where I just want to rip my hair out (cleaning up non stop messes, cooking every meal, laundry that is endless...you get the point), but there isn't a place in the world I would rather be. I mean I love to go on dates with Anton, but some of my very favorite nights are when we are all settled in relaxing watching movies...just the 4 of us. I adore them more than I even know how to express.
6). Lilly does the funniest/saddest thing lately. See, Lilly is a tender little soul. She hates to get in trouble...it literally breaks her heart. Claire on the otherhand could care less, but that's a different story. Anyway, so if Lilly gets upset, she usually starts crying, then wants to leave the room. Any time you try and stop her and tell her to come back, she looks over her shoulder with THE saddest look and waves...all while walking away to go cry. Basically giving the sign to stop talking because nothing you say can make her feel better. SO funny, and so tender sad.
7). By this time of year, I always get ready for fall to come...but this year I am kind of sad. I look forward to the cooler weather because it allows us to do things that in my opinion are too hot to do (The Zoo, The Farm etc.), but I have had SUCH a fun summer. I am sad to see it all end. Especially our cousins swimming days at Willow Creek.
8). Zucchini Bread made with zucchini's from the garden is a favorite at our house right now.
9). Claire loves to sing "Ashes, Ashes, Ashes, Ashes aw fah dow". She says way too many "Ashes", which makes it so funny.