Sunday After

What a weekend! Bob Dylan concert on Friday, carnival and festival at the park on Saturday, and today---whew, just trying to sleep in and settle downJ.

Daddy made breakfast for all consisting of fried eggs, toast, cocoa wheat, milk and coffee (for grown-upsJ). After our Sunday ritual of watching the morning news shows and reading the Sunday paper (compliments GiGi and GiPaJ), Mommy sent Daddy off on a mission to the mall to take advantage of a candle sale---Daddy discovered the sale ended yesterday but managed to persuade the kind store manager to extend the sale for todayJ. Daddy also picked up some “possibles” at Target, the favorite store of Ms. Bodhi and Mister Buddha.

Mommy took the two of you to Mommy’s favorite store, WalmartJ. The three of you were on some sort of Dora rescue mission, and Daddy thinks you actually went to Meijer (neither Meijer nor Walmart are Mommy’s favorites by the wayJ) so you could find a cat “tree” for Dora and some yogurt for babiesJ. Dora has been unsettled by moving our two kittens, Garfield and Sundae, into the backyard cat house, so now Dora is an indoor cat---mmmmmmm---and Mommy of course is making sure Dora is comfortable in moving into “Walnut House.”

While the three of you were on your shopping adventure, Daddy mowed the yard and began planting some flowers Mommy purchased yesterday. The three of you made it home as Daddy did the yard work, and you brought home a McDonald’s lunch so Daddy took a break. While we were enjoying our lunch in our beautiful back yard, Sean Franky stopped by for a visit and spent some time playing with the two of you special little sister and little brother.

Daddy finished the yard work, Sean headed home to get some chores of his own done, and Mommy played in the backyard with the two of you and Daddy finally made his way into the house to shower and begin his work. Mommy and the two of you groomed the dogs and kittens in the backyard (you two are such great helpers—earlier you both helped daddy water our flowers and butterfly bushes on the side of the houseJ), and finally you all came in to settle for the night.

Ms. Bodhi, you were so exhausted that you fell asleep watching one of your favorite cartoons while sitting in the study as Daddy worked, so Daddy laid out blankets and pillows for a slumber party hoping your younger brother and best friend would soon fall asleep too so Mommy and Daddy could snuggleJ.

Quite a weekend, finally settling in for the night and anticipating busy work schedules this coming week for Mommy and Daddy---Mommy reminded Daddy this weekend how blessed we are, Daddy reminded Mommy he didn’t need reminded. We are, without doubt, blessed beyond measure.

Love, love, love. Night, night!

Haynes-Apperson Festival

Carnival!

Today marked an active day, we all slept in a little as Daddy did not have to work this morning—thank goodness, recovering from our concert outing where a special little girl and boy danced and played throughout the night. We all had a great concert time, and Mommy purchased Sean Francis and Daddy special lawn tickets to attend the Black Sabbath concert on Sunday, August 18^th!!!

After getting dressed, we made our way downtown to the Main Street café and once again enjoyed a nice breakfast brunch---quiche and biscuits and gravy :). We then spent some time as boy’s time and girl’s time, Daddy and Buddha went home and played in the back yard and did some work around the garage and house while Mommy and Bodhi had their nails done—yes a three year old little girl getting her fingernails and toenails done like her Mommy :).

When Mommy and Ms. Bodhi got done, they came back to the house to pick up Mister Buddha and Daddy and we made our way to Grindstone Charlie’s for an early dinner. Immediately after dinner, we made our way to the area of Foster Park, the new venue for the Haynes-Apperson Festival, where we met up with Grandmoo, GiGi and GiPa :).

We did all the kiddie rides (some of which made Daddy neurotic worrying about the two of you) and then Mommy and Grandmoo took the two of you on two grown-up rides, the giant Ferris wheel and a tilt-a-whirl type ride where we witnessed numerous people get sick, literally! If Daddy was neurotic watching the two of you on the kiddie rides, well you can only imagine---well, no, you cannot possibly imagine until you have children of your own and possibly (though hopefully not) have witnessed, as Daddy has, traumatic injuries to children over the years :(. Daddy is not a fun person to take to the carnival—he mistrusts carnies and he mistrusts giant machines put together by carnies :).

