Ice Cream Cone Date

Ava was at a sleepover last night and this morning, which meant it was just Molly and Jocelyn and I. It became clear very early on that this was going to be one of those days when Molly and Jocelyn would be pushing each other's buttons NONSTOP. So about mid-morning we left the house, hoping a change of scenery would also change the antagonistic attitudes. We stopped by the preschool to drop off some paperwork, and then I decided to make a McDonald's stop. The girls had each gotten a booklet full of coupons from the library as part of their summer reading program, and one of the coupons got them a free small cone. They were each over the moon excited. We sat, eating our cones (I of course had to get one for myself) and loving life. It was the highlight of my day for sure - spending time enjoying a treat with my little (temporarily not quarreling) girls.

Jocie's BEST Friend

This morning we had a playdate with one of the boys from Jocelyn's preschool class and his family. Brennan became Jocie's very best friend towards the end of the year. I think the two of them have similar energy levels (pretty high) so they get along very well. Jocelyn has been asking to have Brennan to the house all summer, so I was glad that we were finally able to get together.

Those two were SO funny. I think they spent half the time just running in circles around the house because they were so excited to be playing together. They played a few games here and there, but mostly just laughed and chased each other around.

Brennan is so special to Jocelyn. Every night after prayers each girl shares a person who they are thankful for or saying an extra prayer for. Ava's person changes every night, usually on who she saw that day. But every single night Jocie is thankful for Brennan. Sometimes someone else is added as well, but every single night an extra prayer is said for Brennan. I have no idea what it is that makes their friendship so special, but I love that Jocelyn has found a best friend who she is truly thankful for every day.

this was the only time they were still long enough for me to get a picture

This is Summer?

We have had the most absolutely GLORIOUS weather for most of the summer. We had a week or two in July with temperatures in the high 90s, but overall the weather has been incredibly mild. Today was another incredible day, with a high no warmer than the low 80s. The kids played outside every second they could and barely broke a sweat. I have semi-complained from time to time that it has been too cold this summer to ever go to the pool (I require my pool water to be bath-warm), but the truth is I have loved not having to worry about heat advisories and unbearable children who can't play outside without melting. This summer may not have been spent at the pool much, but it has been a fantastic few months thanks to some blessedly mild summer weather.

A Family Sunday

This morning I had a fantastic time with my wonderful little family. First I took the girls to Mass. Then Ben met up with us for some shoe shopping, as Jocelyn and Molly both needed new sneakers. Ava actually ended up with a pair of shoes from the first store, but we found some shoes for the other two at the second store. The best part for this money-saving Momma: I was able to use double discounts at both stores, so in the end I spent just over $27 for all three girls' shoes!

As we were leaving with our new shoes, Ava asked if we could go to Dairy Queen, with Jocie chiming in seconds later. I thought for a second, then decided why not? We were having such a spectacular time, why not cap it off with a special treat for everyone? We ate yummy ice cream treats and laughed and had a glorious time. At dinner this evening when I asked Ava what her favorite part of the day was, she immediately responded, "Shoe shopping and Dairy Queen!" I couldn't agree more.

Boys' Night In

Tonight Ben invited the dads/husbands on our street over to watch some MMA fights on TV. I hung around until the second guest arrived, then graciously went upstairs to let the boys have their fun on their own. I won't lie though: I have been shamelessly eavesdropping at every possible opportunity. (I'm sure I'll catch heat when Ben reads this, but oh well.) It's been so fun hearing these guys talk about everything from fatherhood to the fighters' credentials and everything in between. This is the second time we have hosted such a gathering, and Ben has named the crew the Coalition of Dads. I think Ben often feels so outnumbered by the four other women he lives with, he takes advantage of any opportunity to have some good ol' guy time. There are six men downstairs right now, and they vary in age, occupation, and just about every other characteristic imaginable. Yet they are all having a great time. I say for probably the millionth time, we live on the best street in the world. We are blessed to live near people who are not only neighbors but friends.

Sleepovers All Around

Tonight Ava is having one of our neighbors, also named Ava, over to spend the night with us. (It's not as confusing as it sounds, actually.) They have been so cute - the first thing they did when the "other Ava" got here was to make a list of what they wanted to do during their evening together. While they were slightly disappointed they wouldn't get to watch all FOUR movies they had agreed on, they have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of their night together.

What has been equally cute were my other two daughters. I decided that it would work out best if the two Avas had Ava and Jocie's room to themselves while Jocelyn have her own sleepover with Molly in her room. We brought up our extra toddler bed mattress to lie on Molly's floor and had the younger two ready to go. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical at how well this arrangement would work. I joked earlier that I wondered which room would be asleep first. But the girls were great - they were excited, but once I left the room they were totally quiet.

I always feel the true test of a sleepover is how everyone feels in the morning. But for tonight I am blessed to have four happy little girls - two are already sleeping soundly and the other two soon will be.

the little girls' sleepover

Grown-Up Time

This evening I took Ava and Jocelyn to their dance classes, as I usually do. However, tonight I did something I rarely do: once they went back to their classes, I LEFT the dance studio. I often like to sit in the lobby and talk with the other parents. It serves as some nice adult time for me. But tonight another friend of mine was having a little get together at her house. So after the girls went to dance, I went to spend an hour and a half or so getting together with other grown-ups and having adult conversation. When I left to pick up Ava from her class, I even got a bonus conversation with one of the dance studio receptionists I am good friends with but don't get to see very often. It was a treat to take some time for me. I don't do it very often, but I am trying harder to do it more often so as to balance my role as Mom with my role as my own adult person.