Day 156: June 4, 2012

Lizzy started Jumpstart Kindergarten today – it’s a two week “practice” kindergarten.

She was pretty nervous this morning. She didn’t wander far from me when we walked in the school, and for a few minutes I even wondered how I would sneak out of there, and if she would cry when I left. I was a little sad when I did leave, because she seemed so sad and scared.

I was wrong.

When I picked her up at noon, she came running to the van with a huge smile and a million stories to tell.

She made a clock, colored some pictures, ate a snack, made a new friend and proclaimed “I love this. I am coming back here every single day forever.”

My little Lizzy is all grown up 

Day 155: June 3, 2012

We cut the camping trip short because of rain, but today was a gorgeous day, and Brad finally had a chance to put up the pool.

The girls (and the neighbor boy) jumped right in.

Only Lizzy stayed in – the water was freezing!

Morgan and Brody were happy to be on the dry side of the pool!

It’s going to be a great summer.. just as soon as we get the hole in the pool patched!

Day 154: June 2, 2012

Highlight of the day:

Jake caught a fish, thanks to his buddy Kaleb’s dad.

Jake was so proud of this huge (19 inch, I believe he said.. but you know how fish stories go) Northern and can’t wait to eat it (I never dreamed he’d catch a fish, so I did not pack the proper fish-cleaning tools).

Day 153: June 1, 2012

Remember a few days ago when I said how much I love North Dakota sunsets?

Here’s another one:

This was at New John’s Lake. Obviously it’s a gorgeous sunset, but I also love it because it symbolizes the start of our summer camping season.

Day 152: May 31, 2012

Morgan was very tired this afternoon, so I took advantage of the cuddles and laid down with her.

I asked the big kids to watch Lizzy.

When I dozed off, I heard them watching tv and talking in the living room.

When I awoke, I found the big kids still sitting in front of the tv, but no sign of Lizzy.

They said she told them she was going to her room to rest.

I couldn’t find her there.

In fact, I couldn’t find her anywhere in the house.

Lexi and I were just getting ready for an all out panic, when I checked Lizzy’s room one last time.

That’s when I found her.

She was on the top bunk, snuggled under a blanket and seven stuffed animals, fast asleep.

I’m not sure how she climbed up to the top bunk, as there is no ladder on their bunk beds.

But, on the bright side, I am pretty impressed that she knew she was tired and laid down for a nap without being asked.

Day 151: May 30, 2012

Today was a rainy, cold, and very un-summer-like day.

That didn't stop my little girls from playing outside.

When I refused to enable their crazy behavior (I wouldn't help with shoes and coats), they did it themselves.

These are the shoes Morgan chose to wear:

Day 150: May 29, 2012

570.1.


That's how many miles I drove today.


From Bismarck to Grand Forks, and back.


I'm exhausted.


But, all those miles gave me lots of time to think.


Because I know you all secretly wish you could read my mind (duh, why else are you reading this?!?!), here are a few of my random thoughts while driving:

• Only in North Dakota can you need sunglasses and windshield wipers at the same time. This happened to me several times while driving home this evening.
• I love the signs near Fargo that read "Be Nice." "Be Polite". And "Have a Nice Day." Love them.
• I also love Caribou Coffee. It's one of my four must-stops every time I go to or through Fargo (the others are Gordmans, Michaels, and Old Navy.. non of which I stopped at today.) I especially love the slogan on their cups: "Life is short. Stay awake for it."
• Radio makes me smile, and most songs (especially those on "oldies" stations, you know like from the 80s and 90s) bring back tons of memories. Some of my favorites I heard today include: "How Will I Know" by Whitney Houston, Rod Stewart's "Forever Young" (even though I'm not a Rod Stewart fan) and "Old Time Rock and Roll." Each song made me think of an old friend and reminded me to text, email, or call them, just to say hi (I'm tired, so that will have to go on tomorrow's to-do list).
• North Dakota sunsets are gorgeous. I've seen a lot of them lately, as I always seem to be driving somewhere and they are all absolutely breath taking. I'm happy to live here.
• My kids really love me. When I walked in tonight, after being gone for only about 15 hours, Jake, Lizzy and Morgan all jumped out of bed and hugged me. They acted like I'd been gone for 15 days instead of 15 hours. Kinda makes a mom feel good.
• I really hope I don't have to drive anywhere too far for a few days. Driving is exhausting!