Without a doubt, you both enjoyed your carnival adventure (equaled in your enjoyment by that of your Mommy :), especially surrounded by your adoring family :). It proved an expensive venture, especially when considering the only indulgences besides rides (Mommy and Daddy did have a romantic ride on the Ferris wheel) was a single elephant ear for Mommy and a lemon shake-up for Daddy.

After our long day, we returned to the “Walnut House” and incredibly enjoyed the fire-works displays (a main feature of the festival) from the comfort of Mommy’s and Daddy’s bed---looking out our bedroom window in wonderment :). It was a long, fun-filled day concluding with yet another slumber party with Mommy, Daddy, Bodhi and Buddha sharing cheese and crackers and then “boom, boom, boom” fire-works fading into the night as the Princess and Prince of Indiana fell asleep with wide smiles adorning their beautiful angelic faces :)

“Night, night.”

Happy Bodhi feet :)

Big Girl under the dryer :)

The Transformation :)

Hello Carnival Kitty...look, you match your shirt ha/ha!

Spidey Man...now Mommy knows why you insisted on changing your shorts, you wanted to match Spidey Man :)

The two most precious babes in the world!

Oooops, upside down!

Riding with GiGi :)

Riding with Grandmoo :)

Fish ride :)

Jude's getting braver as we keep moving on :)

Bodhi and Sundae pre-festival :)

Bodhi and Garfield after Festival :)

Bob Dylan Americanarama Tour

Today was a special day for all of us, looking forward to our evening concert outing to see Bob Dylan! The concert is part of Dylan’s Americanarama tour and he is appearing tonight at Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville with bands Wilco and My Morning Jacket.

Daddy hurried home in mid-afternoon from work, and helped settle two wild baby angels down for an attempted afternoon nap before our evening adventure. The nap was not a particularly successful venture for Mister Buddha, but we did manage maybe an hour of sleep :).

By early evening Mommy and Daddy were packing for our outing and getting the two of you in your concert hippie gear :). Mommy packed cheese and crackers and fruit snacks and cold water, and of course Daddy packed a couple of beers and a few cokes, a tarp for the lawn and a couple of blankets to lay comfortably on while watching and listening to the music in the lawn section of the concert venue. Grandmoo stopped by as we were loading the Toyota and she volunteered to take our concert-going-family photo with Daddy’s phone camera :).

We were running somewhat late so Daddy made a quick drive-through at the Burger King on U.S. 31 for some cheeseburgers and fries, then back on the road to get to the concert. We did in fact arrive in time to get a decent parking spot so we didn’t have to walk a great distance, though the two of you wouldn’t have minded given we took along the carriage :).

Once inside, both Mommy and Daddy were pleased to discover several folks had brought along their young children so Ms. Bodhi and Mister Buddha truly had a blast playing kick ball with another child your age and then Ms. Bodhi took up with a little boy about your age and his Mommy and Mommy supervised the three of you having a blast playing with the tarp Daddy brought along :). It figures that it would be a Dylan concert that Mommy and Daddy witnessed more children present than any previous concert event!  Bodhi, you and your little new "boyfriend," were holding hands, dancing, and running around chasing each other.  At one point, Mr. Buddha, got very jealous as you two danced hand-in-hand and he tackled the little boy to the ground and yelled, "MY SISTER!"  Such doll babies.  Bodhi, then took both of your hands and you danced in a circle :)

Mommy and Daddy very much enjoyed the overall concert, and of course Mommy especially is mesmerized by Bob Dylan. Daddy was very impressed with both of the other bands, My Morning Jacket, and especially Wilco. It made for a long evening so we packed up and headed out about 11:00 p.m. and of course didn’t get home ‘til about midnight whereupon both of you insisted you have a slumber party with Daddy :)--the party lasted about five minutes before both of you were lights out! Daddy was appreciative you wanted to have a slumber party with Daddy, Jude Liam, because on the way home you said you were going to get a house of your own and when Mommy asked if she could live with you, you said “yes;” when Daddy asked if he could live with you, too, you said “no, and don’t ask again.” You are a hootJ! Bodhi, you of course rescued Daddy and said Daddy could live with you---Daddy doesn’t care what you tell Mommy, Daddy knows you are a Daddy’s girl!!! :)

PS Daddy got pulled over by one of Mommy's long time friends, thankfully- and Mommy's friend let us off :) 

What a night---lights out---night, night!!! Love, love, love.

Pre-Concert Family Photo (Grandmoo was supposed to just get Mommy's head in the picture...but she's not real handy with the camera :).

