A Saturday of Sun, Fun, And Then Some :)

Wow, sun, fun and then some, no foolin’! Today was a full Saturday of family fun! Daddy hurried home from his morning work, and gathered up his two precious traveling pals, Ms. Bodhi and Mister Buddha, and we made a b-line for Farmer’s Market where we spoke with some of our market friends, was given a two-for-one special price on some miniature snap dragons, purchased a pocket blueberry pie, and some cookies, and our favorite Dragonwood honey (the best ever!!!) and spoke with a clown named Bonkers who made each of you a balloon animal (yes, guess, a blue kitty for Bodhi and a white doggie for BuddhaJ). Daddy also visited briefly with our college chancellor Steve Daily who himself was busy bartering with the organic garden purveyors at the market.

We walked back home to store away our loot, and immediately made our way back on the adventure journey making our way to a visit to Grandmoo, at the insistence of Ms. Bodhi, and where Mister Buddha was an “apple head, stink butt” and teased Grandmoo with saying you didn’t like Grandma anymore---what a fart!!! Grandma characteristically forgave you, Jude Liam, and provided each of you with an apple for the next leg of our journey---we gave Grandma kisses (even you “apple head, stink butt” Jude Liam)  and told her “see you later alligator, after while crocodile, too soon baboon” and then again back on our way. You both love your Grandma-Grandmoo!!! As we left Grandmoo’s we walked past the Seashore where the two of you always plead to go swimming, where you always express anxiety about the deep water, Ms. Bodhi (ah hum, MommyJ) and where you always express you want to learn how to swim, Mister Buddha, and then break into a conversation about Papaw and Tennessee which I think no one but you (and maybe Papaw) possibly understand, until Ms. Bodhi speaks up and starts talking about being able to have a boat in Tennessee and where the water is so deep if you sink without a life jacket you will disappear---OMG, Papaw you have no idea what you are missing (including witnessing a spittin’ image of yourself in this little guy with his big boy haircut)(he asks everyday if his hair has grown back :) (Daddy swears there would never be a question of who this little guy belongs to if his Mommy or his Papaw were anywhere in the vicinity---he is a look-alike of his Mommy and Papaw (and his Great Uncle Dan)—the gene pool is absolutely undeniable!!!

On to Foster Park, where the set-up for the second day of Rib Fest was underway, and where Daddy was able to encourage the Kona Ice owner and vendor to make us his first customers of the day, resulting in treats of blueberry and cotton candy Kona ice for Bodhi and strawberry and banana Kona ice for Buddha (for the record, yours was the tastier treat, Mister Buddha---we purchased reusable cups so that next weekend we can return and get refills for a discounted costJ). We were hot from our quick paced carriage journey, so we genuinely enjoyed our respite of melting, flavored shaved ice---mmmmmm---and Daddy just absolutely loves the sharing the two of you so willingly embrace, you both have genuinely good hearts and it makes Mommy and Daddy just smile from ear to ear!!!

Of course, half way through the completion of our flavored shaved ice treat enjoyment, the both of you were working Daddy to get the move back on so you could play on the playground as the park bandstand rang out with practice music for the commencement of the Rib Fest activitiesJ. We played on the gym play-set, slides, ladders, monkey bars, swings---yikes, Daddy gets exhausted watching the two of you wear the equipment outJ! 

Frantic But Fun Friday

Today was a busy work day for Mommy and Daddy, which made for a frantic day, but plans for family time for all of us, accompanied by Aunt Jane and Uncle Gary Horner (and daughter Sarah home from completing college and preparing to move to the East coast to start her new jobJ) held the promise of a fun Friday.

Daddy was up early and away to work, returning home at shortly after 1 p.m. in time to join the two of you and Mommy in our back yard, and in time to make us a late lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches and chips (and of course “Holiday drink”—“Holiday drink” is code for Seven UpJ). After lunch, Mommy was off to work, and the three of us settled in for a short afternoon nap.

By 4 p.m. we three were up and moving, and Daddy organized getting the two of you dressed and our carriage packed for our adventure. Sean Franky stopped by for a brief visit, agreed to help Daddy out by returning our movie rentals to Redbox, and had to get on back to work himself. Shortly thereafter, Aunt Jane and Uncle Gary and Sarah arrived and the group of us made our way to partake in the second First Friday festival downtown. Daddy commented how impressed he was that the First Friday event seemed to be really be taking off, a significant improvement from just one such event last month, the first First FridayJ. We first (J) stopped by the business where Aunt Jane works occasionally on the weekends, where the two of you got your faces painted with “balloon art” (guess what colors-mmmm-blue for Bodhi and yellow for BuddhaJ) and where the two of you played hula hoop and sidewalk bowling and sidewalk beam walking (Bodhi you genuinely excel at hula hoop, and Buddha you are so doggone coordinated for a two year old on walking beams and gymnastic type activities!).

