Shots and Swimsuits

Today was Kiki's 18 month doctor's appointment.  Kiki is only 18 months, you ask?  Nope, she's 21 months, but her mom is almost 33 and totally forgot to schedule her appointment.  Luckily, it didn't seem to be a biggie that we were late.  The big news is that Kiki has gone from the 6th percentile in weight to the 44th!  Her doctor seemed very pleased.  I don't know how she's made such a leap, because she's still just a wisp, but we'll take it.

I had myself all worked up over her having to have her MMR vaccine today.  There's so many conflicting reports to whether or not it can cause autism.  I was so nervous and voiced my concern.  The doctor first calmed my fears with some reassuring medical studies, but finished it all off with, "And, Kiki had her MMR at her 12 month appointment, so that's that."  All that worry for nothing, I guess.

The rest of the appointment was uneventful, although we learned Kiki isn't a fan of shots.

Rosie, usually terrified of the doctor, was Miss Chatterbox.  She had the time of her life.  I guess as long as she's not the one "under the knife" she's all good. 

They love this dinosaur.

My little 44th percentile girl! 

On our way home from the appointment, we stopped and picked up our pool key.  The weather today was so nice, so after naps, we walked down to the pool for our first swim of the season.  The girls loved it.  We are the whitest family around.  I mean sooooo white!  So, the little sun we got, was so wonderful.  

They loved splashing each other!  Rosie is definitely more adventurous this year.  

She's loving the water!

Showing off her battle wounds and catching a few rays.  

 

Memorial Day Weekend

I love long weekends!  We've had the best few days.  Lots and lots of family time with a few friends thrown in there, as well.

On Saturday night, we went to downtown Asheville to celebrate Maria's 22nd birthday;)  We had a great time.  We had dinner at Salsa's and finished with dessert at the Chocolate Lounge.  I got something called the Jitterbug, which was a chocolatey coffee drink.  I've learned my lesson.  I just can't have caffeine after noon or I'm up all night.  My mom is the same way!  She can't even eat an M&M in the evening or she's done for.  I don't think I'm quite that bad, but I'm getting closer.  

On Sunday, we took it pretty easy.  We went to the gym, went on a walk around the neighborhood, ran a few errands and then that evening we met some friends at the park.  Mark had been really craving some tennis, so all the guys played tennis while the wives talked and watched the kids play.  It was really nice.  After we got home, Mark worked his magic and got our grill up and running again...whew!  Crisis averted!  We grilled up some corn on the cob and it was so good.  I LOVE SUMMER!!!

Today was awesome.  The weather was perfect, so we packed up a picnic lunch and our bikes and headed to the Biltmore.  

Rosie Girl! 

Love this guy!  He'll kill me for posting this since his hair looks so 80's:) 

Daddy kisses

The perfect picnic spot!

There's a daddy under there somewhere. 

After our picnic we started on our bike ride!  It was so nice out!

We ended up at Antler Hill Village for the girls to play and for us to get a little treat!

Ice cream!

Yummy!

It was late afternoon by the time we got home and we were all beat, so we took naps and then I ran a few errands and by errands, I mean I needed to shop:)  

When we got home, we enjoyed the ending to a perfect day outside.  We grilled again and made potato packets this time.  I sure love those! 

I'm so sad for Mark to go back to work tomorrow, but it sure was nice having him around!  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend, too.  I know it's easy to get excited about the time off and forget the reason for it all.  I just want to acknowledge and thank all those who have served our country, which has allowed me so many freedoms that I often take for granted.  You are much appreciated!  

End of the Week Randomness

I'm having a hard time formulating anything cohesive to write here, so I think I'll just share some random things that have popped in my head this afternoon.  Enjoy:)

*  Last week, I came very close to answering an urgent plea on my neighborhood's Facebook page posted by a mom looking for a professional hairstylist to fix her daughter's hair for prom.  She needed someone who specialized in up-do's and curls.  It took everything in me not to answer and go right over to help.  I did people's hair in high school and college and some part of me considers myself a hairstylist, even though I have absolutely NO training--none.

*   My teeth have not felt as clean after finding Kiki sucking on the open end of my toothpaste.

