Ladybug Rain Boots

Is there anything better in this world than a pair of shoes specifically designed to allow you to stomp in puddles while keeping your feet dry? My daughter would answer that question with an emphatic and resounding, "No!" One of our dear friends from DC gave these cute ladybug galoshes to Bryn for her birthday, and she absolutely adores them. On our way home from the library this morning, Bryn noticed the snow was starting to melt (wahoo!) creating a nice little stream of runoff water in the gutters. After much begging and pleading, I finally agreed that while Hudson took his afternoon nap, we could go outside and stomp in some icy cold water.

Bryn grabbed her ladybug boots and her best friend, Momma Monkey, and headed outside. She must have walked up and down our street about fifteen times just kicking and prancing in the water. The air was punctuated by giggles and an occasional shriek if some of the water happened to land on her skin.

It never ceases to amaze me how it is the little things in life that bring the greatest joy. I could have planned a whole afternoon with activities, toys, and projects to keep my toddler entertained. But, as it turns out, the only requirements for an amazing afternoon was some ice cold water and a pair of ladybug rain boots.

Cousins

People say Grandma's house is the place cousins go to become best friends. Well, for these three little hooligans, it didn't take long for them to become inseparable. The other night Nate and I went out sans children and it was wonderful. I stole these pictures from my sister-in-law Erin. When I asked her how the night went, she replied, "It was easy. The three of them entertained each other the entire night."

But what would a night with cousins be if there weren't a few injuries to report? Apparently, my daughter can be pretty vicious with a bat. I would like to think she was using it with some sort of skill or purpose, but realistically I am sure she was waving it around like a wand and accidentally conked Hudson with it. Liam, who is a wild little daredevil, just finished a nosedive off the chair. This is his "I'm-not-sure-what-went-wrong look."

Despite a couple minor incidents, I was told the kids got along great. They played together so well that Liam told his mom to get lost a few times. I firmly believe behind closed doors and away from the watchful eyes of the parents, the kids swap stories and tips on how best to terrorize their parents. Trust me, they are pros at it.

Eventually bedtime rolled around for the younger boys and the real fun began. Nate and I arrived back a little after midnight and found these two curled up in bed together. The next morning all throughout breakfast, Bryn chattered non-stop about the 'girls' night' she had with Erin after the boys went to sleep. I think somedays it is a little hard being the only Burk granddaughter, but last night Bryn didn't mind one bit. Bryn emphasized that she was the only one who got to paint her nails and got to stay up late to watch a princess movie. Being the oldest and the only girl definitely has its perks. 

Don't Let Me Forget

So I have a confession: my kids drive me nuts on a regular basis. 

My daughter insists on dressing herself and rarely matches or plans appropriately for the weather. My son is now a mobile human vacuum. They both get "hangry" (angry when they are hungry) and often like to torment each other for no reason at all. They hate to pick up their toys and Bryn can't keep track of her shoes to save her life.

So when we have one of those full blown I-am-going-to-pull-my-hair-out kinda days, I try to remember these are the little things I will one day miss.

Please don't let me forget Bryn thinks gummy bears and cold cereal are perfectly good toppings for frozen yogurt. 

Please don't let me forget the way Bryn crinkles her nose when she doesn't like the way something tastes. In this particular case, Cap'n Crunch doesn't go well with strawberry frozen yogurt.

Please don't let me forget, how something as simple as a Ring Pop can turn an ordinary trip to the grocery store into "the best day ever."

Please don't let me forget my daughter's amazing sense of style. I hope she never loses that self-confidence. Don't let me forget my son's love for food. Even when he becomes a teenager and my grocery bill skyrockets, don't let me forget that I once laughed at his voracious appetite.

Please don't let me forget about that mop of curls on top of her head. Despite my best efforts to style it, don't let me forget her favorite way to wear it was wild and unkept. Don't let me forget, she referred to it is as, "crazy hair," and would cry every time we threatened to cut it.

Please don't let me forget, Bryn and Hudson share a unique bond. Don't let me forget those conversations which included, "Hudson. . . . you are my life. I love you." Please don't let me forget Bryn's theatrics, no matter how exasperating they sometimes are. After all, life is rough when you are nearly three years old. 

Please don't let me forget her fascination with princesses and all things that glitter and sparkle. Don't let me forget her little "stink bug" position she slips into when she is trying to fight off sleep or engrossed in a movie.

Please don't let me forget about Hudson's sloppy open-mouth kisses. Please don't let me forget how much Hudson loves to cuddle. Don't let me forget the sound of their laughter.

Please don't let me forget about Hudson's chubby cheeks. Kiss and squeeze those babies every chance you get.

And lastly, please don't let me forget about these smiles. Don't let me forget how quickly time passes and to savor each day spent with my babies. As time goes on, I will forget about the tantrums. I will forget about the smudge marks on the walls and the spaghetti strewn about the kitchen. I will forget about the sleepless nights with a teething toddler. I will forget about the hellish nightmare known as potty-training. Just please don't let me forget about all the little everyday things because that is the stuff I want to remember.

Static Electricity

It is amazing how many laughs can be derived from a little bit of static electricity. The kids decided to play on the bed while I was folding laundry one day. Bryn kept pulling the blankets over her head creating a little fort for her and Hudson to hid in. After pulling back the blanket, Hudson's hair looked like porcupine quills causing Brynlee to burst into fits of giggles. Hudson thought this was hysterical and would laugh, causing me and Bryn to laugh even harder.

And just like that, the laundry was forgotten. It would still be there, just like it is every other day. But instead of worrying about my "to-do" list, instead I chose to live in the moment. An impromptu wrestling match in a pile of blankets with my babies trumps laundry any day of the week.