Beautiful Concert Sky

Precious Bodhi girl!

Precious Buddha Boy!

Chillin'

The first concert we had purchase you a ticket, Bodhi girl!  You are growing up way too fast :(

Happy 4th of July

Thank you service men and women, both past and present, for making the ultimate sacrifice so that our family could enjoy this beautiful life!  

Mommy mentioned in yesterday's blog, Mommy went ahead and scheduled to work this 4th of July since we didn't have any plans.  Mommy felt as though I should give other parents the opportunity to visit with their children since Mommy is blessed to get to spend so much time with the two of you and Daddy.  Mommy headed off to work, after setting out clothes for the two of you.  Grandmoo and GiGi decided that they were going to take you two swimming, to give Daddy a break, while Mommy worked.  You two couldn't have been anymore excited.  Swimming is your guy's favorite summer activity!!!  So, while you two spent the day by the pool with two of your favorite people, Grandmoo and GiGi, both Mommy and Daddy worked the day away.  Daddy took his free time to begin organizing his office (which is the location of your guy's now nightly slumber parties) and is a big time mess!  Mommy supervised visits in Lafayette and conducted some case management with a couple of Mommies.  

You two were so exhausted, you both fell out by 6pm, when Mommy arrived home.  Mommy snuggled you two doll babies and then did some chores.  Mommy and Daddy were both tired as well, so we ended up calling it a night early.  

Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes!   

Laundry List

Mommy had a long list of tasks to accomplish, and well, when motivated, Mommy can kick some butt.  Our friend, Meghan Smith, dropped by some laundry soap first thing this morning (she makes our laundry soap for us :)  and Mommy LOVES it!  Daddy came home and got to work on the yard.  Mommy took off for the Tribune and submitted Uncle Dan's obituary.  It will be posted in July 4th's addition (which was unplanned, but special I think).  Once back home, Mommy played in the yard with you two, all while watching Daddy clean out the garage and tool around the yard.  You two helped Mommy clean out the kitty house (a daily chore), and then we took care of the rest of our critters.  You two gave Garfield and Sundae some attention by playing with their cat toys with them.  As the day went on, we went back and forth from inside to back outside.  Mommy didn't want to work on reports, ugggh, so Mommy would take breaks by allowing you two to play outside.  Mommy made several work calls, finalizing plans for work on the 4th (yes, Mommy opted to work this 4th since fireworks are not scheduled until Saturday- and we didn't have any particular plans).  

The evening came and went, and Mommy stayed up super late writing reports (since I procrastinated) and you two fell into Sleepyville slumber party style with Daddy (after baths of course).  Sweet sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes! :)

Buddha and Garfield (Mommy can't remember if these pictures are from Wednesday or not ha/ha).

Always pottying on Mommy's flower bush!

Bodhi and her critters :)

Tuesday With Grandmoo and Jasper

You two have been upset that we have yet to go camping, and express your displeasure with the fact that Aunt Dianna's family is "going camping again!"  Mommy and Daddy are trying to prepare a Tennessee trip with Great Papaw Grills...he has a place for us all set up for whenever we can make it.  You both talk about "going to see Great Papaw Grills at the lake in Tennessee," all the time!!!  "When are we going to go see Great Papaw in Tennessee,"  "how come we haven't planned a day to go to Tennessee, Mommy and Daddy?"  Well, we are going to make it happen sometime in the next couple of months!  Anyway, you two knew were even more excited (if even possible) to go to Grandmoo's to see Jasper.  We spent a week caring for him, and this week Grandmoo is caring for Jasper while Dianna and her family spent ten whole days on vacation :)  

Mommy had messed up her work schedule, and luckily Daddy came home just in time to (between work) so he was able to assist Mommy and take you two to Grandmoo's.  Mommy left running, with wet hair and papers flying everywhere, but made it in time to make her appointments.  Wheeew, Mommy doesn't usually mess up when it comes to scheduling work appointments, but she was a crazy mess trying to get to work (that is why Mommy is a great organizer-I wouldn't survive the stress of being disorganized).  

Daddy picked you two munchkins up from Grandmoo's and you both said bye to Jasper, and pleaded to take him home with you, and then it was off to nighty night land with Daddy in slumber party form.  Mommy made it home late, but cuddled the two of you two cuddle butts :)

Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes!  

