Old Friends

A long time ago (like, think back to July) five good friends went to the wine country. These friends grew up together in Denver, Colorado, but were spread out all over the United States now. Seriously...all over. They came from Denver, Walnut Creek, Dallas, Charlotte, and New York City. They invaded the little, quaint town of Sonoma with their boisterous and immature ways. The kind of immaturity that is brought on after drinking several bottles of wine together and god knows what else. And they laughed, and laughed, and laughed, until their stomachs hurt and they couldn't laugh anymore. And they made fun of each other like old friends do. Because who else understands weird quirks about you from high school? Who else knows that the boy who took you to Junior Prom may or may not have permed his hair? And then they poked fun of each other some more, until people started becoming sensitive and it was time to stop. After all, every one of them was beautiful, brilliant, witty, thoughtful, and talented!

They ate delicious Italian food, cheese by the ton, and yummy chocolate, followed by wine. Each morning they woke up chipper and ready to greet the new day...some more than others. They plugged in their hair straighteners, curling irons, and hairdryers until the hotel room heated up to 1 million degrees. They set out for their day with every hair and stitch of makeup in the right place, a nicely pressed summer dress, and the perfect heels. After a full day of wine tasting, they returned sweaty, stained, and looking, well, not quite as good. But that's okay. They put on their swim suits, grabbed their towels, and went off to the hot tub to offend more innocent hotel guests trying to enjoy a little peace and quiet.

They shared stories of their current adult lives, their careers, babies, dogs, husbands, and other topics. Oh, how times had changed! They cried, laughed harder, and gave each other encouragement and advice. They broke glasses, ordered more wine, more food, and continued to make fools of themselves.

And when the last day came and they were all sad and tired, they hated to say goodbye to one another. They put on their dark sunglasses to cover their bloodshot, hungover eyes, and held their heads high as they departed for their various cities. How thankful and truly blessed they all felt that such wonderful women were in their lives. There is nothing quite like an old friend. Until we meet again.

Tater is 10 Months

He came into the world at 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and now he tips the scales at 25. I hardly recognize that dark haired peanut in all the newborn pictures. No doubt he was handsome then, but I am just in love with the Gerber-like chubby baby that exists today. The more the merrier in my book when it comes to those cute, delicious rolls all over his legs. I just want to eat him all up. I know...I'm kind of a crazy nut lady. I sort of feel sorry for the woman who steals his heart away one day. You are mine, all mine!

To Be THREE

True to form, Ellie turned three on June 24th, but I decided to take the opportunity to write about it over two months later. You see, I felt like I needed a better idea of what this new age entails. How am I supposed to know what it's like to have a three year old without testing the waters for a couple months?

I thought I would ask the best source, Elizabeth Bucklew herself, what it's like to be three:

Mommy: Ellie, I'm going to ask you a few questions, okay?

Ellie: Maybe later, okay? (no, actually now would be a good time)

Mommy: What is your favorite color?

Ellie: Pink (this sometimes changes to brown, depending on her mood)

Mommy: What is Daddy's favorite color?

Ellie: Blue (this is true)

Mommy: What is my favorite color?

Ellie: RED!!! (It's Pink, but that's pretty close)

Mommy: Who is your best friend at preschool?

Ellie: Miss Julie came by my new classroom to say "hi." She said she misses me.

Mommy: I know how much you like Miss Julie. Who is your best friend at preschool?

Ellie: Jo Jo and Grayson (last week it was Owen and Sarah, but this really is a loaded question and probably something I shouldn't ask. It just sets someone up for hurt feelings, you know?)

Mommy: What did you do at school today?

Ellie: I had snack. I fell down on the playground. Then I had some ice and I was holding Mope, but I feel better now (thankfully her teacher already told me this).

Mommy: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Ellie: chocolate, vanilla, and chocolate chip (maybe we should have a lesson on the meaning of the word favorite).

Mommy: What is your favorite food?

Ellie: Cookies (I don't like this answer, but it's an interview and I should state the truth).

Mommy: What else?

Ellie: Chocolate (I don't like this answer either)

Mommy: What do you like to eat for dinner?

Ellie: Cantaloupe (not totally true, but thata girl!)

Mommy: What do you want to be for Halloween?

Ellie: Wags the Dog (a character from the Wiggles)

Mommy: I thought you wanted to be a ladybug?

Ellie: I thought I wanted to be Wags the Dog!

Mommy: What is Tate going to be for Halloween?

Ellie: An Elephant! I like Elephants! Do you like Elephants Mommy?

Mommy: Yes, I like elephants. What is your favorite animal?

Ellie: ummmmm.....my favorite animal is....ummmm....an elephant, a zebra, and a green frog (again, we should probably work on the word favorite).

*It is taking longer to answer questions and I can tell her attention span is fading quickly. This interview is over.

A few things about Ellie at age three:

Ellie has 7 "lovies" she sleeps with every night (Mope, Nola, Moochie Cat, Sophie, Peter Rabbit, Baby Elephant, and Halfie).

Her bedtime routine is ridiculous. She has many rituals.

Ellie loves to make up songs and has some very exaggerated dance moves to go along with them. I think she gets it from watching Barney.

Favorite shows are Barney, Sesame Street, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Little Einsteins

She likes to draw pictures of rainbows and cats, then asks for us to hang them around the house.

Did I mention she is obsessed with cats????

Ellie has a wild imagination, which has been interesting to watch develop in the past year. She likes to use the calculator as a phone and has very detailed conversations on it, usually with her Grandparents.

She loves to swim and we are very proud of her for doing so well with her lessons this summer.

Ellie prefers smaller groups and usually has a very shy nature. I find this interesting, because she is quite the opposite at home.

Favorite food is typically pasta (does mac and cheese count?)

Ellie likes to wear band-aids even when she doesn't need them. She asks to get her nails and toes painted often, wants to wear perfume, matches things to wear (which sometimes results in over-matching)

She is a very nurturing and sweet big sister. Tate thinks she is the funniest, most entertaining person to ever walk this earth.

Ellie likes to keep us on our toes and we are looking forward to what the next year brings. We love you Ellie and can't imagine the last three years without you in it.

xoxo