A Campin' We Will Go!

Dear Henn-e-bear and Hazy Lu, 
I am soooo happy that we were able to get in a camping weekend as autumn began to changer her leaves and cool the air.  We had the best weekend.  Henry, you were such a big help full of electric energy getting things ready to go and setting up once we got there. You were all about business.  You even stuck through a long effort getting our fire going.  Of course it didn't hurt that we allowed you to light the wooden match...more excitement than you could almost handle.  Hazel, you hiked around the woods intently looking for the right stick to bring back to match Henry's big arm fulls.  It was precious.

Setting up the tent sent you guys into a tizzy but blowing up the air mattresses and putting all of the cozy blankets on the bed.  We were worried the mattresses were going to pop the way the two of you were jumping back and forth, up and down and you went parent deaf...the two of you in cahoots, giggled and jumped and daddy and I sternly requested putting a stop to it.  

Our first bump...even so...I get it...air mattresses, camping, tent...  With the fire going, our stomachs grumbling, we needed to make some dinner before the time came for Camps BINGO!  We had some time after our chips, hot dogs and yogurt so we let you ride your bike down to the playground while Hazel ran after you.  

The slide at the playground was boarder-line dangerously fast and the two of you couldn't get enough flying off the end and landing on your butts.  We laughed our heads off.  Soon, it was time for Camps Bingo with free popcorn and candy bag treats for prizes, Henry won 5 times! Hazel, you were busy flirting with a sweet dog a couple had with them. We returned to our campsite and I think you were both TIRED.  

We hung out by the fire a bit. Hazel in her blue chair, Henny laid out on a serape.  We told a couple of stories and you were dozing so we got cozy jammies on and put you and Hazel to bed.  Of course, Hazel had to have a Kipper on Daddy's phone in order to fall asleep.  The morning was lovely.  Henry was in a lil nest in the deflating mattress and Hazel was a smiling sweet snuggle pea.  We woke up and got our fire going, each of you gathering stick and playing kind of the stump.  We went back to the playground while Daddy rested by the fire.  When we returned we made an awesome breakfast on the fire, eggs and bacon!  On moving the cooking grate over we found a little snake!  

So cool and fun and you kept him in a cup until we left and you turned it over to the gate keeper.  She assured you that he would be returned to an appropriate home and she was very pleased that you took such good care of him.  You beamed from the back seat and we were relieved it wouldn't be coming home with us and Hazel could stop trying to drink it.  A very successful and memorable camping trip.  I can't wait to go again.  I think with routine it will be less discombobulating with overwhelming excitement to you two and some of the bumps will smooth out.  

Henry, your help was awesome! You were a perfect stick getter and we would not have had the great fire without your hard and constant work. Hazel, is so flexible and easy going you make it easy to travel and hang out.  Love you both snuggly campers.  I can't wait until next time.  

Love, Mama

Givin' You Some Culture

Dear Hen and Hazey, 
Daddy had a week off work to spend with us! Weeeeeeeee!  We decided to do some exploring in Indy.  We went to the zoo to see the new orangutangs living there.  We started the visit in the butterfly garden, you were anxious to show daddy your butterfly charming skills.

Hazel went straight for the fountain again to splash around.  With more active butterflies and more people it was a challenged to hold one but you were down for giving up and your persistence paid off.  
Then it was on to the orangutangs.  I would debate who was whom.  Hundreds of kids had greased up the windows before us and you added yours to the mess.  
It was fascinating to watch them and you were particularly gentle with your observations, despite other kids pounding on the window you found a spot to sit and smile at them.  The crowds were big and it was time to move on.  

A couple of friends met up with us for a little bit but the two of you were ready to look at more animals.  Hazel loved watching the penguins and snuggled up with daddy while you pet some sharks.  

You grazed about five and that was enough for you.  We decided to leave for some lunch and a quick run through the Indianapolis Art Museum.  

The inside proved to be a challenge for you, not because you were bored but rather you were so excited by what you were seeing you NEEDED to experience it up close and the guards had other feelings about that.  At one point in a big white room with a sculpture of big black orbs you crawled under it.  When the guard told you no touching you said, "I didn't touch anything! I crawled under it."  I just can't believe the artist wouldn't have enjoyed that response, and in fact you didn't even touch it with a hair nor a sleeve.  

We moved on to the next room with a spider web of speakers hanging from the ceiling and a big bench.  The artist had created a loop soundtrack of many voices whispering things they would say in someone's ear whom they love.  You laid on the bench a bit and thought that it was echoing what you said in slow mode.  I couldn't convince you otherwise so I let it go... so at this point trying to contain you was a dangerous mission and we went outside.  

While it took us a while to find the accessible path, once we did we had a great time looking at the outdoor sculptures.  

Henry, you were singing the word sculpture in Operetta style at the top of your lungs.

The favorite seemed to be the skeleton pieces.  You aptly flew from one piece to the next and Hazel stood apprehensively on one piece rigid and considering ways to get down.  

It was a long day at this point and we headed home, but not before getting some dairy queen.  I loved getting to spend the day with my kids and my husband.  I don't think there is often a minute I don't appreciate it all.  



Love, Mama

Mother's Day #6

Dear Babies,
I really loved spending some fun time with you this Mother's Day.  Daddy asked what I might light to do and I decided a picnic to Spring Mill was exactly what I needed to do!  It was a beautiful day.  We bought chicken and root beer and stuffed ourselves at the park then went over to the pioneer village.  It was hot for May!  We were sweating, but Henry, you decided you MUST WEAR YOUR IRON MAN COSTUME!!!  Three exclamation points barely covers your determination to get your way this weekend, but we really couldn't see why you couldn't be Iron Man in the 1870's.  The mill runs every hour on the hour and you were very motivated to see it.  

The three floors of old artifacts were exciting to look at and Mama's history teacher leanings were even more excited to share details and answer questions. After the mill the old houses seemed to pale in comparison to the colony of willy worms that have taken up residence in the grass and plants in the settlement.  

You were very involved in covering yourself with as many as possible, offering a view to any passerby that showed interest.  Hazel sat next to Daddy until she figured out she could go in and out of the buildings a look around.  You showed a lot of strength going up and down the old stairs.

We all were fascinated by watching the blacksmith pump up the heat on some iron work he was molding into a fireplace poker.  We all talked his ear off while he hammered away.  The heat got to us about the time we were ready to leave so we sat down and had a slushy.  

A perfect way to end our fun and active afternoon together, until we saw the crazy tree hole.  We stopped the van and you and Hazel jumped in faster than I could help you.  Henry, you are calling it the pancake tree because you claim it smells heavily like maple syrup.  

I loved it and wished we could transplant the thing in our back yard. 

Thanks for the attention little skittles.  I love you both so much, and that hunky Dad of yours, too. 

Love, Mama