As Tobin's hair grew and grew over the past 5 months, we began to realize that by the time it was long enough to perm (creating the desired "afro" look), he would be like 7 years old-- and thus, much less adorable.
So, in conclusion....
I am not a fashionista-- I do not even have a desire to follow the latest fads and trends. I believe all clothes should be casual, comfortable and flattering. Capris, t-shirts, and flip-flops are my bread and butter.
But I have discovered the joy that comes from wearing a skirt on a hot day. It is amazing what a difference it makes. We have been in the 90's every day for the past month. Therefore, I have declared June- September 2010: The Summer of the Skirt.
I have already procured the following from Old Navy:
To sidestep the formality that comes from wearing a skirt, I have decided to pair them exclusively with graphic tees (which I wear shamelessly-- like a 13 year-old). Add a pair of large earrings, flip-flops, and a chunky bracelet and you have my new uniform.
You have been warned. Don't be surprised to see me out and about in a long skirt and a Sesame Street t-shirt (that says "Its All Good in the Hood").
This morning, I miss George.
Our beloved pug was adopted a few months ago by a kind elderly gentleman. No doubt George is now his loyal, devoted companion. I am sure that in his new home, George gets to do all the fun things that were prohibited here-- sitting on the furniture, licking people's faces, etc. I am sure that he is very happy.
But we miss him. The kids asked me this morning if we would see George in Heaven. I like to think so.
This is Zoie's last week of preschool (see my last post, The Graduate). It will be a relief to be able to have lazy mornings-- no more rushing through breakfast and flying out the door to be at school on time. No more loading and unloading a bazillion kids into the car and preschool--only to do it again in three hours. Looking forward to it.
However, I will miss my easy mornings (from 9:15 am to 11:45 am) with the boys. Tobin, Ryder, and Chase just couldn't be more mellow and relaxed. Whether we run errands together-- all three boys packed onto one stroller-- or sit around the house reading books and watching movies, the boys are always low-key and easy.
Some random pictures from my "mornings with the boys"....
While Zoie is technically the most well-behaved of the kids, low-key and easy will never be words used to describe the diva of this house. We will have a blast with her around all summer-- a high-energy, emotion-packed blast.
Last night we attended commencement exercises... for Zoie...from preschool.
Like all graduation ceremonies, it was a long, tedious, painful experience. I promised myself that I would not create a digital diatribe regarding the sheer ridiculousness of celebrating a child's graduation from preschool-- or being coerced into purchasing a cap and gown for the occasion (one that can not be recycled because they change the colors each year!)
Rather, I will tell you all that Zoie has enjoyed every minute of her preschool year. She quickly became teacher's pet and her increased knowledge base has exceeded all of my expectations. (And not just letters and numbers-- she has become a subject matter expert on such topics as the solar system, the continents, and tools used on a construction site!)
And she really does look adorable in the graduation get-up...
Kindergarten-- here we come!Without a swimming pool... (heavy sigh)
Sprinkler- thingy
Water Guns
Sidewalk Chalk
And for lunch-- what else? Hot dogs and Kool-Aid!
We kept Chase (aka "Powder") in the shade. Even so, every time an errant water stream would come his way, we saw this face:
As impressive as this get-up may be, we are still counting the days until we have access to the Slovacek pool ( and the Slovacek Grandparents, of course!)
This past Saturday, Lance and I completed our first open water dive for our scuba diving certification. Thus far, we have only had "closed water" dives (aka-- a deep swimming pool).
We went with our instructor and some friends to a place called Devil's Den-- about an hour and a half north of Tampa. It was gorgeous. I didn't have my camera on me-- but found some stock photos of the place online. It was a bit ominous-- there was a thunder storm rumbling in the distance. as we descended a long, narrow staircase to access the spring.
After we geared up (including a wet suit 'cause it is 72 degrees year-round-- brrrrr!), we were descending about 20 feet underwater and I am thinking-- "why do I want to be scuba certified again? My two worst fears are the dark and deep water." But it was so peaceful and gorgeous underwater. I can't wait to do our final dive for the certification-- a boat dive in the Gulf of Mexico.
Here is a picture of the inside of Devil's Den:
I'll be sure to get pictures next time (although me in a wetsuit is not the most beautiful vision in the world...)
