Mommies Have Rough Days Too

Dear Kathyn,

Today I got mad at you for spilling a Coke on the floor after you hadn't been listening. I was frustrated and grumpy because my new computer was acting up and I placed my anger on the wrong thing. Yes...you've had trouble listening today, but I'm sorry I yelled at you and sent you to your room. Mommies have rough days too. I love you though now and always.

Love,
Mommy

Piano Lessons

Kathryn had her first piano lesson today! When did she become old enough for that?!?!? Her teacher's name is Ms. Lisa and Kathryn did great! Ms. Lisa mentioned a few times it was hard to believe she was only three because of her ability to stay focused and the strength in her fingers. She was also impressed with her knowledge of letters and numbers. As we were walking out, Kathryn said, "That was so much fun!" I really hope she loves piano!

Getting acquainted.

Ms. Lisa wrote the note names on the fingers they should be played with. Kathryn though that was pretty cool.

Then they practiced playing each note with those fingers.

Growing Up

Tonight was one of those moments I had to write down so I will remember it. Ever since Kathryn was a little baby, we've sung the song "Playmate" to her right before she went to sleep. We'd read a book and then rub her arm, back or head while singing it. She didn't even seem to mind that I have a terrible voice. She often would say, "Again," and she we'd have to sing it 2-3 times before she'd let us leave.

Tonight was a different story. We read "Skippyjon Jones", which she thought was hilarious and then I started tickling her head and started singing. She said, "Don't." I asked her if she wanted me to sing to her and she replied, "No. Kids go right to sleep." I felt tears in my eyes, but I smiled and kissed her forehead, holding my lips there a little longer than usual and told her I loved her and then walked out.

There were nights I couldn't stand singing it over and over and now it may never happen again. I hope tomorrow she'll let me sing it.

This girl is growing up.

Arizona Summer

We went to Arizona on July 1 for 10 days. We always have so much fun with our family!

Katie was kind enough to drive from Mesa with Ellie and Owen!

We went to Tombstone. Andrew and Kathryn turned into outlaws!

My cousin, Carolyn and her family drove down from Las Vegas for the 4th of July. Kathryn loved playing with Lilly and Maddie.

Kathryn loved playing in the flooded streets after the monsoons!

Kathryn and Andrew playing in the water.

Gangy made them both Paw Patrol pillows!

Our second day there, Kathryn and I went up to Ramsey Canyon for a walk together.

Ramsey Canyon

Ramsey Canyon

They loved playing "School".

Kathryn and Bosco who wasn't feeling good. Unfortunately, we had to put Bosco down during our visit. He was 18 years old. He was a great cat.

Andrew and Kathryn by the San Pedro River.

The sunsets are often spectacular in Arizona, but this night's was unbelievable.

On our stagecoach ride in Tombstone.

Tarin, Carolyn, Dave and I took a hike deep into Ramsey Canyon. It was beautiful.

Cousin fun!

We took a drive up to Chirachaua National Monument. That place always amazes me.

Kathryn and Pop Pop

Kathryn getting creative with her tub toys.

Brain Freeze!

Today Kathryn experienced her first brain freeze! We went to Wendy's for lunch and after we ate, we got frosties.  As she was eating hers, she suddenly but her head down and put her hand on her forehead. She said, "I have a fever!  My head hurts!" Then she came over and buried her head in my chest.  I had to explain to her about brain freezes and she didn't seem impressed.

Donut Nightmares

Kathryn woke up at 4am crying frantically. I went in to check on her and she was climbing out of her bed to come sleep with me. When I spoke with her this morning about what had made her so upset, she proceeded to tell me she'd gone to Dunkin' Donuts and everyone had eaten all the donuts.  There were no donuts for her.  She was very upset about this and asked if she could get a donut. I felt bad and wanted to reassure her so I asked if we could get one at the Baker's Dozen since it's on the way, but she insisted it had to be Dunkin'.  We were pressed for time like we always are in the morning and there was a very long line in the drive-thru, so we went inside. I told the young girl behind the counter about Kathryn's nightmare and she was very sympathetic, reassuring Kathryn they would always have donuts. Kathryn asked if they had star donuts like at Christmas. The girl said they didn't, but they had heart donuts and she'd give Kathryn the biggest one she had. Kathryn was very happy she got her heart donut. Now she's insisting we need to go get donuts and eat them inside DD.  This girl cracks me up.

Spring Dress

Neena sent Kathryn the most beautiful dress for Easter. It was a gorgeous day today so we decided to head out to the backyard and get pictures.  I still don't know how we created such a stunning little
girl.

Lunch in Maine

A few weeks back,  Mom and I were watching Diners, Drive Ins and Dives and they featured Bob's Clam Hut in Kittery,  Maine.  I really wanted to try it, so Danielle,  Kathryn and I headed up there.  The weather was gorgeous.  The fried clams and lobster stew were delicious.  Then we headed over to Nubble Lighthouse in York.  Kathryn loved climbing on the rocks and Danielle was great about toting her around.  I had to pee so badly though and all the bathrooms were closed because it's still "off season". Ridiculous!  I found a Porta Potty at a construction site luckily and a potential crisis was averted!