Walk a Mile in My Shoes

We all know that Daddy is super cool. Who wouldn't want to be just like him? So it shouldn't be a big surprise when we looked up one night and Laurie had managed to get Daddy's socks on and was prancing around the house in his shoes.

Anna Fair Reading Pat the Bunny

Testing posting via email!

--
Nicki Barbour

Where's Laurie?

We've been in Natchez for the last four days visiting Bebe, Grandaddy, and Mini Pearl. Mainly Bebe, Laurie thinks Bebe is the bee's knees. She was less than pleased when we loaded up in the car to head home. Very unpleased when we pulled into the driveway. And downright ugly when we saw Daddy and cried to see Bebe. But at least she must be happy to see her stuff. No toy will be left uncuddled.

First Day of School

For the last week, we've been talking to Laurie about starting her new school. She has been very excited. Though she had me a little worried when she started talking about Ms Sherry and Ms Pat (her teachers from last year) and Meg (who is not in our class). Oh boy. But I needn't have worried. Miss Independent walked right in, made herself at home, joined a tea party, and said, "bye bye, momma!"

Anna Fair and I had a grand time at home alone. We played with all Laurie's toys, had a chat about our teeth, and took a tiny nap. It was a half day today, so before the day began, it was time to pick her up again. She came out with a huge grin on her face and told me she played with Alex and Jetson. We can't wait till next week!

She is saying "school" here.

Gaddi-who?

Our best buddies invited us to Gadditown for a little back to school playdate this week. Never been to Gadditown. Laurie gave it two thumbs up. She was content to merely sit on the rides at first. Then she realized they could move, after that, it was all, "I need MONEY!" Really? I thought I had a few years before that became her mantra. When did she learn what money was?

What a rule follower, you must wear your seat belt at all times. Makes Momma proud.

P-A-C-I and Pleasant Surprises

Just when you think you have things figured out and you are working this parenting thing pretty well, our babies let us know just how ignorant we are.

Conversation in our house last night:
Daddy: Laurie, you about ready for bed?
Momma: Daddy, you have any idea where P-A-C-I is?
Laurie (stopping in mid-stride, runs back to her table, grabs it and proclaims): I found P-A-C-I!!

Will and I could not have been more shocked if she had recited mathematical equations. That kid is quick.




































Parenting is full of surprises. I have been surprised how much I don't like mealtimes and am constantly grossed out by how messy our little people can be.



















But I have also been pleasantly surprised how much I enjoy grocery shopping with Laurie. I really thought I would dread it. But there is little cuter than having our little 2 year old sitting in front of me, feet swinging, discussing what fruit we are getting and talking to everyone we pass. She helps remind me what we need and what a great opportunity to have a long chat with her. When else during the day do we have each other as a captive audience?! Of course, it's gotten trickier now that Anna Fair is tagging along too.

And, I often mess up our order. "I'm sorry, honey, I forgot your Apple Dapples, again." And last week, I know I bought hamburger, it's on my receipt, but it isn't in my bag. Will might would be mad with us, but who can be angry with such cute girls?

So, what about you? What have you been surprised by?

Baking with Betty Crocker

Laurie loves to cook with me. And I love the company. We recently had some new neighbors move in next door and wanted to bring them a little cake. Laurie squealed with delight, "birthday cake!" she sat diligently on her stool and picked up every measuring cup and whisk I used to work on her own pot, the Pam top. With nap time quickly nearing, I promised the cake would be ready when she woke up. Laurie would have nothing of it, but to put her cake in the oven too. When she awoke from her nap, she mumbled, "Laurie birthday cake," before stumbling towards her kitchen. I was curious what her reaction would be to her baked cake, in a new dish to boot. But she acted like all was as expected and quickly munched down. I love my little cooking buddy!

At the Beach

One video of the girls enjoying a moment at the beach. Anna Fair ate more sand than I care to know about.

The Week of Family Vacations, Part 2

Next, we headed down to Orange Beach for a few more days with my folks at the beach. We loved the Caribe and will definitely be back. Laurie settled into her own and had a blast on the slide. She slid more times than I can count, that girl is such a daredevil. Anna Fair and the adults even took a turn on a few of their slides.

She begged and begged to play on the beach too. We spent a beautiful morning on the beach, no waves and a slight breeze made it perfect. We saw so many fish swim by, even felt a few nibble on our toes. Laurie and I dug a pool in the sand and came across a funny little sand crab. Laurie wouldn't touch him, but she peered hard eye to eye with him. We finally put him back in his tunnel and haven't stopped talking about him since.

We parted ways with much sadness. Laurie cried several times on the way home for her Bebe. It was nice to have so many to help with our little people, I wanted to cry too. Thank you for a fun trip, Bebe and Grandaddy! And now back to reality!

The Week of Family Vacations, Part 1

First up at bat, the Barbour family vacation. We sojourned in Point Clear, AL this year at the Grand Hotel. The Grand is such a lovely spot, right on the bay, with an amazing pool. Beach, slide, kayak, bike rides, bon fire and more. Our crew is a tad young for many of these things and took a slower pace, but we will be leading the show in a few years. But we love our cousins and enjoyed just tagging along. And we love any excuse to be in Mobile to see Will's Vandy friends who are there. Thanks for a great trip, Pop!

Jungle Gym Tables

Our side tables must have some kind of allure, because both our girls loved to crawl through them. Before Laurie was walking, she didn't pass by these tables without detouring through, no matter how far out of her way it took her. But once she started walking, she tossed aside that childish activity for more big girl things.



















So, it was with a nostalgic joy to see Anna Fair enjoying this same pastime. It is a nice reminder that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Just A Swangin'

It is hot as "blue blazes" outside, so says my friend, Tracy, but we played in the park anyway. Anna Fair enjoyed swinging for her first time and it was a hit, of course!