Sunny Friday

I took the day off today, so the kids and I met a friend and her daughter at the zoo. We had a great time. The elusive tiger was out, watched the baby gorilla while we ate our lunch, the kids had a train ride and of course we enjoyed an ice cream. After our zoo trip, Emily, Liam and I went to the Great Outdoors (kids' clothing store). The mission was to buy a rain coast for Emily and a pair of shoes for Liam that he will actually wear. No luck on the rain coat as Emily spotted a really cute yoga outfit that she wanted. So we bought that instead. And success (I think) for Liam's shoes. He tried on 5 different kinds of shoes and finally said that the 'gun smoke' ones felt good. He wore them out of the store, but we'll see if he still feels the same way about them tomorrow. You see, the kid hates shoes. He has more pairs than anyone I know, but will only wear his green sketchers. And without socks, so they are very stinky. So I'm hoping he will wear his new pair WITH socks. Strange boy.

We also had our first water balloon fight of the summer. I think I lost as I was soaked! Emily was pretty wet, too. Somehow Liam escaped a drenching. Lots of fun.

We had planned on going to Calaway Park tonight, but the thunder clouds rolled in. Todd and I didn't think it would be such a great idea to ride a rollercoaster during a storm. We'll save that outing for another day.

Todd and I met with a realtor yesterday about selling the other half of the house. He is going to get back to us by the end of this week with a market analysis. He sounded pretty optimistic so hopefully his numbers jive with what we're thinking. The kitchen and powder room cabinets are also done, so we went to the cabinet makers to see them. They look great so I'm very excited about seeing them in the house. The cabinet guy, Bob said that another client saw ours and wanted the same wood and color. I think we made a good choice.

Since we had a bit of time, we went to a furniture store too. We have pretty much decided on a couch/sectional and also saw another chair we liked. I thought it was around $500, but then we saw the price tag - $2100. Apparently it's a bit too rich for our blood. Maybe it'll go on sale soon.

The kids have been great lately. Miss Emily is an ideal child. She came downstairs the other day, dressed, had brushed her teeth and had even made her bed. All on her own initiative. Liam has been a good boy, too. I started reading a parenting book that I bought on the weekend, so maybe he's the same and it's me changing my approach. Either way he's been a great joy the last few days and everyone's in a good mood.

Sunday Times

Another weekend has flown by. Typical Saturday with gymnastics, laundry and grocery shopping. Today friends' of ours little girl turned three, so we went to her party. They also have a boy and girl and all four kids are kindred spirits so they are very low maintenance when we get together. Good thing as I caught Liam's 8th cold of the year so I wasn't feeling up to chasing after them. And bless Todd for taking Emily & Liam out to roast marshmallows in the backyard tonight after supper. Now time for a cup of tea and bedtime.

A few pictures from the party: