When everyone was packing for Europe, we were worried about room in the cars for luggage — especially after we made some purchases — so we were all going to pack light. Likely story! I am the only one who followed the rules. I’ll admit that I looked the worst on the trip, but at least I followed the rules! So as part of my packing light, I only brought one pair of shoes. I was banking on them being comfortable, durable, and versatile. Bingo! Al I have to say is that I am the only one who never complained of sore feet after hours on end of shopping. So my thanks goes out to Havana….for making stylish, comfortable and hearty shoes.
This is in Pamplona. Yeah — with only one pair of shoes, I ran with the bulls in flip flops. Tristen was disgusted — big whoop! But I did get a few comments from the locals on that one. Notice my left toes creeping over as to not touch the nasty guy’s foot who is stepping on my shoe.
Can you believe that Icka bites her nails? What a total bummer, and I wish myself good luck on breaking this bad habit of hers. The really unfortunate part is that I am the cause of it all. I have always cut Scout’s nails about 3/4 of the way, and he loves to peel them off the rest of the way. So being the really nice and cool mom, I did this for Icka also. Well…all I have to say is that it has been quite a long time since I have even had to cut her nails — let alone do it the cool way. And to make matters worse, she bites them until they are bloody. Well only two have become bloody, but it looks like I am going to have nip this one in the bud. And fast!
In my humble opinion — This little girl in pig tails and one of my french purchases might just be the cutest girl in the world.
Even if she is sticking her tongue out at me.
Micah cleaned out his parent’s garage with them, and they came across these potato sacks. So he brought them home and we had cousin races.
Sissy was totally into it. She got right in and started hopping away. She even lined up to race with Grant, Spanky, Belly and Gabe.
Belly thought she would help be carrying her along as she hopped.
It didn’t go so well.
Afterwards, the littlest kids got in, and Micah swung them all over the place. You can see Scout’s head peaking out.
Here’s Navy in the starting position — looking a little cautious.
It is no secret that Scout LOVES his cousins. So when Seth’s family of five boys and one girl comes, he has a hay day. They love the beach together, they love to play mean guys together, they love swimming together…you name it…they love it!
Sissy is starting to love the whole cousin thing too. Here she is kissing a glammed-up Rosie.
One of my best purchases in Europe was the stash of children books I got. For whatever reason, their kid’s books are so cute and well done. Here is Nonnie, with a seriously captivated audience. They must be good if they keep this gang in check!
A week after we got back from France, Micah had a family get together in Vegas. I wasn’t too thrilled because the day before we left was the first day my kids were finally on their schedule. But the quick jaunt ended up being really fun. We totally scored too, because Seth’s family was at her parents at the same time. Therefore, my kids got in some cousin time which was especially beneficial when we were doing adult things — like eating at fancy restaurants or going to a show.
the first night, Micah and I took the kids to some Mexican restaurant. I thought it was nasty, but the kids loved the tortillas.
One afternoon, I dropped the kids off at the cousins to swim in their sweet pool. Icka loved the little beach where she didn’t have to wear her ducky.
Scout was loving all of the boy craziness, and climbed and jumped off this rock too many time to count.
Mid Leap.
Here is Brett as she drags a few of hers to timeouts. I love that Scout sees other kids getting timeouts too.
The final day we were there, we got a cabana by the pool. We stayed at the Palazzo, and it was amazing. The cabana was great because it had air conditioning, food, and shade. I am not into the heat, or the sun…but I could do a cabana pretty regularly. (Note to self — If I ever build a house….it WILL include a cabana!)
Scout and Sissy loved the slushy drinks. They also loved having day after day at the pool. And the best news of all was that when we got home, they went right back on their schedules. Hallelujah!
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to go to “French Laundry”. At one time it was the best restaurant in the U.S. for years. Now it is in the top five, and it’s one of the top 15 in the world. (At least according to one website.) Regardless, I have heard rave reviews about it, and can’t wait to go someday. The chef, Thomas Keller, opened a sister restaurant. They are both french, but “Bouchon” is more home style, whereas F.L. is fancy shmancy. I have the Bouchon cookbook, and it is so fun to flip through.
When we were in Vegas, Micah surprised me with a date to Bouchon. He arranged babysitting, made the reservations, and got us there in time. We had such a good time just hanging out sans kids and talking adult. Bouchon was delicious, and the presentation of everything was so fun. We stuffed ourselves with the tastiest bread and warm pistachios they brought out, then we each had a salad, then we shared the pork tenderloin, and finally filled up on our own desserts.
I’ll say that the bread, salads and main course were amazing. The desserts were a little anticlimactic. But all in all, it was such a fun surprise.
The paper wrapped around the napkin was the menu. Micah thought it was so funny that I loved how clever it was. It’s the little things!
The next day, I went to the Bouchon bakery to load up on french pastries. Micah says he is “frenched out”, but he certainly had his fair share of sampling for being so “frenched out”.
While I was putting my make up on, I had my back turned to Sushi. I noticed she said, “Eeewww” a few times, so I turned to check things out. Not only had she pooped in the bath, but she had also fished it out to offer it to me. Sissy — you are too kind (and nasty)!
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