Two-Bath-A-Day Trip

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Big Balloons!

Recently Trip has learned how to draw a balloon. This is a very exciting skill, because prior to knowing how to do it himself, he wanted me to draw a "big balloon" over ... and over ... and over. Now, our entire porch is covered in little Trip sketches of balloons!

(I love this picture because he has the chalk in one hand and Jack's tennis ball in the other ready to throw. Now, that's multi-tasking!)

Mackenzie Kearns

Two weeks ago, I had the joy of spending a full week with my best friends in the entire world! We all gathered in Dallas to prepare for and celebrate Mackenzie's marriage to Brian.

Kelli, Johanna and I threw a bridal shower for Mackenzie the Sunday prior to the wedding. So many sweet ladies came to honor Mackenzie. Pulling the shower off from out of town was definitely a challenge, but it all came together in the end.

I must admit, it was a bit of a physically challenging week for me and for Johanna, who is due a month after me with a baby boy. Kelli had to pick up a lot of our slack! It was also much harder than we all anticipated to spend so much time away from our little ones and husbands. But, just getting to spend some quality time with all of these dear friends made it all worth it.

There isn't a day I don't wish we all lived closer. God has really blessed our friendship. He has grown us up together as believers, He has directed our paths and been our one true connection through changing times. We are all amazed by the grace he has shown us - in college, dating, friendship and now for all of us in marriage.

I love you girls! And CONGRATULATIONS Mackenzie and Brian!

"other monkey"

Trip took a long nap today after a late bedtime and fun with friends last night. In order to avoid another late night, I decided to wake him up out of his sound sleep. This is what I found.

Trip, fast asleep with "other bottey" in his arms.

The other 3 impostor monkeys tucked neatly away behind his crib rail. I think Trip was trying to make a point. "Mom, you're not fooling me. I want the real monkey, not these other guys."

Playing in the Rain and Dadda Time

Almost every day this week has started off rainy and dreary. As much as I'd like to be an adventurous mom and take Trip exploring through the mud ... my 9-month pregnant self just used the weather as an excuse to stay in and watch movies. So, Trip was very thankful to wake up to his Dad this morning and go play in the rain. He kept his pajamas on and wore his new Crocks from his Gigi and they played outside for a good part of the morning.

This was the scene tonight as I cooked dinner.

It started with J pushing Trip in the laundry basket across the living room and down the hallway - at what I'm sure Trip considered record speed - and ended with the two of them camped out under a "laundry basked tent" talking. J and I both marveled at how long Trip wanted to stay under the basked talking to his dad.

I am so blessed to have these two guys in my life. As I type, my sweet husband has just put Trip down for the night and is unloading the dishwasher.

For now, I'm just trying to enjoy these last few days as a family of 3, and also happily anticipating the arrival of my own little companion.

Hatty Birtay Aunt Anna!

We miss you and wish we could see you on your birthday. Trip has been singing "Hatty Birtay to Aunt Anna" all week!

boy's best friend

I am the first to admit that having dogs with young children is not easy. I complain about the inconvenience of taking care of our dogs more than I should. Lately though, I have started to appreciate the budding relationship between Trip and our two Westies. Trip constantly asks to "Go see Jack and Mia". He loves to throw "Jackaboo's Ball" and pet Mia's belly. And, Jack loves having Trip around too because it keeps his belly full of snacks!