Aunt Jane chastised Daddy for not remembering to bring the camera, so Daddy improvised with his cell phone camera. Daddy is always impressed with Aunt Jane’s unique talent for working (and playing) with young children, and of course Uncle Gary and Sarah chipped in to assist the two of you in your play efforts as well.

Around 7 p.m. Mommy phoned Daddy and arranged to drive downtown, park her prize Toyota hippie-mobile Highlander, and join us :). There were dance exhibitions on the street near the intersection of Walnut and Main, and of course you joined right in, with Daddy’s assistance of course, Ms. Bodhi, and you were a hoot as you joined right in with the belly dancing exhibition :)!

Daddy and Uncle Gary sampled some wine from McClure’s apple farm, and then we all made our way to the cupcake and cake bakery in the 200 block of North Buckeye and enjoyed some absolutely delicious miniature cupcake samples ( the caramel iced cupcakes were incredible!!!). After those appetizers we all made our way to Foster Park where we enjoyed the first day of the Rib Fest (re-located to the park from downtown for the first time, not without some local controversy—with the pleasant weather we all agreed the controversy was probably not warranted, though if the venue was visited by any amount of rain fall, one wonders if the controversy might not be re-ignited). We all enjoyed our barbeque dinners and then decided it was time to return home—last minute adjustments resulted in you, Buddha, accompanying Daddy and the Horner’s back to our home, while Bodhi and Mommy made a late night venture to Petco to purchase some items needed to welcome our new kittens (Sundae and Garfield) coming to live with us later this weekend :). When we arrive home, Uncle Gary and Daddy enjoyed a glass of Oliver Winery strawberry honey mead before Uncle Gary, Aunt Jane and Sarah decided it was late and they needed to head to their home (and allow a certain little boy to get to bed :).

It was a genuinely fun Friday, we all expressed our hope the Horner family would visit again soon and more regularly, they are dear, dear family-friends (they helped raise you as a baby, Ms. Bodhi, keeping you occasionally at their home when Mommy and Daddy had to work) and always make for delightful company!

By the time Mommy and Bodhi got home from Petco, we were all ready for a much needed night’s pleasant dreams. Night, night to all!

Aunt Jane, Sara, Bodhi, and Jude :)

Uncle Gary, Sara, Aunt Jane, Bodhi, and Buddha :)

Slumber Parties With Daddy :)

Thursday…

Mommy decided that since Ella has made a new home indoors, with our cat loving neighbor, Dora needs a new critter to play with and keep her company.  A litter of kittens were born in our old neighborhood, of course by irresponsible cat owners that didn’t want kittens but didn't bother to get their own cat spayed nor neutered, uggggh!  Anyway, Mommy told you both that we were definitely going to get a dark little girl kitten, and orange male (in hopes that he will one day protect and fight off all the other stray males in the neighborhood).  Mommy would prefer to add two grown cats, however, Dora would not go for another adult cat in her home.  Dora spends most of the day away…Mommy has been locking her in her house at night to keep her safe, which she loves, but opens the door for her to come and go as she pleases during the day.  Anyway, you two were super excited about new kitties, and of course to spend the evening with GiGi and Gi-Pa. 

Mommy dropped you off before heading to Lafayette.  Summer is a busy season for Mommy’s work.  Most of Mommy’s co-workers want to take vacation time to spend with their families, so Mommy has been filling in as needed (which is all the time)J  Mommy is now drug screening a set of clients to help out as well. 

You two played the night away, until pure exhaustion set in.  Daddy arrived to pick you up late, and had to bring you both inside.  You both are getting spoiled by “Daddy slumber parties.”  Mommy usually has paperwork spread over the bed, and Daddy often works in his office, so you all have been making a bed on the floor.  You guys are such a sight, each of you on either side of Daddy; all curled up.  I guess it's one way to get some quality time with Daddio through the week hee/hee :)  

Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes!  

Courtesy Flush

This morning started out as our mornings usually do... you two awakening and strolling around downstairs looking for Daddy.  Daddy got coffee going and you two managed to get Mommy up and at em'.  After cereal, we headed upstairs so that Mommy could get cleaned up for work.  Daddy headed off to work.  We all had to use the bathroom at the same time...so of course you two were the first to go.  Unfortunately for you, Bodhi, you had to go after your bro!  Buddha, you were sitting on the pot concentrating, Mommy blow drying her hair, when you said..."Mom, you need to turn on the fan."  OMG I started laughing.  You were so matter of fact, and sounded like a little man.  Mommy walked over to turn on the fan and about passed out.  Mommy then taught you about the "courtesy flush."  You laughed and then said, "but Mom I'm not done, I have more big ones coming."  OMG!  After each (I don't know what to call it lol)  release...you'd announce, "Mom, I need another courtesy flush."  Bodhi, you came strolling in, rushing your brother and commenting how bad he stinks ha/ha!  You then hopped on without incident :)  Mommy was stuck swimming in poop particles trying to get cleaned up for work.  

