Rest, Relaxation and Red Meat

We had an awesome kickoff to the weekend with our friends at the Probstfelds' house. Eric was excited to fire up his new grill and made us each custom steaks. They were incredible. Anne's potatoes didn't disappoint (as usual), and I quite enjoyed my Moscow Mule. I didn't hear any of the kids complaining about the nuggets from Chick-fil-a either. The Probstfelds go above and beyond when they entertain, and Friday night was no exception. We were happy to see our friends, including a couple of families from Prescott, and our gaggle of kids always thoroughly enjoy the backyard amenities. Thanks so much, Eric and Anne!

Gavin woke up on Saturday with a small case of laryngitis owing to a mild runny nose coupled with a meltdown of epic proportions that involved lots of screaming earlier in the day on Friday. I had to pull out my car seat wrestling skills yet again...just when I thought it was time to bid those adieu. I guess Gavin is not even three years old yet, so I'm sure I'll see a few more tantrums before Graham takes over in that department. And to be fair, I had just dragged him on several errands in the awful heat. Oh well, we shake it off and carry on with life. Gavin's voice is still scratchy, and I think it's so cute.

Even though G didn't make the best errand running companion for me on Friday, I gave him a second chance on Saturday. Our first stop was the gym, where the Kids Club attendant thanked him for his manners, listening and sharing as we were getting our things together to leave. Why do kids save their best behavior for everyone but their parents? I had a repeat report from his teacher at church on Sunday without even asking how he did. Anyway, it makes me feel like I've done something right, which is especially nice because I spend a lot of time thinking I do nothing right at all by these kids on some days.

They were both entertained...so I said whatever. Lay on the tile and eat a marker if you want, Baby G2.

I have to watch him a little bit closer as he works on pulling himself into really awkward positions these days.

We were bored for a little bit, so I went to the garage and brought in all the empty boxes. What is it with kids and boxes?

Cousins/buddies!

Baby P taking Gavin for a ride on the John Deere.

Driving Max and Alex's gator was the highlight of Gavin's weekend.

I love taking this kid with me to run around town. I wouldn't have said that just a few short months ago.

Underwear Guy serenading me with a harmonica. He freaks out when he spills on his clothes, and after two t-shirt changes, I decided it was time to do away with the clothes for now.

Helping Dad with a flooring project

Eventually Underwear Guy made his way to the kitchen where I was the recipient of his help. Somehow he ended up eating his dinner at the stove, standing on the stool. I guess we have some work to do as far as table manners, but I'd kind of rather just live my life than focus on that. For now, anyway.

After receiving Gavin's glowing report at the gym, it was a quick run to the condo, where G was in awe of all the saws and tools. We hit AJs for a muffin before one last stop on our errand tour. While Gavin was playing at the fountain he asked, "Can we go back to the condo?" It was a divide and conquer type of day, so when G and I returned, D headed out, and that about wrapped up our Saturday. On Sunday, I volunteered in the Kindergarten room in the Children's Ministry, where I learned that other people's kids are almost as exhausting as my own. I'll continue to serve once a month or so because I think it's important. But I'll hope for a nap later in that day.  It was a little lounging at home before I sent Dylan and Gavin off to go play with Shawn and Luke, and I soaked up some solo Baby Gramby time. And here we are with the Olympics on TV, and we are mostly prepped for our week ahead. Every Sunday night I stop and reflect on how nice it is to not have the Sunday Blues...to not dread the week ahead. I'm full of gratitude for that.