*   I'm a little bit blue over the fact that one of my favorite shows ended last week.  I remember when "The Office" started and I thought it was the funniest thing I had ever seen.  I really hadn't seen anything like it before and became an instant fan.  I feel like I've lost some really good friends now that it's over.  I know I'm nuts, but I love me some Pam Beasley and Jim Halpert.

*  Today, Rosie said, "Mom, that Kiki is a really good kid."  I can't get enough of that Rosie girl.  Her new favorite thing to say when I ask for her help with something is, "Of course!"  She's such a joy to have around. (Don't worry, the girl has her naughty moments, too.)

*  The girls and I were able to pick quite a few strawberries this afternoon.  They both take such pride in their little plants and get so excited to pick the strawberries and wash them.  I would definitely recommend getting your kids involved in the growing process.  It is so exciting for my girls.  

We also cut a few roses from our rose bush.  

*  When I was home my sister-in-law, Tami, made the most amazing meal for us.   One of my favorite things she whipped up was the Tomatillo/Cilantro Ranch Dressing.  She sent me the recipe and I made it this afternoon and served it over a Southwestern Taco Salad.  It was great!

Here's the recipe if you are interested:

1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Salad dressing mix
1 cup mayo or vegan substitute
1 cup milk or milk substitute
2-3 tomatillos (remove husk and cut in half)
1 bunch of fresh cilantro
1 generous teaspoon minced garlic
juice of 1 lime
1 jalapeno

Throw it all in the blender and blend.  Refrigerate.

*  Biking is our new favorite past-time around here.  The girls LOVE it, so we try to get out a few times a week.  We went this afternoon and it was so nice.

*  Do you have any big plans for the holiday weekend?  We really don't, which sounds pretty nice.  We've thrown around the idea of taking our bikes down to Greenville, but haven't made any definitive plans.  Our grill doesn't seem to be working and that's pretty disturbing to me.  I love grilling out on Memorial Day Weekend.  It just won't feel right if we can't.  Hopefully, we can get that all figured out!

*  I'll leave you with some pictures I took of the Kiki this week.  She's becoming pretty picky about her clothes and hair.  She HAD to wear this headband and she HAD to wear it that way.  It's already starting!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!! 

Okla"HOME"

Prayers for Oklahoma

So, my head and heart are in Oklahoma right now.  The news about Moore has just been devastating.  I can't imagine being one of the parents looking for their child, not knowing if they are alive or not...heartbreaking.  I'm so thankful my family is safe and sound, but they are supposed to have more storms tonight and tomorrow, so I'm in fervent prayer for them and all of our friends.  

Our weekend was VERY low key.  I can't recall anything that would be worth writing about, other than heading over to David and Elizabeth's on Sunday evening.  We wanted to see the new swing David made and put up for Elizabeth's Mother's Day gift.  They have a plethora of swings over at their place and the kids and Mark had so much fun.  I, in my old age, can no longer stomach a swing.  Isn't that sad?  I used to be a huge roller coaster fan, and I can now hardly lay in a hammock!  

My little ragamuffin girl.  

Rosie tried their pedal-less bike...  

...for like 10 seconds before she decided she wasn't a fan.  I thought she looked pretty cute though.

That's my Kiki up in that swing.  

That thing is unreal, but the girls LOVED it. 

Do you see that little speck of a swing up there?  That's Rosie in there! 

Mark and Kiki on the rope swing.  

Kiki and Maryann 

Trying not to throw up on the swing:) 

  The kids had so much fun! 

I love all of their faces in this one.  

Tonight, after giving the girls baths, I came in Rosie's room to find the girls in her bed both reading "Goodnight Moon".  I almost cried.  I remember when we first bought that little bed and I told Mark that I couldn't wait to have two little girls reading together in it someday.  My dreams came true.  I feel so blessed.  

I wanted to show you this chair I picked up at Goodwill this weekend for $6.  I have the perfect place for this guy after I get him all painted.  I think I might make a chair cushion, as well.  Thought I'd show you the before and I'll be sure to show you the after.  

Heather Carvill Photography

So, Heather sent me the pictures she casually took at the Biltmore last week and I couldn't be more excited.  I just love them.  If you live in the Asheville area, I would definitely recommend her.  Here's a link to her website .  

Okay, see what I meant about some work to do...I have a few chins here, but I love the girls in it so much.  

I love Kiki's crinkle nose.  

These may be the first pictures of the three of us all smiling.  What an awesome Mother's Day gift!