GiGi arrived over to sit with you guys for a half hour while Mommy observed a visit for a parenting assessment, which happened to occur at Daddy's work at FSA. Mommy got to walk by and waive at Daddy teaching his class :)  Afterwards, Mommy rushed home and tried desperately to get some of our house cleaned.  We've been so busy and so messy :)-  You two followed with the feather duster and your child vacuum cleaner.  We managed to get the first floor cleaned.  Mommy started your lunch, and when Daddy arrived home from work (for a little break) he fed you both lunch and took a nap with you both.  Mommy went for some hair therapy and got a haircut with highlights, which was way past due!  When Mommy arrived home, all new and refreshed :)  Jude man, you had awakened, but Bo you were still asleep. Daddy had to rush back to work.  So we went outside and started the grill for dinner.  You both love to watch Momma light the grill.  Bodhi, you watered all the flowers, Jude man you played in the sandbox and on your trike.  Mommy made steaks with potatoes and mac-n-cheese for dinner. Us three sat and ate dinner together, saving Daddy a plate in the microwave.  Once you two finished you asked for a special ice cream treat.  Luckily, Daddy had picked up some Choco Taco's the day before.  You two had your first chocolate ice cream tacos.  Mommy first had hers when she was 16, working for Lord Jon Tacos :)  It brought back memories!

Once Daddy arrived back home from work, Momma was off for part two.  Mommy took a client here in Kokomo bowling.  Mommy arrived back home around 9:30 p.m. Everyone was seemingly in bed for the night.  Mommy mopped the downstairs (since I had vacuumed earlier) and then I headed to bed.  Bodhi, you had just got out of bed and had this long conversation with Daddy.  Mommy was waiting for the floors to dry before coming upstairs and so I just listened.  Mommy came upstairs and asked Daddy if you were awake (he was barely awake himself) and he answered that you were just sleep talking.  Mommy went in your room to check on you, you were sitting right in front of you tv talking, uggggh!  You cuddled with Momma and told several stories.  Mommy tucked you back in and you tried to go to sleep, but you kept getting back up.  Mommy again went and laid with you, and you had the giggles big time.  You would hug Mommy and giggle :)  You are so precious!  Mommy finally gave up, and you and Daddy went downstairs to have a camp out.  Buddha was due to come into Mommy's bed in a bit, and with Ms. Allie and Mommy's big booty, it's one crowded bed!  Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes!  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT DIANNA, HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT DAY!   

Tuesday

Mommy grudgingly got out of bed as Daddy was going to work.  Surprisingly, you two were up and at em' super early!  However, Mommy could tell that you two were still exhausted from your adventures with Grandmoo last night!  

Mommy had to make some work calls, and managed to pick up a bit (Mommy's room looks like a tornado came through).  Adventures, work, extra work, and parties have Mommy desperately trying to catch up on EVERYTHING!  

Mommy threw you two in the bath....where you two fussy butts argued and fought the entire time, Ugggh!  Mommy about blew a gasket, Mommy's hormones are apparently out of control!  Mommy managed to keep calm and carry on though.  Mommy got you two cleaned up and dressed.  We then spent the remainder of the morning preparing for our evening.  It's Tuesday, so of course Mommy has to go to work, and the two of you go to Grandmoo's.  You both were super excited to go, and you both kept hounding Mommy, "Momma, is it time to go to Grandmoo's yet?"  Finally, it was time to go to Grandmoo's!  

Mommy packed you two up and took you over to Grandmoo's house. We first stopped by a ladies house to check out some kittens.  Ella is being adopted by our neighbors that are soon to be moving, she loves being an inside cat with cat people...and Mommy just wants her to be happy.  So, poor Dora is all by herself, so she needs some companions.  You both loved the kittens, and Mommy is in love with a dark blue eyed female, whom Daddy wants to name Spooky...after the song, "a spooky little girl like you."    Bodhi, you were so tired, but the kittens put a smile on your face.  When Mommy dropped you off with Grandmoo, you had a meltdown as Mommy was leaving....breaking both Mommy's and Grandmoo's heart!  Jude man, you gave Mommy 10 kisses before we left, saying, "I have five kisses in my pipe for you." HA/HA!  I said, "but you gave me 10," to which you said, "no, that was five."  Nice counting Jude!  

