Donuts with Daddy

Yesterday morning we decided to make the most of what little family time we have these days, and treated ourselves to donuts from our favorite spot. We usually try to have a healthy breakfast, but sometimes you just have to splurge! It was so nice to be dressed (we are usually still in PJs when Daniel leaves in the morning) and out as a family. Its been a little while. The kids loved the treat and so did we!

After our morning treat, Daniel came with the kids and I to do a little work for my mom on her apartment. What a good man, to spend the little free time he has helping my sweet mom! He didn't mind at all, because that just what kind of guy he is! That, and we love my mom and are thankful for how much she has helped us out.

We kissed him good-bye for the day and then he headed to work, and didn't come home until almost 1:00 this morning. Crazy.

Dylan and I went to Lowe's Build and Grow clinic and built a bug box. I found out that Lowe's has these clinics every other week through a blog that a just stumbled upon. I signed Dylan up about 2 months ago, thinking it would be great fun for he and Daniel, and it will be, once Daniel stops working crazy hours, but so far I have had to take him to every clinic. I don't mind, but its not something I'm great at. Haha! I feel kind of bad for Dylan, but he doesn't seem to mind. I can't wait until Daniel can go with them. I know they'll love that time together!

Grammy Time

The kids and I spent pretty much the whole day at my mom's, AKA Grammy, house. I tried to help her hang some of her paintings on the walls of her new place. I'm sure it was quite the scene, as I am no handy woman. But we somehow managed to get several things up, and we were quite pleased with our selves for that! haha!

We also napped and had lunch at her house. Then, we went to the pool for a bit. It was 104 degrees outside, so that pool felt more like one huge, warm bath. Warm bath, relaxing pool... either way the kids had a blast. We were able to meet some of Grammy's new neighbors too, which made our time even more fun.

We decided quite early that we were all starving and about to die from hunger. Well, maybe we weren't going to die, but we did need to eat. Grammy and I settled on Fudruckers because we were both loving the thought of a delicious burger. The kids were sold because they have small arcade.

The kids liked the food, but LOVED the arcade. Who knew three bucks could buy so much kid happiness!?

After we stuffed our selves to the max (or at least I did), we headed out to partake in one of my most favorite activities... shopping. Dylan was extra, extra good for us today and SO patient while he had to wait lots of time today for various reasons, so we went to Michale's and go a HUGE box of cookie cutter for him and London. Dylan LOVES his sandwich to be cut into shapes. And now, he has 110 new shapes to choose from.

After we got the cookie cutters,we parted ways with Grammy but I decided to do a bit of window shopping. I had nothing I needed to buy, but I just like to browse sometimes. Dylan was trying to be helpful and open the door for London and I (he is such a little gentle man), but accidentally opened it on London's big toe. Blood came immediately and I panicked, because this happened to her earlier in the summer and it left a really yucky "bo-bo". I took them into the store, explained the situation to a worker, and got something to clean it with. Dylan felt so bad about what happened, but I reassured him that London was fine (she really was, it was just a little scratch) and that it was not his fault. The both calmed down pretty quickly, the blood stopped, and we went about our way. Every now and then, London would look down at her foot and then at Dylan and say "No-No! Bubba!", in the sternest little voice. I couldn't help but get tickled. I would tell her, "No, Bubba didn't mean to. You forgive him, right!?" And she would nod yes, she forgave him. Until a few minutes later, and then repeat. I was really tickled at her. Dylan finally got tired of saying sorry and said to her "Don't be so angry, Little Mama! I didn't meant to!" I almost passed out from trying not to laugh!

Wonderful Wednesday

I love Wednesday and the fact that it marks the half way point of the week. I wake up on Wednesdays and think, whew... only a couple more days until the weekend! Except for that latey our "weekends" are only one day a week, Sunday. Poor Daniel is working like a mule right now. We appreciate his hard work, but we miss him terribly. Non the less, we have pretty much found our groove, and we are making this work the best that we can. And even though its not the half way point to our week these days, I still welcome beautifully sunny Wednesdays, like today, with open arms.

We started our day off with some time in the sprinklers and kiddie pool, the best thirty-five bucks i'v ever spent! My plan was for us to beat the heat by being out there around nine thrity. It was still so hot that we only lasted about an hour.

It was a fun hour though.

After lunch and nap time, we decide to brave the 104 degrees of heat and splish and splash a bit more. This time with our sweet neighbor friends. Again, we only lasted about an hour. Even with the super yummy Cherry Limeades that I made for everyone!

The heat might slow down our fun in the sun, but it doesn't stop our fun! We brought our party inside for a little mid-day movie. All the kids plopped on the couch for showing of the Spy Next Door, on our small little tv (that I've planned to replace for months now, but don't want to go with out Daniel and can't get Daniel to be off work long enough to go!). The size of the tv didn't seem to matter much though, and the kids had a grand ole time.

A little movie, a little snack, a splash of icy water... sounds like a grand time, no?

That, our fun in the sun, and dinner at home with our Grammy?

That makes for a Wonderful Wednesday!

Summer Lovin.

Summer is almost over, and I'm not sure where all the time went.

Some of the time went into the pool.

Some the splash park.

A bit in the park.

A splash of it went into playtime in the yard with friend.

A little of it was spent in the library.

A smidgen of it was in day trips and weekend trips.

A bit on lazy days.

Some went to play dates.

A lot was placed in the laugher and fun.

