Wildflowers and Dirt Sticks

Despite having loads to do before relocating, we found time to take pictures of the kids. Actually, we were forced from our home for an hour or so in order for the landlord to show it. I used the available time to mark a few things off my bucket list.
First, we had lunch at Quinton's. The kids actually behaved rather well and split a PBJ sandwich, lemonade, and potato chips. Princess actually just ate chips and lemonade. I had a wonderful half TAC, minus sprouts, with spicy chips, and a bowl of chedder soup. Absolutely delicious. Especially spicy chips dipped in the cheese soup.
Next, we drove to campus to take pictures near Potter's lake. It was overcast, hot, and very humid. It felt like it would rain at any minute. Luckily, it didn't. Although, if it did, maybe it would have cooled off.







Do these count as pictures with wildflowers?



























We bribed the kids with suckers to keep them in a happy mood. It was all fun and games until Handsome rolled his in the dirt and Princess wanted to trade him. Apparently, dirt does make things taste better. However, Mom and Dad spoiled the party by taking the dirt sticks away, so we all went home to take naps. Well, the kiddos anyway.

Blast From the Past

I don't really miss high school, but I miss eating lunch with these girls.



Samantha, Betsy, and Jennifer.



Betsy, Jessica, Samantha, and half of Jennifer.



Ok, so here is me and three fourths of Betsy. I think this was take in 1999 or early 2000. I was probably 18. I miss the Home Ec. room, pizza rolls and tator tot casserole. Jennifer, do you still eat a Reese's every day?



Me, Betsy, and Jennifer at Betsy's baby shower. Spring 2003, I think.



Betsy, her two children, Samantha, my baby princess, me, and
Jessica.



Samantha, Jennifer, Me, Betsy. Summer 2010?



Samantha, Jennifer, Me, Betsy. Early 2011.



Again, Me, Betsy, Jennifer, Samantha. Slightly different order. May, 2011.

Notice how we mostly sit in the same order? Humans are creatures of habit. We had our last lunch about a week ago. It will probably be awhile before we get another one. However, the next one will hopefully be followed by a walk on the beach and a cool ocean breeze. No one will be able to replace my lunch bunch; I already miss you girls.

Counting Down

Nearly one week left!  Eight more days of work.  I've spent the last few days packing and we are getting down to the wire.  The majority of things are done; now we are working on the last minute things that can't be done too far ahead of time.  I guess that's why they are last minute things, right?  I am so tired and physically exhausted.  I'm sure in a few days I will be mentally exhausted as well.  I have had a very kind friend come help me pack, otherwise I think I would be in a worse shape.

I am getting excited, and I hope that exhilaration will carry me through the next week and a half.  I have said many good-byes, and a few see-you-laters.  The next week will be difficult at work.  I am looking forward to Saturday when I will see my Mommy.  Its been 8 months! since I last saw her!

The next week will continue to be busy: family haircuts, more continuing education, last minute good-byes, lots of cleaning, packing boxes, then loading the truck.  I had some retail therapy last night to help me cope.  I purchased new plates, bowls, glasses, and a shower curtain.  I can't wait to see them in the new house!

Rim Plates from Crate and Barrel Outlet

Rings Glassware from Crate and Barrel

Ruffles Shower Curtain from Target

I have a few more posts planned, but I am waiting on pictures from a friend.  I hope to post at least twice before I leave, but I can't make any promises.

Gold Dust

This last weekend, I attempted to tackle my bucket list.  One of my amazing co-workers and I went to Silas and Maddie's for ice cream with my kiddos.  We planned it out for days; trying to avoid graduation mayhem in a college town, watchful for good weather, and most importantly, nap schedules.   We had awesome luck. While the line was out the door, it moved quickly and was definitely worth the wait.  Oddly enough, we both chose the same flavor, Gold Dust.  It is vanilla ice cream with Oreos, Snickers, and caramel.  Pure deliciousness, especially served in a waffle bowl.   I should go again so I can get a picture.  Princess liked it, except for the snicker chunks.  Those were immediately dropped on the ground.   Handsome snubbed his nose.  He ate some, but I think he was boycotting because I wouldn't let him hold the spoon.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Afterwards, we walked to South Park.  It was crawling with kiddos and parents.  Somehow, one bum managed to sleep through the chaos on a park bench.  My kiddos, as usual, preferred to play in separate areas.  Handsome made a bee line for the stairs on the tallest slide.  I casually walked behind him until I realized he had no fear and was going to slide down by himself, without hesitation.  I rushed down to the bottom, but he was already there, ready to go again.  Boys.   I tried to keep them on the shady side.  It worked for a bit, and I got a few pictures.


Handsome loved this alligator. I gently bounced it for him, but of course he soon figured out how to make it move. Let's just say he made it jump more vigorously. Another not so suprising difference between boys and girls.











This is pretty much the only picture of Princess.  She is far too busy to be bothered with pictures or to even look at the camera.  Maybe next time.

All in all, we had a great time.  The kiddos got worn out, mom got a few pictures, and we all got ice cream.   Princess didn't even throw a fit when we left!  She waved and told everyone "buhbye" a million times.  Even more impressive, Tiffany and I didn't talk about work!  That's true friendship.  So what did you do this weekend? Anyone else eat ice cream and jump on alligators?