Heyyyy, you got smaller pieces of peanut butter in my peanut butter

via Instagram http://ift.tt/2bBLehr

Hope you guys are ready for this harsh noise lathe cut 7" I'm doing

via Instagram http://ift.tt/2c4xCLP

In that case guys who wants to be the first to tell him how fun Future Islands were on Letterman

via Instagram http://ift.tt/2bdo7oz

Great Books of American Literature vols. One & Two

via Instagram http://ift.tt/2br0GMj

Just trying to eat a slice of pizza but come on with the WiFi

via Instagram http://ift.tt/2b9enAJ

Spunky Spelunkers

Dear Lil' Explorers, 
This summer we kept your little bun buns busy.  So much so that by the first two weeks you were begging for a lazy TV day.  In my mind that is a successful summer break!  I am behind on the blog and all the exciting things we did, yet again but I am accepting of my failure to keep up to date.  Back tracking a month or so, I would be remiss to not write about our spelunking adventures.  
    I wish more people thought of the treasures our national and state parks offer.  We are so fortunate that in our immediate area we can drive but a short distance to one of many astoundingly well maintained, beautiful and varied state parks.  We had yet to explore McCormick's Creek.  Compacted and safe trails, waterfalls, and a little cave to explore sounds like a magical day with you two, even if the temp was nearly 100 and the humidity left us wilted and damp.  We started to the waterfall.  A steep climb down to the creek and boulders that you balance along to reach the falls, you helped each other make it with tender sweetness make it safely.  

Since you have been home for the summer from school, Henry, you have been showing a lot of Hazel love, despite her not always being receptive you asked for multiple pictures with her today and reached out to her on your own to help and watch out for her.  We weren't planning on getting wet but with the sultry afternoon beating down the temptation was magnetic, thus you and the water mixed it up.  

It was a a relaxing pool of water and a chandelier like water fall with lots of water rushing over it combined with rocks that weren't too slippery to walk on that made for such a fun time.  There was the promise of a longish hike and a small cave to explore that dragged you away from the falls. 

We had packed provisions, despite eating lunch before the park because exploring can lead to hangry attitudes quickly.  I love our hikes because you both have so many questions and so many things to say.  I am always softened by, your, Henry's, attention to accessibility and if Daddy could join us on such a trail.  Sometimes it is hard to know Daddy isn't with us because he is at work or because it wouldn't be accessible enough to join us, but he is always interested in your stories and happy that you get the chance to experience as much as you can of this world.  Along the trail we stopped for water and blueberries and apples and sandwiches and granola bars...you guys can't resist a snack.  You climbed up a few trees, ran up and down a sinkhole and down a creek bed until you saw the entrance to Wolf Cave.  At the creek bed, Hazel, you declared it was spooky and wouldn't let go of my hand for the rest of the trip.

A modest little cave that drew you into its pocket in the side of the hill almost quicker than I could get the flashlight to you (Henry).  I stayed at the entrance trying to coax a reserved Hazel to come in, she wasn't having it for a bit.  I would go in a bit but didn't want to leave her alone.  

Even when she started to come in we didn't get far because it was dark and tight and she started freaking out.  

Hazel staring at us from outside the cave.

Honestly, I wasn't looking forward to going too far in, but I would have, instead I would give you a number of steps you could walk in and then turn around and walk back out.  I could hear you counting and see you creeping slowly and with brave intimidation of the dark dripping unknown and the evidence at 30 steps in of some largish animal skeleton that, "LOOKS PRETTY MESSED UP!"  You were relishing the exciting trepidation, but deciding you didn't need to pass the 30 steps and the skeleton once we heard some thunder.  

Henry hoofin' it out after seeing the weird bones.

I had told you some important rules of spelunking...1. Always tell someone where you are 2. figure out a way to keep track of where you are going 3. and don't go into caves when there is a lot of rain.  You were convinced, since I had explained a friend's experience in college who was stuck in a flooded cave with a friend, up to their necks in water that we better hightail it out ASAP as we already saw evidence of flood bringing debris into the cave.  Lucky for us, not, it just got hotter on our walk back and we all felt like we could barely make it.  I couldn't think of anything better than being filthy and  sweaty with my kids and worn out from grand explorations.  