Mommy needs to upload pictures to see what you two got into at Grandmoo's :)  Daddy picked you both up after he got off work at 8:30 p.m.  Mommy made it home at 10:15 p.m.  and you all were passed out in Daddy's office on the floor.  So precious.  Daddy didn't get Dora fed, so Mommy spent an hour calling for Dora, trying to feed her, but she never came, ugggh!  A big bad male cat has been scaring her off!  

Gymnastics Gone Wrong

Mommy was up and getting us all ready for Jude man's Monday morning gymnastics session.  Jude, it's been two weeks since you last attended. You had surgery two Monday's ago followed by a holiday...so it was as if you were starting over.  We arrived in time to see Aunt Dianna and her clan.  Thankfully she stayed with you, Bodhi, in the lobby because Jude, you refused to go into the gym without your Momma.  You had two additional participants in your class, totaling four for your class :)  

You would not listen to Ms. Chanti at all.  You refused to let go of Mommy's hand, despite the other kids having fun and participating.  Your new haircut and the fact that you are two feet taller than the other kids, made you look like a whinny five year old in your two year old class ha/ha!  Mommy finally managed to cut loose from you and joined Bodhi in the lobby.  Aunt Dianna and her four left to run errands, and it wasn't long until you were screaming for Momma again.  Bodhi, you were such a big girl.  You stood at the window as Mommy accompanied and comforted Buddha inside the gym.  Mommy thinks Ms. Chanti and the other Momma taking pictures of her daughter probably thought Mommy was a Big Meanie ha/ha  Mommy kept telling you, "Jude, I'll stay with you so long as you listen and follow directions."  When you didn't Mommy would walk away, and you would then start screaming haha  Finally it was over, and it couldn't have been over soon enough.  Bodhi, you were about to go into meltdown mode when we finally made it back to you.  

We then headed home and planted plants that Daddy had went and bought before work.  Afterwards, Mommy fed you two lunch (outside/picnic style) and then attempted to put you two down for a nap before going to Grandmoo's.  Mommy was frantically organizing work and preparing to administer a parenting assessment, but you two would not go to sleep for anything.  Mommy finally gave up and allowed you, Bodhi, to stay up and play.  Buddha, you fell asleep a half hour before Mommy had to take you to Grandmoo's.  

Grandmoo agreed to watch the two of you so Mommy work some extra hours.  Grandmoo ended up keeping you two out until 9:30 p.m.  Grandmoo took you two to the park not once, but twice!  You two were completely tuckered!  AND dirty!!  Neither of you would stay awake for a bath, so you two went to bed dirty :(  Nighty night sweet babes!  

Sunday Morning Coming Down

Kris Kristofferson, one of Daddy’s admired artists, composed and sang a song titled “Sunday Morning Coming Down.” Daddy wants the two of you, Ms. Bodhi and Mister Buddha, to someday listen to the song and understand the poetry behind a harsh realization that sometimes a day following a celebration of sorts (the song is much darker, and about a much more sobering, no pun intended, subject) brings a difficult day to follow. After our Saturday travel adventure from yesterday, this Sunday was very much a day of coming down.

Both Mommy and Daddy were exhausted from our trip, and not much happened around our house throughout the morning and afternoon, other than Daddy having a late morning reading of the Sunday newspaper which GiGi and GiPa give us each Sunday. Much more of interest to each of you, both GiGi and GiPa made a visit to see the two of you, and with special interest in seeing your new hair-cut, Mister BuddhaJ. Everyone agrees your new hair-do makes you look so much older, and frankly we all look forward to the return of our little Buddha babyJ. Daddy and Mommy both agree that you look incredibly like your Great Uncle Tony and your Great, Great Uncle Dan and Papaw!!!

So, our Sunday would have proven rather uneventful but for the short visit from GiGi and GiPa (which is never a long-enough visit for the two of you!), and indeed Daddy didn’t even venture out of the house until almost five p.m. to run to the mall and return a shirt. Daddy then stopped and purchased some perennial flowers for our outdoor backyard botanical garden under construction by Mommy, and indeed Mommy asked if Daddy would go back again and purchase a few additional flowers, so Daddy loaded up the two of you, Princess Bodhi and Prince Buddha, and off we went!

We arrived at the “flower store” just as it was closing, so we drove to a couple of other prospective nursery locations but found everything closed for the Sunday evening, so we headed home empty handed. Upon return home, we played outside for a short time before finally going inside for a trip to the bathtub where Mommy overcame her weekend exhaustion to give each of you a very much needed bath before bedtime.

After bath time, it was an incredibly short trip to bed for everyone! In fact, as usual Mommy stayed up late finishing some house cleaning, and restoring order to our home from our weekend adventure, while Ms. Bodhi slipped off to a quiet dreamland, and while Daddy and young Mister Buddha snored logs almost as loud as Mommy’s vacuum cleaner. Hey Mommy, it’s just the guys’ way of saying, “Night, night.”

Love, love love!!!