Bodhi's Debut & A New Fairy Garden

First, I thought I'd start off with some of the funny highlights from the weeks past that I failed to include... Ok, while getting ready for the Dave concert, you, Buddha told Mommy, "You look gorgeous Mommy."  Mommy then asked you if you liked the lightweight sweater like cardigan that I wore to cover my chunky arms and back.  You responded, "I don't like the white shirt, take it off Mommy."  Mommy, not wanting to talk bad about my body in front of you two, accidently let out a..."I can't, I don't want my fat back showing."  To which you said, "But Mommy, I like it better with your fat back out."  ha/ha!!!

Buddha, you also commented at some point through the week, "Mommy you're a fat girl, I love fat girls!"  Oh lord!  You are too much.  

Bodhi, while playing with your prince charming and barbie, you made barbie fall and in your "boy voice," said, "Ohhhh honey, are you okay?"  It was the first time that I've heard you use different voices while playing dolls, it also became obvious to Mommy...you pay very close attention to Mommy's and Daddy's interactions with one another :)  

Buddha, you are all about, "When are we going to visit Great Papaw Grills Mommy?"  "I want to see the river and go fishing on a boat in the clear clear water."  You and your sister talk about Great Papaw daily, no joke!!  Just today you said, "My Great Papaw in Tennessee loves me."  Just out of the blue, no clue where it came from ha/ha!  

There were a couple other funny stories, but of course, Mommy has forgotten.  So, I'm sure I'll be updating once again very soon.  Anyway, to our busy day!  Last night you were too excited to sleep Bodhi girl.  Daddy and Buddha fell asleep downstairs/slumber party on the floor style.  You got up and came and hung out with Momma.  Mommy had papers spread out all over the bed, trying to get work done, so you played for a while so Mommy could clear out the paperwork.  You then fell asleep with Mommy...very very late!  

This morning Mommy was dragging, as were you, Ms. Bodhi!  You still managed to get yourself pumped for your first gymnastics class.  We put on your gymnastics outfit, snapped some pictures and we were off.  Upon arriving, GiGi was hiding in her car.  Amazingly, you both recognized her car and started screeching!  GiGi joined us and you strutted yourself into the gymnast floor.  You were absolutely the cutest most precious little thing ever!  You were AMAZING!  You followed directions and did every move like a pro...honestly, I think you did better than some of the kids that have been doing it for the past year.  You loved that Buddha, Mommy, and GiGi were upstairs watching your every move.  You do this arm pump dance... Mommy has got you doing it and we do it together when we are happy or when you do something great.  It was hilarious.  You would finish your routine, look up at Mommy and pump your arms in the air and shake your little booty.  We were cracking up!!!!!  We were even impressed that you contained your enthusiasm and went last...you waited your turn like a little angel!  Watching you was so much fun.  Mommy is going to have to take some video of you!  

After gymnastics we hurried home to care for our critters and then started creating our fairy garden.  Bodhi, you helped Mommy for a while and then you lost interest and went and played with Sundae and Garfield.  Buddha, you weren't interested, you played on the monkey bar/rings instead.  You also chased Garfield around the yard, uggggh!  We managed to complete our garden before Mommy was due  at work.  Grandmoo brought Jasper over for us to watch while she ran to the grocery store.  Grandmoo returned and visited with you both for a couple of minutes while Mommy prepared lunch.  Afterwards, we quickly packed you two up and Mommy dropped you guys off with GiGi and Gi-Pa.  

I'm certain you two had a great time with GiGi and Gi-Pa.  Daddy picked you up at 7:30 p.m., but Mommy didn't get home from work until 9:30 p.m.  Mommy searched and searched for pictures of Uncle Dan...I have lost an album uggggh, but I managed to send some pictures to Aunt Chris.  Daddy worked on music selections for Uncle Dan's video.  Mommy now has Uncle Dan's obituary, so we'll be submitting it tomorrow :)  

Sweet sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes.

PS Mommy finally caught Dora and she's now inside.  Mommy never imagined having a cat inside, but she will not go around the kitties and Mommy can't just leave her homeless.  So, we'll see how all of our allergies do with her inside.  Mommy is still allergic to cats, but Mommy has grown somewhat tolerant of Dora and Ella's dander...they don't make Mommy's eyes swell, weird!

So excited about gymnastics! :)

Look at that FACE!  :)