Responsibilty

As a mother, wife, dog owner, home owner, bill payer, employee, board member, parent rep, friend, sister, daughter, aunt... I feel as though responsibility is a heavy weight on my shoulders.  For some reason this week has felt especially responsibility-ladened and, because of this,  I have managed to sleep maybe a total of 20 hours.

Today was my day to exercise.  So at 5:30 I got out of bed and ran.   Because this was the responsible thing (and because I hate missing my morning).  I made my mental to-do list in my head while I ran.  While having a cup of coffee, and putting my to-do list onto paper, I heard chattering from upstairs.  After a few minutes I went to investigate.  Oliver and Henni were snuggling together in bed and Oliver was telling her a story about a unicorn.  At that very moment the do-list disappeared.

Yes, there are things that need to get done, but what really matters?  Does it matter if the floor is mopped today?  Or what about the bathroom?  Does it need to be cleaned today?  The answer - no.  What really needs to be done is fun.  Imagination.  Play.  Love.

The kids just went to sleep.  The house is a disaster.  Toys are everywhere.  The pile of laundry that needs to be folded is threatening to collapse the house.  Either Davis brought home another dog today or the house needs a serious vacuuming.  It isn't clear if we can pull together a breakfast of anything other than basil, artichoke hearts, cheese, and peaches.  But today we rode bikes to get bagels, we played with Charlie, we went to the playground, we went swimming, we painted, we played trucks, we played babies, we played with friends, we read... and I am headed up to go to bed.

Today was, I think, one of the most responsible days I have had in a long long time.

Summer Daze

A couple weeks ago we spent the week in Maine.  Typically our visits to Maine involve leaving the house by 9, 10 at the latest, and adventuring for the day.  While some may find this type of vacation exhausting, I find it relaxing and love that it maximizes the day - the whole day.  This year, because of weather and schedules our vacation was different.  A couple days into the vacation I commented that it was 10 and the kids had not yet had breakfast and we hadn't left the house.  Ok, commenting might be nice - I was stressing out about this.  Davis turned to me and told me to relax.  He pointed out the kids had slept in, both he and I had gotten in a run, we had done some serious tree-house planning, the kids were happily playing together, and we were on vacation. I took a deep breath and decided to wrap my head around this new type of vacation.

Our vacation included a super fun afternoon out on an island with Jon.

Shopping (and making some calls)

And the very beginnings of an elaborate tree house.  Oliver was a super big helper with the tree house.  He proudly pointed out to anyone interested (and not), that he "dragged the 2 by 6s into the woods like a skidder."

We also spent time with Papa in the garden.

And got in a few hikes.

And spend more time on islands

And made s'mores.

Back at home, we've continued to enjoy these last few days of summer before school starts.

We've been getting strong and showing off our muscles,

And have been using said strong muscles to kayak on the Parker River,

And to relax poolside (surely muscles are needed here),

And to carry our chairs up and down the beach.

We've also done some surfing.

While I am starting to come around to a more relaxed approach to vacation - I do like squeezing in as much fun and adventure as possible, especially with the days being as beautiful as they have been.

Hello Mrs. President

Parenting is tough work.  One of the most challenging parts of parenting is figuring out how to raise children in such a way that they are thoughtful, respectful, gracious, full of love, full of ideas, and full of fun.  There are days when I am pretty sure Davis and I have failed.  And then there are days when I am so proud of Oliver and Henni and the people that they are - and are becoming - that I think we may be on the right track.

Yesterday I came home from work and, in the summary of the day's activities, was told the most amazing story.  Oliver, Henni, and Hollie were doing a large floor puzzle of the United States, and Oliver asked Hollie to explain to him why South Dakota had a picture of men's faces carved into a mountain.  Hollie explained Mount Rushmore to Oliver.  His response - But, I don't understand why there are no women.  Dear, wonderful Hollie explained to Oliver that there have been no female presidents.  Oliver was shocked by this and silent for a few minutes.  He then looked up and told Hollie that Henni should be the first female president.  He said that he is pretty sure she has the skills - tough as nails, fair, and she knows how to draw a line in the sand and not let anyone over it (trust me, she is very good at this).

I love that Oliver was shocked and appalled that there have been no female presidents - and I love that he believes Henni should be president.  I am all for it.

Oh Baby!

Carolyn, Tim, Catie, and Alex welcomed Abigail last evening.  All are doing well.

Henni and Oliver are so excited that in the span of just a couple days they went from 2 to 4 cousins. They are looking forward to meeting the little ones and teaching them their crazy ways.

Baby!

Much to everyone's surprise Elizabeth and Kevin's little one arrived yesterday - 5 weeks early!

The little guy (no name yet) is doing well, but is in the NiCU so he can be monitored and kept warm and cozy.  Because he's in the NiCU, Oliver and Henni weren't able to meet him when we went to visit yesterday.  Henni was especially disappointed because she is desperate to meet him and "teach him how to play."  Rest up sweet baby...Henni has plans for you!