Summer Means Fun

Summer means fun, days of splashing in the water and turning all wrinkly from the exposure.
Summer is letting the water beads slowly cool your body from the scorching heat.

Summer means reaching out and grabbing life and enjoying every second of playtime the season offers.
Summer means finding thrilling surprises that take your breath away at every turn.
Summer is taking chances...even if they are a little scary at first.




*************************************************************************************
Nana and Papa came by for a brief visit the other day. While they were here, Papa and Daddy built Kenly a swing set. I'll have to post pictures of it later, but it rocks. It's creek side. Kenly is in love.

We went to feed the ducks at Lake Jillian one day during their visit. The ducks and geese at LJ are hardcore. They will come up and steal your bread if you are not careful. One of the ducks bit Nana.

And of course, if you get hungry while feeding the ducks, you can just help yourself. (Note: The bread was freshly purchased before our feeding expedition. Rest assured that I would not let my child eat moldy, stale bread. Nana wouldn't either.)

Wanted: Lessons in Etiquette

Nana and Papa were up for a brief visit last week. The proud grandparents were relaxing on the back porch with the grandchild when I hear uncontrollable laughter. I go outside to investigate.

Papa: Do you know what your daughter just did?
Me: Not a clue. Do share.
Papa: She was sitting on Nana's lap and she let on rip on Nana's knee.
Nana: I asked her what she should say.
Kenly: I tooted.
Nana: I thought she would say excuse me.

Just for the Record

I love my life. I love my daughter. But, for the record, I could run away from home today. There is nothing more draining than dealing with a child who cannot be pleased by anything. Nothing makes you feel more flustered or more like a failure than getting your tush kicked by a 22 month old.

And yet...I can't wave the white flag of surrender. I won't.

A Little Reassurance

Adam and I went out on a date tonight. A real live date with a paid babysitter involved. I've been telling Kenly all week that Miss Ashely was coming to play with her on Sunday. Kenly was really excited when Ashely got here.

The date was lovely...Iron Man 2 and Mela's for dinner. Nothing says love like a blow 'em up movie and some Indian food.

When we got home, Ashely said all went well. She said Kenly got upset at bedtime. She gave her a bottle and then told her goodnight. This is what she heard from Kenly's room....

Kenly: Mama be back. Daddy be back. It's okay. Mama be back. Daddy be back. It's okay. Be good girl.

Ashely went back in the room to comfort her when she upset herself repeating her little mantra over and over.

Ashley: Kenly, do you want me to stay in here while you fall asleep? Mama and Daddy will be back. It's okay.

Kenly: Uh-huh. Sit in chair. Mama and Daddy be back.

Ashley: Yes. If you close your eyes and go to sleep, Mama and Daddy will be back.

Ashely said that in just a few minutes she was asleep.

What a good girl. What a good babysitter.

Summer Tastes Good

While summer might not officially be here yet, Kenly is starting to appreciate the perks that come with this hot, sticky season. I made homemade popsicles the other day--strawberry and peach. Kenly thinks they are the best things since Dolly's ice cream. I love to hear her slurp the yummy goodness.
As she was enjoying her strawberry popsicle yesterday, these are the things I overheard.

"I lub em."
Um. Yummy"
"'licious"
"Really good"

Quite frankly, it made me feel like a hot shot popsicle maker.





Come on school. Get out. Let's show Kenly what summer is really about.

Like Mother...

Take a close look. Does anyone recognize that shirt that Kenly is wearing? You know, the cute airbrushed Pooh shirt? Those of you who knew me way back when just might. That cute shirt was airbrushed by my Daddy, none other than Kenly's Papa. He painted it for me when I was just a wee one. I must say that Kenly looked down right smashing in it today.

Tire Swing 101/Driving Lessons

Kenly and I met Ava and Meghan at Carrier Park today. The park is in Asheville. All I can say is wow. The park was by far one of the coolest I have ever been to in all my life. Where were playgrounds like this one when I was growing up? You name it and it is there--sandbox, castles, monkey bars, tire swing, firetruck, race cars, planes, houses, and climbing implement galore. Kenly and I spent about an hour and a half there today.

Meghan put both girls on the tire swing when we first got there. I don't think Kenly was really sure what to think having never seen a tire swing.
Ava was thrilled from the get go.
After a few spins and pushes, Kenly decided she liked it.
Look out world...these two are going to take you by storm.
Who is doing the driving in this picture? Looks like Ava is trying to save them from impending disaster.
I'm pretty sure we will be going to Carrier Park again.

Lady?

Getting in the car after story time at the library today, Kenly started jabbering about something. The conversation went like this...

Kenly: I want a lady. A lady. Mommy get a lady.
Me: Huh? What do you mean?
Kenly: (pointing madly at the dashboard of the car) Mama get a lady. I want a lady. Like Papa's lady.
Me: (laughing hysterically) Mama doesn't have a lady. Only Papa. Sorry kiddo.

This is only funny if you know what a lady is. While camping, Kenly got to ride in Papa's truck. Papa's truck is equipped with a GPS system with a female voice. Said GPS system lives on the dash. While driving around, Nana and Papa would tell Kenly to listen for the lady.

According the the 21 month old crowd, AKA my daughter, GPS systems are all the rage. She feels I really need a lady. I know my sense of direction is bad, but I didn't think she had picked up on it yet....can't a mom catch a break?

Wordless Wednesday--Water Nymph

On the way home from the cabin, we stopped by the Nantahala River so that Adam could try and catch the big one that got away. Instead of fighting to keep Kenly out of the water, I put her in a swim diaper and let her explore.






This is my favorite photo from my impromptu photo shoot.

See Daddy fishing in the background? See Kenly using a rock as a phone?
These rocks were her treasures. She would wash them off in the water and then put them on the big rock. The joy of simple pleasures.

Bike Envy

Papa found this Huffy Sea Star bike at Goodwill yesterday. I've been saying that Kenly might be ready to start pedaling something. Leave it to Papa to get Kenly her very first set of wheels. When I told Kenly about the bike last night, she started asking to go to the beach. When I told her it wasn't time to go to the beach again this morning, our conversation went something like this....

Kenly: Go to beach today? Get bike and Papa?
Me: Not today.
Kenly: Tomorrow?
Me: No baby. Not tomorrow either.
Kenly: Day after tomorrow?
Me: No sweetie...we have to wait awhile to see Nana and Papa.

I had to get out the calendar to show her how many days she had to wait. I might even need to make a paper chain to help her grasp the concept.

When I showed her these pictures of Papa and her bike this morning, she nearly jumped out of my arms with excitement. She said, "Silly Papa."




We went to Fletcher Park today to meet Meghan and Ava for a bit of a romp outside. The whole time we were there, Kenly had a major case of bike envy. She kept saying, "He ride a bike." She even kept trying to ride other kids' bikes when I wasn't looking. I sure hope she can pedal the bike, and I really hope I can keep up with her.