Ten on Tuesday

1. Lots to catch up on this week! We've been crazy busy and will be until the second weekend in July with fun and family mostly!

2. I'd like to introduce Ballerina, Wonder, and Bob- Can you guess which one belongs to which kid? We took the train to the city and took the kids to Build a Bear for Rachel's birthday. It was a huge hit! The kids were thrilled with the train ride and The Build a Bear was so much fun! Seriously, if I weren't a grown woman of thirty, I'd have built one myself. Instead, I lovingly dress them and help the girls fix their hair. There is something comforting about having a little cuddly thing that doesn't cry, eat, or poop.

3. Joe's work had their annual trip to Lagoon and we timed it just right to be there with Shelley and Chris and Maren and her kids. The kids loved being with their cousins and had a great time. Rachel has a huge fear of heights, so she spent a lot of time on the boats and the speedway racer, still a good time for all.

4. Today is our 8th anniversary. 8 years, 8 moves, 5 states, 2 countries, 3 kids, 3 cars, a ton of fun, a few tears, and lots of love. I can't wait to see what the next 8 bring!

5. Because it's our 8th anniversary, I went to Taco Bell to pick up some lunch to surprise Joe with- You know the 1st year is paper, the second is cotton, year four is flowers, and 8 is tacos. Anyway, I've had some trouble with this taco bell and after today, I've had to add it to my list of businesses to boycott for life, along with the concession stand at Mount Vernon, and The Sears in Monterrey, California. Consequently, Joe got Sonic for his anniversary.

6. We are all taking swimming lessons and it is a huge hit. Annie is really good at floating on her back, Rachel is great at floating on her stomach, and Ben loves to do the Hokie Pokie in the water. I was a little cold the first week, but doing better this week.

7. Quote of the day: (Rachel is following me everywhere nagging)
Me: Why don't you go play with Annie and Ben?
Rachel: Annie and Ben just don't understand me.

8. I'm proud to say that we are on day 3 of operation no pacifier. Pray for us.

9. I'm almost done with "Mansfield Park" I've got to say, not my favorite. I know that Fanny is this super moral person and that is admirable, but at times I'm just thinking, "oh my gosh! Lighten up a little!" and Edmund is no Mr. Darcy.

10. Sorry this is posted on Wednesday. Joe took me out for our anniversary. We went to Chili's (does anyone else think of the Dundee award ceremonies when they hear Chili's?), split a salad and watched the game.