the beach.

A couple of weekends ago when it was G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S out, Ry & I took Hads & Rudy to Kirkland for a run, some coffee, some playtime, ice cream, and some much needed R&R. It was fabulous....until of course, our little one came in contact with the sand. And then all spaziness happened. She's so weird. We kept trying to bribe her to play like the normal kids...but no such luck, not even a candy treat could get that kid to go barefoot in the dreaded, awful sand. She's a particular little one, and before you worry that autism is in her future, just stop...I've googled it, and I think we're fine...for now.

row, row, row your boat.

A few weekends ago we went rode a ferry boat to Nana and Pa's boat. Hadley was in 'big boat' heaven. Every boat we ever see is called 'NanaPa's boat'...and then quickly changed to 'my boat'. Hads, maybe we'll get the boat in the will sister, just keep suckering 'em with those smiles.

First Ferry Boat ride.

We do not leave home without a Fancy Nancy book. The girl is obsessed.

Loved the arcade, no coins needed.

Some photo ops.

Nana met us on the otherside, and Hadley was ecstatic (that's a fancy word for happy).

Ry with a beer, because that's what you do on boats...right? Who cares that it was 9:30am...this is boat-life people.

All amped up for a dingy ride.

The boat excitement was a little too much for this gal. She fell asleep in Nana's lap on the dingy and continued to sleep on the boat for a good 2 hours, while the rest of us enjoyed the rays and few cold ones. Ahhhh!

We're kinda like Einstein...only smarter.

We brought this lil' puppy to the M's game the other night, and well, I pretty much felt like we should have been hoisted up on people's shoulders. We've finally got this parenting thing down. Distract those little SOB's, at all costs necessary. I know, I know, her brain is going to rot, but that will take much longer than the severe head trauma I would inflict by shaking her for the sake of a little peace and quiet. Even if it's only for 20 minutes (the peace and quiet, not the shaking).

Playdate with Nana.

The other day we met Nana at the park. This gal is a phenom, she totes these three kids around like it's nothing. Most the time she's so quick with any and every thing, they don't even know what's hit them. And one thing is for sure, they are all smiles all the time with Nana around.

I am hoping Lauren dressed herself...between the tummy shirt that says 'don't make me call my grandma' and the dark pink socks with her light pink Keens, she is dire need of a visit from Stacy and Clinton.

Hadley didn't want to walk so she hopped on the front of Benny's stroller. Thinking Nana taught her this time-saving trick.

The boys.

I have no shame.

So try to divert your attention from the fact that I look like I am on huge doses of prednisone (with my gigantic moon face), or that I look like I have microcephaly (really big word for really small head), or that I look like a lemur...can you get past all of that? Just focus on my baby blues...ummm, this morning better known as my big, crusty, bright, pinks. That's right I woke up the other day with bilateral conjunctivitis (double pink eye for the layman). But hey, it got me out of work for a day and gave me a whole new appreciation for hand hygiene. Maybe I really should start singing the ABC's while washing...instead of faking it like I usually do.

Super-fudge.

My girl finally has enough hair for pigtails (aka fudgies)...I've died and gone to heaven. As soon as I put them in, Hadley went right to the bathroom, stepped up on her little stool, looked in the mirror, and proclaimed 'I so pretty Mama!' Yes babe, you are, and I love your friggin' guts!

Sorry, had to show them to you from every angle. Kind of can't get over them.

We are a white trash inspiration.

Got the arm tat, the belly tat, and next the tramp stamp. Got the feathered locks, the beer belly and the black wife beater. All we're missing is a car up on blocks in the front yard, a cigarette hanging from her mouth, and a can of Spam. Oh, and a Kent address.

To Joc's house we go.

I would say we visit Joc at least once a week. It's fun to live vicariously through her. Her house is constantly clean, it always smells AMAZING, she's usually in her cute little workout clothes (that are getting much too big I must say), and has about a million and one new projects that she enthusiastically shares with me. She's such a breath of fresh air, in my sometimes, monotonous life. This particular day, when Hadley woke up from her nap, I said "Hey kid, want to go to Jocie's house." She looked at me very serious and said, "Cookie Joc?". "Yes, Cookie Joc" (check here to understand). Next thing I know, she is waiting by the garage door yelling "Mama, I ready." As I come downstairs I am absolutely dying to see that Hadley has rounded up all of this loot all on her own. Either she wants to make quite an impression on Boss by showing off her favorite things, or she remembered that there isn't sh*t to play with at her house.

*in tow: Mariners hat, monkey watch, rainboots, two babies, baby carrier, vest, snacks, & stickers.

