It was just a normal morning....

Out of bed at 6:15 (later than usual actually), shower, make breakfasts, make lunches, get dressed, do braids,  let the dog out, get Bea off the computer, nag her to get her sneakers on, remind her to pack the blanket, "no, you can't have a piece of candy in the morning"......and we were off.  The ride was pretty normal too, except we were running a little late so I nagged a little more about hurrying once we were inside her school since I didn't want to be late for work.  But despite the normalcy and the few mommy nags, I got something special as we were scurrying through the St. Joseph's school parking lot that I don't get every day.  As Beatrice reached for my hand, I heard her sweet voice exclaim "Mom, I like that you're my mom."  I like that you're my daughter, Bea, I replied.  A wonderful moment that demanded documentation.  And an early Mother's Day present too!

Up a Tree #5

The yard is starting to wake up as of late and the weather is spectacular.  Our magnolia tree, tulip tree, daffodils, and tulips are all beautiful right now, almost a month later than last year.  Tonight was the night for the annual photo session.  Click here for past year's photos.

Lazy Vacation Morn

70-degree forecast called for short sleeves, short pants and flip-flops!

See the tree blooming?  Our tulip tree is the first to welcome spring each year.

Off to Victoria Station, our local cafe which is the very first place Beatrice visited upon her arrival in Putnam four years ago this week.  She's had many a biscotti there ever since,

and this morning got her very own hot chocolate.

  The center rug there works great as a stage for dancing, or for running through the flowers.

VSC is Daddy and Bea's special place, and I love it too when I have a rare morning with time enough to sit and sip a latte or tea.

Rachel Time!

After Beatrice went to the doctor and got diagnosed with a sinus infection yesterday morning, we headed to New Hampshire for the highlight of our vacation, a visit with Rachel who has finally moved to New England permanently.  We have been looking forward to this visit for weeks. First on the agenda was making their own little stuffed animals.  

Bea went with a shy unicorn, and Rachel with a charming, loving pony.

Next we headed to the playground,where these two tore up the imaginary racetrack,

balanced on the seesaw,

and built a nest in the play structure.

Here's 3/4 of the beautiful Chaz family:

Next to the playground is a pond and the girls raced around collecting rocks to throw in the water,

                                         making wishes to be a fairy and a princess, ran back for more,

collected decorations for their mud pies,

squatted side by side in pure bliss,

and giggled and shrieked throughout.

Off they go!

6-month old Ryan was quite entertained by these two!

After dinner, the mud needed to be washed off, so the two mermaids took a bath:

Martha treated once again for beautiful matching jammies:

Way too tired for a sweet photo, they went with goofy,

silly faces!

After a so-so night's sleep (I ended up in Bea's bed, and Rachel back in her own), Beatrice was up with the sun (and Ryan) checking out his very cool play unit.  Seems like yesterday her exersaucer was my best friend!

A couple hours later, Rachel joined us and the two had a brief duet on the piano:

More playtime, and more Wuggles!  This time they both made Bashful Bears, and the leftover stuffing was a snowball or cotton candy, depending who you asked.

Before our walk, the two tap danced on the deck!

The family cows were very interested to see what these two unpredictable, energetic creatures were going to do next!

Vietnamese turned New Englanders:

Parting is such sweet sorrow.  Luckily the next visit is in just 23 days!

Sleeping peacefully, thanks to her protective dragon

In light of the news out of Boston yesterday, I wish I could keep this protective spirit around this girl forever. Last night she was in Mama and Daddy's bed, under our "magic and cozy puff," clinging to Blankie and Dragon.  How can I bottle the feeling that those items bring and send it with her wherever she goes?

After posting this picture, I noticed how flushed her cheeks were and even beads of sweat on her forehead.  Once again, Bea is sickish on vacation.  Has many ups and downs during each day, but just isn't quite herself.  She's had a serious of colds, etc. since Christmas.  Hopefully it's just first-year-in-school-itis and her immune system will be all the stronger for it!