Photodump-Chuck E. Cheese Edition

Camping

     Another one of the things Ruby wanted to do when she returned from spring break was to go camping. She had never been before so I figured a test run spending the night in the back yard would be a good ramp up to the real deal. I set the tent up the afternoon before she got home so I wouldn't have to do it in the dark that night.
     After we concluded her Friday night "party" we grabbed three sleeping bags, a couple flashlights and a sippy of water and make the hike back to the tent. She was a very good sport about carrying her gear. While she was on vacation, she talked about camping out and her Aunt Mandy was nice enough to give her one of her cousin's old sleeping bags. Once in the tent we laid out one of the bags to use as a base layer. We unrolled both of our bags and got inside. It wasn't terribly cold but just enough to need a little cover. I didn't zip my bag and felt perfect.
     Ruby was very curious about all the noises of the outdoors and I spent some time answering all of her inquiries. The moon was bright and we really didn't need either of the flashlights but she played around with hers just for fun. She loved her new-to-her bag and it was a perfect fit.
     I asked her if she wanted me to take the rain fly off the tent so she could see the stars. She did and once I had, we had a great view. It was a clear night and very bright and it was nice to lay back and just look up at the sky. This lasted less than five minutes before it started raining and I had to get out in the downpour to hook the fly back up.
     All in all it was a big sucess. Ruby was a trooper and even with the sound of the rain hitting the tent she was able to hit a sound sleep and stay asleep. In the morning after waking up she wanted to lay in the tent a bit longer. When she was ready we rolled the bags back up and gathered up our gear and made our way back inside for breakfast.
     Later that day, she helped me pack the tent up and I snapped this photo. Note that she was still carrying her unicorn with her. The camping experiment was a great success, she is already asking to go out again. When Sailor gets a bit older we'll have more backyard trial runs and eventually we'll reach a point where we can all go together. I think by that point though we'll need a bigger tent.

Public Service Announcement

Children are curious and prone to exploring. This might also include going through and experimenting with your belongings. If there is anything that is valuable, dangerous or that will leave marks (like the makeup in your purse for example) it is advisable to keep these items out of reach of your children. Failure to do so may produce less than desirable results. 

Photodumo-Easter Edition

Party

     So olivia and the girls were on Spring Break last week. As usual, the first few days were peaceful and relaxing. After that...well it just gets a little too quiet. I was stuck in the bed sick the first weekend and after that I filled my time catching up on projects and doing stuff around the house. Every time they go it is always the same: count the hours until I get some free time and then count the hours until they get back.
     Before she left, Ruby decided that she needed a homecoming party. She wanted to invite GG and have pizza and lemonade and watch Wreck It Ralph. The most important part...was a cake. Not just any cake would do for her. She was very specific that she wanted a unicorn on the cake with sparkly hair and a bow in its tail.
     Some cakes are easy to find and for a birthday or big event, I don't mind dropping a little coin. To indulge my daughter for a random Friday night "party" is a completely different story. I was looking to do this on the cheap and grocery store bakeries weren't any help. A quick trip to the toy department at Target and the solution was pretty clear. Put a $5 My Little Pony on a $6 sheet cake and problem solved.
     The party was huge success and Ruby was stoked about her cake. She dragged the toy unicorn around all weekend. Even though the plan was to watch a movie, the girls spent most of the time playing with GG. They hadn't seen each other in a week and I think all three of them appreciated the quality time.
     I didn't leave olivia out of the fun. Her beloved Kindle bit the dust late last year and she had been wanting a replacement. Over the break she got some time in with her nephew's iPad and talked to me on the phone about craving another reader or tablet PC. I heard the hints and answered with a Nook Color. I made sure it was ready with a few books and her e-mail, Netflix, etc. It has been a long time since I saw her so excited about something. I also have a screen protector and case on the way for her.
     All in all, I would say this was a banner Friday. It is always good to gather as a family. This was no exception. Everyone was home, healthy, happy and together. Sometimes, you truly can't ask for anything more.  

Vacation

Taking the week off, see you on the flip.

Back Seat

14 shoes, 12 socks, 3 pacis, 2 toys, 1 sippy and one bandana. 

Maybe we should bring this stuff in more often.