What do these two have in common?

...hopefully not the same BAC %.

Happy Mama's Day.

A day late a dollar short, I know, the story of my life. Although Mom's day was over a week ago, I am still basking in the glory of such a fun-filled, spoil me rotten, and don't forget the presents, kind of day. Started off with the sun shining, a 'short' run (just me & Rudy), and meeting up with Hadley and Ryan at Starbucks. Much to my surprise, Ryan went the sneaky route, and presented me with a massage & facial that was scheduled to take place in the next hour. Now getting a massage is always nice, but having it scheduled for you and not having to make arrangements for someone to watch the babe and, more importantly, not having to talk to a stranger on the phone to make the actual appointment...pure bliss.

Then we headed to UVillage for lunch with my mom, a little shopping, fun at the playground, a time-out, ice cream, Ryan got hit, another time-out, and a quiet car ride home.

And no, it's not over yet, next we went to Val's for a BBQ, some beers, and cold-stone cupcakes.

AH...PERFECTION.

Oh two year olds...you gotta love them. I don't, necessarily, but someone must. Don't worry, although she did this a whole lot of the day, I didn't let her steal my thunder.

Twenty-something? I wish.

Remember when we were in college and Cinco De Mayo was a national holiday just like Christmas or a birthday? Well I wanted to feel that way again, so I got rid of the baby, invited my 'always up for anything' best gal out, and we did it up 'el grande'! However, a few Dos Equis into the afternoon, I realized I could not get over what tramps the tequila shot girls looked like, how embarrassed their poor parents must be, and how abhorred I'd be if my dear sweet Hadley was ever such a hussy...needless to say, I was kind of a buzz kill. That, and the fact that I was home safe and sound, in my bed, teeth brushed, face washed, by 8pm...really made me realize that I am OLD. And maybe a little bit lame. But at least my daughter is not a whore.

Opposites attract.

A few weeks ago, we met up with Madeline and Auntie Lis to celebrate Maddies second birthday. We went to the dogpark (Mad's favorite) and had lunch at U-Village. It was quite a treat. And the girls had a fabulous time.

Sizing eachother up at the park.

In the thick of things. Hadley kept yelling 'no doggie, sit!" and Madeline was just giggling, even when she got knocked over. Then when Maddie got up and was covered with mud, Hadley just looked at her yelling 'uh-oh Mads'. They are such opposites.

These two girls COULD NOT be more differant. Madeline is a fearless maniac, Hadley is like a pair of safety scissors. I love how cautious she is in the picture and how Madeline is practically in the lake chucking rocks.

A birthday smooch.

And a great big cupcake, for a teeny tiny gal.

What was he thinking?

A. Big nuclear power plant

B. Ryan (the father of my next future child).

If our next baby comes out with three heads, 26 arms, and fourteen eyes, at least we'll know why. No more bike races in Hanford...for the love!

the DO'S & the DON'TS...of a wedding.

So my best friend Joc is getting married in a little over two months...YIKES, that's close. As I was searching my picture folders for something to post on this god-forsaken blog, I came across some old wedding photos. Perfect! A little wedding advice for the new bride-to-be. Listen closely JB...

DON'T wear your hair in cornrows. Unless you are using gold teeth as an accent.

DO have a post wedding huddle with your besties...maybe even a cheer.

DON'T let your lame photog take any hideous pictures like this...with you in front and your dorky parents blurred, albeit hugging in the background.

DO have pies. Lots and lots of pies...made from scratch.

DON'T let your dad forget his tux pants. It's starts off the day a little hectic and unpleasant

DO make sure your bridesmaids dresses don't give them rope burn. Blisters and raw skin make for some gross memories.

DON'T ever have pictures taken of your feet if your second AND third toes are longer than your big toe. Just ugly.

DO grab your man's ass. Very wedding appropriate.

DON'T pick out tuxes that make the groomsmen look like Lego-men.

DO act this thrilled to see every single guest...it's not over-the-top at all.

DON'T...have I mentioned the cornrows?

DO get married in a barn. Makes the Bud Light served in cans absolutely fitting....but don't go overboard and have chew spitters, there's a fine line between a tasteful and just tacky.

DON'T forget to eat. Anorexia is not becoming of a bride-to-be...no 'cushion for the pushin', if you know what I mean.

DO marry the cutest little gap toothed blond boy you can find.

DON'T ever have a photo where you look like an NFL lineman and your husband looks like a petite woman.

DO serve the wedding party endless libations before the big event...or just flasks of vodka (hint, hint). A wedding not remembered means it was a good one.