Little Fish…Sea of Love

My children live in a constant state of being pruned. Whether it’s the pool, sprinkler, shower, or bathtub --- their fingers and toes are most often found looking like this :

Summer wouldn’t be complete without swimming lessons for some good stroke development.

This year, the kids were so bashful when they met their teachers.

Karah got a “boy” named Cullen.

Not this Cullen…

This one. Eerily similar. Perhaps cousins.

I love this picture. I can SEE her internal dialogue. “Do it right…don’t mess up…he’s watching….must…im…press!”

Cullen inflated her ego by telling her she is SO not a level 3. She is almost a level 5.

He took her to the deep end to work on diving.

He was so gentle. (like a vampire would be). See?

On the other end of the pool…someone was falling in love with a teenager named, Courtney.

I blush just looking at these. (Do you see him smiling?)

This little guy is a beautiful swimmer. Courtney agreed.

My absolute favorite moment was when I caught them flirting…

and he was STILL smiling after she looked away…

When lessons ended – they were begging to take another week. Hmm…curious.

Crawdads and Courtney

Crawdad hunting was on the kids "Bucket List" this summer...and Courtney declared that today was the day. All of those who really "know" me need no explanation of who Courtney is. For everyone else...let me explain.

I met Courtney 5 years ago when I was serving in the Primary (children's program) at church. She was the Primary Chorister. When it was my turn to do Sharing Time with the kids...she would always smile at me when I was talking - and the bonus was that she laughed at my jokes when all of the kids sat staring at me like I was a freak.

One day I was at the church for a midweek meeting. I came out into the parking lot and she was sitting in her minivan with the side door opened. Her van was dirty. (I don't say this to embarrass her - there IS a point)....she had a big, white, standard poodle sitting in the back seat. Her feet were kicked up on the dashboard and she was reading a book while she waited for her kids.

In an instant, I knew that this was someone I wanted to be friends with. She put everything "out there". She wasn't hiding anything. There was nothing artificial about her. She was genuine and real and had a kindness in her eyes that I hadn't often seen. I stopped and chatted with her - and KNEW that we were going to be great friends.

I later approached her at church and flat out asked her if she wanted to be friends. I know it seems unconventional - but that's how I roll, baby. Why deal with all of the superficial garbage? If you know that you click with someone...just do it, right?

She invited me over to her house and the rest was history. There was an immediate familiarity with her.

Throughout the past 5 1/2 years - we have developed a friendship that is precious to me. We have always been there for each other. I know her heart...and she knows mine. She has a nurturing spirit. She has encouraged me when I felt completely defeated. She has watched me cry the "ugly cry" on countless occasions...and I her. We don't even put our hands over our face to hide it.


We love each other's kids and are annoyed with each other's kids...depending on the day...but it doesn't change anything for us. We have had disagreements, knowing full well that we will talk and everything will be better by the end of the week...and it always is.

She once said that she would be happy just worming my dog with me. I know, big compliment :)


When we are together it is effortless. We have gone out to dinner and not said a word to each other because the food was SO good...and it was completely comfortable. We have sat in the sauna at the gym and both cried at how much weight we had gained...sitting there sweating, crying, and laughing.

We pee when we talk on the phone with each other. She is always jealous that I can do it quietly and not get caught...but I catch her every time.

She is a member of my extended family. My mother counts her as a daughter and my siblings love her, too.

She is like a Grandma to my children...minus the sagging breasts, gray hair, and polyester pants. She has treats for them...and gives them annoying toys that I would NEVER buy for them, myself. See? Like a Grandma.

She is my best friend...and I can't imagine if I had never met her.

My children love her. Her children love me. Our children love each other.

So, after all of that - nobody will have to ask why on earth Courtney took the kids hunting for crawdads while I was shopping for a birthday party gift. She is THAT cool.

Wow. If any of you are still reading ---- enjoy the pics from the Summer Crawdad Hunt.

* Note - Courtney did not abuse Bryce. She simply ignored his request to stay down stream and asked him to smile for the camera. He doesn't handle her saying "No" very well. It doesn't happen very often.

Thanks, Courtney for making my kids crawdad dreams come true.

I could watch paint dry with you. Much more enjoyable than watching a dog be wormed, I might add.

Barnum 200

 

We stayed at The Renaissance, down near Bricktown. I love this hotel...despite the overabundance of silk plants. I have no idea how they keep those things dusted. I digress, before I even begin. Not a good sign.   

The hotel has complimentary Limo service, so we decided to take the kids on their first limo ride when we went out to dinner at Nonna's....which is to die for, if I might add.

Bryce was so excited to see that the limo had THREE "pottys" in it. (aka Ice Buckets)

He said one was for da pees. One was for da poops. And one was for da pukies.

Dinner proved to be a little more formal than we had anticipated. I had eaten there before on a girls trip...but it was at lunch time...and casual worked. I felt sheepish when we showed up with our three kids dressed in their "Summer Worst". We followed the host into the candle lit dining room with crisp linens and freshly cut flowers adorning the tables. I quickly reassured myself with my go-to line of comfort, "We will never have to see these people again", as we were seated.

 The kids were well behaved and handled the atmosphere so well...minus the part when Bryce returned from the bathroom and excitedly announced that he had pooped on the potty and it's a loud flusher. 

Bradley also had a small hiccup when they brought out the complimentary course intended to "tease our palate". It was a tiny Salmon Croquette. Bradley didn't know what it was...took a bite...and loudly asked, "WHY DID I EAT THAT???" as he frantically wiped his tongue with his napkin. Other than that....perfect manners all the way around.

Karah is eating a fried cheese appetizer. If you ever go - you MUST have these. The marinara is freshly made from their gardens - they are soooo good. Good enough for me to make it there by dinner time tonight.

We brought dessert back to our room and later went for an evening swim. The kids played with the noodles and kick boards while Tom and I played catch with the water ball. Tom was most impressed with my cat like reflexes.

Later that night the kids ran out of steam...well two of them did. It takes Bryce a little longer to slow down. He's three, remember?

Eventually it happened. Tender Mercies.

The next morning...breakfast. Note the large sausage on Bradley's plate?

Karah took one look at it and said, "That had to be one fat pig! Sausage is normally this big...and that one is huge!"

Bryce was sure to bring his barn to breakfast. It was full of his treasures and he didn't trust the housekeepers enough to leave it in the room.

Later that day we took a stroll through Bricktown. The barn stayed in the car...but the Nigh-Nigh came with.

We had lunch at the Spaghetti Warehouse. (gag) It's aint Nonna's...that's fo sho.

The saving grace of the restaurant was their abundance of gum ball machines. My personal favorite was the "Just Nanners" machine. It had ONLY banana runts in it. Oh how I love banana runts.

Five dollars later...our pockets were full of candy and our fingers were covered in rings.

We went to the circus early for the pre-show. We were able to meet the performers and get their autographs before everyone got there. Look at how close our seats were!

We bought our $12 cotton candy. Yes...$12...and got ready for the real show. It was incredible. The kids wre speechless. Internet pics....battery died.

   

Bryce slept the entire way home - while Karah and Bradley talked about their favorite parts and talked about one day when THEY would be in the circus.