One mommy and two daughters dinner out...round 2

So, I decided to be brave last night and take the girls out again to dinner. By. Myself. Yes, that's right...I was nuts again. Only this time I knew better than to go to a sitdown restaurant (even one like Bob Evans!)! We went to Wendy's. =) And it was a good experience where Hannah sat in her chair and Caroline sat in a high chair.

Some observations though as I watched people come and go...every single one of them looked at me and their eyes got slightly big when they saw me and my two young ones. And then they smiled. I am certain they still thought I was nuts but then when they saw how cute Hannah and Caroline were (and they really were!!) the folks decided to smile...probably more and them than me but still.

I think for the not to distant future Wendy's, Subway, etc...will be my "restaurant" of choice with the two unless Tim is with me. Or unless I'm feeling wild and crazy again and want to try a sitdown restaurant. Bob Evans...I'll be back!

3 going on 13...

Hannah...ah, Hannah. I've said before how I love that she is independent and it will serve her well in the future. But tonight was one of those nights that didn't serve her well, nor me for that matter. The girl knows how to press buttons and I truly believe looks for ways (ALREADY) to do just that.

It was really a fine evening for the family. All of us hanging out in the living room playing, reading and watching a little Dora. In fact, I was actually thinking how much we needed this night of relaxation and family togetherness. And it lasted right up until Hannah's bedtime at 9 p.m. Then the defiant, saying NO loving girl came out. I didn't see it coming. In fact, I think it came out of nowhere...truly!

Her body became a pile of mush on the floor where I had to carry her upstairs only to be met with screams and "no to bed mommy!" I tried the "time out in bed" routine and even went so far as the "threatening to take blankets away" approach. Nothing worked. So, I simply shut the door and let her cry it out, all while praying she didn't wake her sister in the next room.

Thankfully, Hannah is now silent and Caroline is still asleep. All of these moments with Hannah lead me to wonder what the teen years will be like. If I have curly hair left after that, it'll be a miracle!

Northern Michigan and beyond!

At long last this week Tim, Hannah, Caroline and I took a much needed break. We went up North with Tim's family and had an amazing, laid back time. Hannah learned how to swim and by Tuesday she was jumping into the deep end (with her puddle jumper on!)! And cried when she had to get out even though she was beyond tired. Caroline discovered the pool too as she sat in her little baby boat and laughed happily at all that was around her.

It was also the first time we went somewhere for more than one night as a family of four...and not gonna lie: our car looked like we were going to be gone a month rather than just four nights! LOL! I was proud of myself for packing the way I did but at the same time I'm amazed at how much stuff we had to bring. From the pack n play to toys to double stroller to clothes, etc...even Hannah said "we sure have a lot of stuff mommy!" And she be right...=)

And it made me realize that a minivan was the next car purchase. As sad as I am to write this b/c I NEVER thought I'd be driving one...the truth is, you can't be the space! Sigh...can't believe I"m writing that a minivan will be our next vehicle...but I'm actually kinda excited about it. The space!