lately.

It’s been forever since I’ve done a lately post, and they’re such a nice way to capture a whole bunch of things that we’ve been up to these days. We’ve been really busy, good busy, but really busy. I climbed into Parker’s top bunk the other night and started looking at a book on the planets with him. He starts rattling off the planets, “Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn…” in the correct order. He can’t read yet. So he’s reciting them because he just knows them. When did that happen? I asked him. “Parker, when did you learn these?” It’s strange when your kid goes to school and you realize that they’re learning things from other people not on your watch. I asked if he learned it there. He didn’t confirm. It’s a mystery. But it also was evidence of this: Time’s moving fast. A lot’s happening. Good stuff, but a lot of it.Let’s start with the 4th! We went to a good friend’s in Salem who lives right on the water. There was a concert, a band, and then the most amazing fireworks. Anders covered his eyes through the entire thing–not crying, but covering his eyes–peering through them at the fireworks. Then Steve cupped his ears so well that he fell asleep about five minutes in. Oh sweet boy.Parker had VBS all week, and after one of the days, we had to go straight to a birthday party for his buddies (they’re twins). When I pulled into their driveway, this is what I saw when I looked back. Exhausted! He’s been run ragged the past few weeks basically having playdates almost every day and staying up too late. I can’t keep up with his social calendar. Holding Legos in one hand. Legs crossed. God, I love him.I promise he really does love me. After a really (really, really–more than I ever divulge here) tough last semester for this guy (and, in turn, for all of us), it has been SO NICE having him home and stress-free this summer. Two or so weeks ago, Steve and I had the brilliant idea (it really felt brilliant at the time) to take dinner by bike to this beautiful nearby park that we almost never go to. It’s got water views and flowers and is almost always empty. So, I made up some chicken salad, crackers, veggies, and a bottle of rose and we put it in the Burley along with the boys and off we went. While we were there I couldn’t stop exclaiming about what a good idea it was. We had the entire thing to ourselves. We played hide and go seek, had running races, and the boys climbed trees while Steve and I drank rose. It felt like one of those seriously magical summer nights and I declared that we had to do it at least five more times before the summer’s up.My latest smoothie is this cherry one–a whole package of Trader Joe’s frozen cherries, some yogurt, milk (or almond milk) and a squirt of honey. I poured it into these molds and we had cherry pops later on. Any favorite and unusual smoothie combinations you’re doing lately?Apps and wine in my sister’s backyard recently when my Dad was up. It was fun, despite what my Dad’s face would have you believe.
This sweet guy has been taking forever to fall asleep lately so I’m trying an experiment… removing nap time. Eek. It’s going okay, but it can get pretty tricky from like 4-7 PM. When he was napping, his nap wasn’t all that great, and it was making it such that he wasn’t falling asleep till like 9 or 9:30! I stay with him till he falls asleep too, so I was always ending up pretty frustrated, and also really tired myself. But I need that quiet time at the end of the day to hang out with Steve, do some emails, watch a show, etc. Any tips here?! Parker cut naps out at 3 and I remember thinking THAT was early. Summer knees! They are real. And both boys have ’em. Buy stock in Paw Patrol or Star Wars band aids. They’re the future.A few weeks back, I went to an Iron and Wine concert with two of my friends and it was such a lovely evening. A waterfront venue, him and his guitar, and seats on the lawn. Plus some delicious take out to eat under the stars. He’s just so good (and funny too). His music has been one of my go-to’s for a long time now so seeing him live was really cool. And his newest song is amazing if you haven’t listened yet. I realize this is just a photo of my food, but I’m not sure if I got a selfie that’s okayed by everyone (eye roll) so food it is. Parker! finally! watched! Star! Wars! He was beyond thrilled. We sort of announced it to him with some fanfare and counted down the days until that Friday night. I fell asleep about 30 minutes in (in my defense, I was still jet-lagged!) but he loved it. Popcorn and an Izze to complete the movie night. The other night we went mini-golfing with friends of ours. It was the boys’ first time. They loved it. So did we. Granting I didn’t play, but mostly chased Anders around the courses, but it was just such a quintessential summertime activity. And cheap too! Steve, Parker, and Anders for $12? Can’t beat that. Especially when they feel like they’re having the best time ever. (Parker actually said, “This is the best day ever!”) Anders pretty much ran up to and hugged every dinosaur (there were many) at the course. Then, DAIRY QUEEN!
Summer ice cream bliss!

Love love love you, summer 2017.