We will return and go further into the cave and find new parks to explore. 
Love, Mama

Barb can't help you now #fbf

via Instagram http://ift.tt/2b2ZTSA

Last Day, First Day

Dear Henry, 

The growing is good, it means you're alive and thriving but it can have a way of twisting my guts up and giving me a sad little twinge that this thing where we are buddies is getting closer and closer to you building independent friendships and needing me less.  7. You're seven now.  You ended the first grade year well, at a start of third grade reading level and on point with math skills.  

Though we haven't found the right stories to create a passion for reading non-fiction, I am appreciating your passion for reading wacky, weird facts of the real world or scouring over books gathering stats and the habits and body peculiarities of natures creatures.  I'm not sure you show any sort of motivation to show your teachers or classmates the inspiring levels of knowledge and thinking skills you have but we enjoy your knowledge and learning from your independent studies.  One great example you hold on to with steal strength is the time you told us that pigeons give their babies milk.  Daddy and I were major doubters even after you continued to explain, figuring you must have something wrong there.  We gave our arguments that birds aren't mammals, they don't have breasts, they don't have hair, are you sure about that buddy?  I launched a google search and sure enough...pigeons do feed their young a milk like nutrient rich secretion they make in their crop.  You told us.  It only took us a couple of more times to understand that you know exactly what you are talking about.  Your 5th grade reading buddy told me she also tries to get you to read stories but you stick to any and all nonfiction, but she has learned a lot.  This year, 2nd grade started up on August 8th.  You made your sign for your first day picture, we bought supplies, chose and laid out your clothes for day 1.  Without a hitch you went to bed and got up and got ready to head off to school.  I appreciate that, I mean REALLY appreciate that ease at which you get going in the mornings, such maturity there. 

Daddy, Hazel and I took you in for your first day, our school encourages it, another thing to be grateful for.  Your school. The best fit for you and I feel sad for all of the families on the waiting list with such hope that they could get in, and we are there!  You found your cubby, scoped out your sitting spots on the floor and founds some friends to dig into some activities with.  The chime rings calling all the 1st and 2nd graders to their circle spots and the wet eyed parents leave to allow the first day of learning to ensue.  It doesn't pass me that I was chosen to do this.  

I was chosen to have this moment with you, with Daddy. That at one time I didn't think I would have a first day with my little buddy, of any sort.  I am grateful for how we became your parents because it creates a deep gratitude for the smallest of moments.  I love you buddy, and will miss you while you're gone during the day, but am certain you are in safe hearts and minds. 

Love, Mama 

Pizza Pie and Splash Pad

Dear Henny, 
Summer seemed so short yet we jammed in as many day trips as possible.  One we couldn't leave out was a visit to JoJo, your birthmom.  We took the leisurely 45 minute drive over and the minutes and miles couldn't roll behind us fast enough for your liking.  We arrive and you're happy to see they are still tucked away in their cozy cabin and you and Hazel jump out and take off leaving me to shut the doors.  T shows you their kittens and JoJo tries to convince me to take one, while cute, no thank you!  After hugs and quick catch up we decide we are all hungry and we need pizza NOW.  The Pizza Hut we had eaten at before was closed down and in a little town with few options we back tracked to Anthony's Pizza, JoJo saw along the way.  It turned out to be a a gem with great food and even better service.  They sell by the slice but when I told the guy I needed to feed all 4 kids and two mom's he cut me a deal of a GIANT pizza, breadsticks and drinks.  
We even had enough left to share with our husbands later.  After lunch we went to a local park and played there for a bit.  Then we ran around the skate park.  You and T had races together while Hazel and Josiah slid down the side and got sweaty.  

After feeling like we were trapped in an oven, JoJo pointed out the free splash pad and we all said yes!  It was a great splash pad and we had it all to ourselves.  I loved seeing how you and T played together this time, clearly completely and utterly happy to be in each others time and space.  You hugged tightly while anticipating the bucket of water crashing down over your heads. 

 On the way home you went on about how you love how cute and tiny Josiah is and how soft his hair is, which you kept petting.  We had a really fun easy time together, as always.  I am so glad we got to see them before school started.  

We love our JoJo and the boys.
Love, Mama