Dismissed...

Day Two of Jury Duty- I was dismissed, my services to the court were not necessary. My name never even got called once for the selection process. I was beginning to think they forgot I even showed up.
So another check mark on my to do list completed and back to normal today- work, regular schedule- but I know it'll be a short fast week playing catch up from being gone.

Sorry my Jury Duty adventure wasn't as interesting as I had hoped.

Ferry ride on a beautiful weekend

Martin came up with the idea to take the girls on a ferry ride this weekend- with the beautiful weather and the spectacular views- he made an awesome choice- obviously. We took the Seattle to Bremerton Ferry then had a picnic lunch at a waterfront park once we got over there. We didn't get home until dinner time- and were all exhausted!

Checking out the views. I pointed out West Seattle- and Lily said "Hey, we live in Seattle!"

Wind in our hair! Kendra loved it- Lily preferred to stay inside.

The girls didn't want to share the bench- so they both gave me a pouty face : (

Olympic Views

 While we were checking out the dock a boat came flying by leaving a huge wake- the dock being quite flexible gave Martin and Kendra quite the ride as they were standing on the end.

We found some tiny crabs on the beach and traumatized our children for the rest of their lives. They were both so scared of those two bitty crabs- Lily was terrified she was going to get pinched and of course Kendra just screamed- man that girl can put out some decibels.

Today we are just hanging out getting chores done and taking it easy. I'm baking some yummy banana bread too. Tomorrow I start Jury Duty at the King County Superior Court- so I'll keep you posted on that.

Lily: Its awfully quiet around here without Martin

Hehe.

Lily: Thanks Mom! You're a pal!

My girl.

Last night Lily was mad at me because we "only" read two stories before bed. She was whining and flipping her body around like a fish out of water in the bed. Naturally- I tired of the fit rather quickly and told her to knock it off and go to sleep. Such a sensitive child though- any hint of anger or disapproval in my voice usually sends her into a tailspin of despair- a darkness out of which there is absolutely no return- obviously. I am that terrible.

Lily: Mommy- you don't love me!
Mommy: I love you. I don't like your behavior.
Lily: Well you won't cuddle me.
Mommy: I don't cuddle with whiners.
Lily: Even after I cleaned the whole kitchen for you- you don't love me!

Oh lordy.

Now-for the record- she did help in the kitchen for about two seconds wiping up a spot on the floor. I cracked a smile, of course, at this over-dramatic statement- then gave her a hug and cuddled up- and all was forgiven. For now.

Pacific Science Center

February 6th, 2010

Bust out the sunglasses- it was a sunny beautiful day

Taking a ride on a caterpillar

Water Play

Eww...Lily, really???

So we braved the Science Center a couple weeks ago. Of course the very first section we go into is the Dinosaurs. As we walk in the door there is a huge T-Rex- animatronic of course- and Lily is scared out of her mind. I tried to warn her- since I remembered they had the dinosaurs there- but I didn't know they were going to be the very first thing she saw when she walked in the door. Well- we made it through that part- with me carrying her of course but after that she was great.

The MARS exhibit was a little too advanced for their interests and they played in the toddler area more than anything else- but all in all- I call it a successful day out. The Science Center is looking pretty worn though- when I was younger it seemed so new and exciting- but the years apparently haven't been too kind- especially to the outdoor area. It was sad to see some of the parts I remembered showing such wear and tear.

My favorite part was the butterfly exhibit- though the girls would scream and hide anytime one would come near them. Really? Screaming at a butterfly? Seriously? Martin hung out and took some pictures while I was on damage control trying to prevent the murder of innocent butterflies by the flailing arms of terrified children. Of all things to be scared of though. Butterflies?

Girls Just wanna have fun! (Guys too hehe)

These girls are so cute! Seriously. They have so much fun with each other- well one minute they are best friends then the next minute they are fighting or saying "You're not my best friend!!!!" but they always make up. And Martin does a great job of cheering them up when they are sad...well, only if they are sad for a good reason. He also does a great job playing that rough house play I avoid at all costs (yeah for me!).

Last weekend we went to the Science Center (those pics up later) and also had a nice dinner at my Aunt TT's house. Lily stayed with Auntie Joeleen on Saturday night so Kendra and I did some shopping- and she did so well  helping me find some new shoes- though she was trying to convince me to get some fashion boots and some crazy looking denim sandals.

Why does Lily look goofy in every picture? She's just a goofy kid I guess...

***********
Lily: It takes a long time for people to die.

Lily: I eat lots of food so I won't die.

Ugg. Downer child. For real.

Nobody cuddles me...

Lily: Nobody cuddles me....
Mommy: Well lets go into the bedroom and....
Lily: cuddle our butts off?
Mommy: uhh..yeah...I guess so...

Sick.

I have been sick for 11 days now. ELEVEN. I have had a cold- a stuffy, runny nose but mostly a cough. A terrible cough that is driving me insane. I don't think I have ever had a cold or cough last this long and I am running out of patience. I haven't been doing anything it seems like-except run on autopilot- since last Monday.

I'm DONE. Just DONE!

This morning I was hacking up a lung while getting ready for work. Lily and I were in the bathroom- she was doing her "makeup" of course and I was leaning over the sink- mmm yummy. I know you want to hear this.

I spit into the sink the nastiness I had finally coughed up.

Lily: Mommy, what did you spit into the sink?
Mommy: A lugi.
Lily: What's a lugi?
Mommy: Boogers. I have a terrible cold and in my lungs there are a lot of boogers- or "snot." I need to get it all out of there to feel better- so I cough really hard and spit it out.
Lily: ......(absolutely horrified blank stare)

I wish I had a picture of the face Lily gave me after this (admittedly) graphic description. I could see the wheels turning in her head, "OMG if I grow up, is this what I have to look forward to..."

Ah... the joys of revealing the mysteries of life to your children...priceless.

Gifts

Auntie Briana is back from Ecuador! If you didn't get a chance to read her blog about it here's a link:

Briana's Return to Ecuador

I know internet connection was spotty while she was there- so she'll be uploading a lot more photos later- well, she better. The rainforest pictures are amazing though...

She brought us some fun and beautiful presents from her trip too...

Some boxes for me and Lily- of course the picture doesn't do them justice...and we all know how much I love wooden boxes : )  On top of the big box is a black cat figurine- "Floyd" of course. Actually a ring holder but so cute!

Lily also got some really cool butterfly sunglasses and a beautiful Ecuadorian dress.

OMG. That girl is hilarious. So freaking cute- I want to eat her up in this picture. What a goofball.