This summer may be my favorite one as a Mommy to date.

Both my babes at home with me.

At the splash park, the pool, the park, on playdates, in the library, any where we felt like being... with me.

My heart has been full of love and happiness.

My arms have been full warm bodies giving me hugs and cuddles.

The only thing I would wish differently would be Daniel's crazy long hours at work all summer. He's still kicking it with 12 plus hours and day and weekends too. And I do wish we would have been able to take the kids to the beach, but maybe we can still find a way to fit in in before its much, much too cold. We've just been waiting on Daniel's work schedule to calm a bit. Or a lot.

We have a week and a half until our little guy starts Kindergarten. My heart is heavy yet so excited for him all the same time. I find myself randomly tearing up at the thought of sending my boy to school full time. My little box of giggles. I'm having trouble picture mine and London's day with him at school and not at home. But London and I have grand plans and will have a great time. And the reality is that he will be out of school before three. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. And it will be great. For Dylan. For London. For Daniel. For me. Whooo. I have to take deep breaths every time I think about it. I don't know if every mom has this much anxiety over sending their babe off to "big school", as my boy so excitedly calls it, or if I'm just crazy. Maybe both. Probably both.

For now though, this Momma and her babes are just soaking up every bit of Summer that is left. Yesterday, we enjoyed a very lazy day and some playtime with friends in the sprinklers and kiddie pool. Today was spent lounging, cuddling, lots of out door play, and a few quick errands.

I think had it not been one thousand degrees outside today, we would have spent the whole darn day out there.

We did enjoy our time in the morning and late afternoon though. There is not much I love more than lounging in a chair and watching these two love bugs run, laugh, and play in the yard. And having over sweet neighbor friends just makes it all the sweeter.

And the great news? End of Summer, that doesn't mean squat in regards to our playtime out doors. There is plenty more of that to come in the fall and even winter!

But there is somthing so sweet about the sweaty, beautifulness of Summer. And THATS what we are soaking up.

A Collage of Things.

Yesterday, the kids and I spent our afternoon with Grammy being busy bees. We were fluttering from one store to the next picking up all sorts of fun supplies that the kids will need for school and extra curriculars.

I love to shop. I love to hang out with my mom. Yesterday was pretty grand.

London will be starting ballet and tumbling classes this fall, and Grammy went with us to pick out her first outfits for each class. I want to save the full effect of how stinkin cute Miss Priss looks for the first day of classes, but here is a little sneak peak...

When we finished shopping, we headed to Dylan's Little Gym class. He was so excited for Grammy to get to come, and he did a fantastic job. Grammy and I were both amazed at some of things he was doing. I was always so afraid of the uneven bars when I was doing gymnastics that I quit just so I wouldn't have to do them. I am so, so glad Dylan is not. In fact, he loves them.

After Little Gym, we went out to eat and then Grammy spent the night with us. It was a real treat for all of us, even Daniel got to hang out with her a bit when he got home last night. And to top all that off, I woke up this morning to freshly cooked pancakes in shapes of hearts and butterflies. Thats our Grammy for ya. It was a fun way to start off our day!

Today, has been the opposite of yesterday. We have been lounging around the house, watching too much tv, taking extra long naps, playing with play dough, coloring pictures, and practicing our letters. We have stayed so, so busy over the past three or so weeks and today was much needed. The only times we left the house was to go to toddler time at the library, because the kids would have freaked to miss it, and to grab some drinks at Sonic.

I love busy and fun days.

I love slow and fun days.

I pretty much just love spending the days with

my two little rays of happiness.

Now they are tucked in and I have some quiet time to enjoy before my hansom hubby gets home and we get to hang out together.

Life is good.

Refreshed

After working 12 plus hours everyday this week, including Saturday, our Daddy finally had the day off on Sunday!! I can't even tell you how nice it was to have a whole day (or more than two hours for that matter) with Daniel! It was so relaxing and refreshing, just what the doctor ordered.

It was like most any other Sunday here in the Hilburn household. We woke to a lazy morning, taking our time to get ready and hanging out watching tv, and chatting. Then, off to church followed by lunch with a group of friends. *Bliss*

After lunch we decided to stop for some snow cones, even though it was well into London's nap time. And snow cone, they were just weren't the doctor ordered too!

The boys spent some much needed "boy time" together while London and I got in our beauty rest. Oh, how I love a long Sunday nap! When London and I got up from our rest, Daniel and cooked supper together, another favorite Sunday ritual.

We decided that we deserved another Sunday treat, just because, so we headed to our favorite ice cream place, Frosty's. We love, love, love this little place! It is just full of charm and storries from 57 years ago when they first opened. The orginal owner's grandson now runs the joint. We just love this place and its vibe.

We decided to squeeze in just a little bit more fun, even though it was now past our little ones' bed time. We blew bubbles, ran in the grass, inspected bugs and spiders, and snapped a few picture here and there.

Daniel read the kids their bed time stories, and hour after their bedtimes, and tucked them in. He is not home in time for bed these days, so it was a real treat for them, Daniel included. Then it was time for me an my hubby to curl up and watch our favorite tv shows together. It was pure bliss.

We sure do miss Daniel right now while he's in "crunch" mode at work, but one thing is for sure, we appreciate all the small things much more when he is with us. Its those little moments that make our family so happy and complete.

My body and spirit are both refreshed, my energy and love tanks are full, and I am ready for a great week!