We are feeling moody.

Yesterday, in a fit of productivity, I realized that I was sweating up a storm.  In my own house.  And that our air conditioner was definitely broken.  (I've been almost-positive that it was broken, but I just never called anyone to come take a look, and we like to keep it pretty warm anyway so it really hasn't been an issue until someone else comes in and nearly suffocates.)  My time to have it conveniently fixed was dwindling.  I made an immediate call and set up an appointment for today to have it fixed.  In addition, we'd decided that, by the end of the summer, we were going to have our broken water spicket fixed, so I decided to set that appointment up for today as well.  I suggested that Brad work from home in case the repairmen had any questions that I wouldn't be able to answer, or I somehow gave in to some home-repair club that costs too much money because it felt like an easier (and quicker!) solution.

So today was a little different for us in the fact that Brad worked from home.  To be honest, it's not his favorite thing to do.  Who can blame him?  It's hard to concentrate when you have two little ones running around.  I can barely finish a load of laundry, let alone put in a full day of making calls and filling out reports and lining up meetings and such.  Not only is it tricky for Brad, but it's hard for us to forget that Daddy's right upstairs when all we want to do is hang out together.  And it's hard to keep the kiddos from being too noisy or underfoot when they're rather used to having freedom to go and play wherever they like.

We had a low-key morning, the repairmen came and went (the house is as good as new!), and while I'd taken the time to set up the water table and our kiddie pool for some water play at home, it lasted all of 4 1/2 minutes before Hannah got water up her nose and wanted to come inside and change.  I couldn't even get Jack to put on his suit and come out at all, so that was kind of a bust.  We had lunch, Hannah took a nap, and then when she woke up, we decided we'd go to the pool, Daddy included.

It was fun, while it lasted, but, once again, I felt like there's an awful lot of set up for a short burst of fun before the kids were done.  Lately, they haven't been wanting to do too much swimming.  The water's been pretty chilly, and Jack is hesitant in the water even though he was doing so well on vacation.  It's like the layout of the pool has thrown him for a loop, and I haven't been able to convince him he can swim here, too.  We were only there an hour before they were asking to go home.

It's been sort of a moody day around here.  Lots of whining and complaining, adults included.

Maybe next week's change will be good for us.  Maybe the kids are ready to not be together every hour of the day and to have a little more of a set routine.  Right now, I'm sort of dreading it.  I know we've had so much fun this summer, and we've seen and done lots of great things, but I just never want it to end.  I always fear that when I go back to work the family-fun comes screeching to a halt, but I know that's not true.  In fact, the pool will still be open for another two weeks, and I could take them after school, if we want.  

But I still feel like tomorrow is my last official day with them.  And then we have the weekend with Daddy and it's back to school.  So what do we have in mind for tomorrow?  

I don't know yet.  We're still deciding.

Sillies, Subs, and Splash Parks

Today was my sister's 10th chemo infusion (only six more to go!), and it was my turn to go with her.  My family has been rotating people to take her so that one person isn't constantly missing work, and so far, it's worked out pretty well.  Aside from the first time I went, which ended up being an off-day for Ryan, we usually have a very fun time laughing and chatting and catching up with one another.

Today was no different.

While trying to get my sister's port to work, the nurse suggested that she get up and walk around a bit.  Ryan, never having been someone who does exactly as she's told, gets up and starts to dance.  She asked me to take a picture.  I did better than that - I caught it on video :)

After I finally stopped laughing, I tried to teach her how to use her new iPhone and went through her email because the number of unread emails posted on her screen was causing me to have heart palpitations.  I happily filed and unsubscribed and deleted until that little, red bubble was gone.  We updated her Care page and before we knew it, we were done.  

While I was at chemo with Ryan, Aunt Jess came over and stayed with the kids.  They had lots of fun playing hide and seek and riding bikes outside.

{How much do you love Hannah's, "I am smiling!" face?}

When I got home, we decided to meet Uncle Jimmy so that we could all have lunch and the kids could play at a little splash zone nearby.

I think they enjoyed climbing on the nearby, interactive games more than the splash part, but either way, we had a nice time.  The weather was beautiful.

Jack was telling Uncle Jimmy about how he'd wanted to wear some of the fireman's gear he saw at the sub shop, and Uncle Jimmy told Jack he happened to have his jacket in the car.  It was definitely Jack and Hannah's lucky day!

Monday's Project

Last summer, I began thinking about updating Jack and Hannah's bathroom decorations, but I never actually did the work.  I've sort of been on the lookout for gender neutral themes or colors that I loved, and I finally decided a couple of weeks ago to take the plunge.

I settled on an ocean theme.  We love animals and the colors were fun.  It was perfect.  I got most of what I needed at Target because, let's face it, I practically live there.  Then I added some artwork I found on Etsy, perfectly matched frames I found at Michael's, and a picture I've been hoarding since I bought it on Groupon years ago and never had anywhere for it to hang.  Voila!

Today, while the kids spent time with Grandma and Grandpa, I went to work.  I started with this:

And ended with this:

I'm super happy with the way it all came together.  And I'm especially happy that it didn't take very long at all.  The kids were so excited to see their newly decorated bathroom when they got home.  

Now, if only I could get them to take baths and showers in here instead of in our bathroom :)

Silent Sunday

{We've been busy - more to come.}

Beach Vacation

Rather than writing a ton about our most recent vacation, I thought I'd try something new.  I put together a little video of our trip - it was relaxing and wonderful.  See for yourself:

{Video: Virginia Beach and Great Wolf Lodge - Summer 2014}

nine years

Nine years ago today, I woke up in my basement bedroom in my parent's house for the last time.

I put on my 'Bride' tank top and went to visit my grandma so that she could see me on my wedding day.

Nine years ago today, my sister and I drove to Warrenton, listening to music and singing along, as relaxed and as excited as we could possibly be.

I prayed that the impending storm would wait for our ceremony to finish.

Nine years ago today, I took the most beautiful walk, in my beautiful dress, with my dad as we past our family and friends.

I smiled so much my cheeks hurt.  I cried and I laughed.

Nine years ago today, I married my best friend.

                                     

Before grocery shopping, cleaning house, mortgages, and babies, things were easier.  But now?

Nine years later?

I love him more today than I did that day, and I never thought that was possible.  When he smiles at me, when he teaches Jack how things are made or animal facts, when he brings our daughter flowers for her birthday...  My heart swoons all over again.

Happy Anniversary, Baby - I love you!