Family Time is Time Well Spent

DH had a whole week off for vacation, and rather than squander it with home projects and repairs (which we need and, well, we did do some of that), we decided to hit the road for some quality family time. While DH cut a fallen branch and mowed the yard and fixed his Jeep, I took Maisey and Evie to swim lessons at Krepps Park. On Monday we went with Maisey's friend to the Waynesburg pool, also known as Alpha Aquatic Park. We will definitely be going back to this gem of a place!

We spent a much needed afternoon at my friend's swimming and relaxing. And I even got my camera back. Of course, this picture was taken on my iPod.

Carnegie Museum

We met my Dad at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh on Wednesday. A great time. I was surprised because the girls loved the minerals and gemstones exhibit more than the dinosaurs. They literally screamed and squealed and jumped through each of the exhibits. It was hard not to laugh, but I think I heard DH tell Maisey that he pitied her future husband.

Some of their favorites.

The dinosaurs were fun too.

The girls enjoyed the dino dig.

Now where did I leave that fossil?

Have you seen my tools?

Historic Leesburg, VA

We enjoyed a quick two day trip to Leesburg, VA. DH did guy things, so the girls and I went antiquing. I found three or four pieces in the first shop that I've been looking for since last year. Like this table, that DH haggled down from a perfectly reasonable price (I thought) to a WOW I love it even more! price.

We really had fun in historic Leesburg visiting antique shops and spending time in their vintage closets. Playing dress up is still a big hit with the girls.

Even Daddy got in on the fun.

Given the choice, Maisey insisted we return home for birthday parties. I'm learning to let her have some control, and I think she was happy to see her friends at the parties. Besides, I am thinking of a weekend-long date with just DH in Leesburg in the near future.

I don't know how next week will go, but I'm hoping to transfer a few more sticks from the Fun Jar to the Done Jar.

Rush Rush Have Fun!

So much going on that I forgot when it all happened. So here's the scrambled egg version.

We swam and played at home.

Why don't my kids ever play with things they way they're expected to?

We had a Maisey N Mommy Date. Dinner consisted of the four food groups for Maisey.

Then a quick trip to the beauty salon.

We went to Idlewild.

We swam too, if you can call it that. Evie and I got a little wet (mostly sweaty) chasing Maisey around from slide to wave pool to slide, which we couldn't do because Evie is still just too young.

Waiting for Daddy to come home to tell him all about it.

Then, Evie and I had two days of dates. Maisey had a two-day Fairy Camp at the library. Evie and I had two days to relax, and Maisey had fun making fairy houses and fairy dream catchers.

Even just running errands is much more pleasant with just one child. Evie is a different person one on one, and it makes me sad sometimes. She's so sweet, and funny. And Maisey is silly and funny, and sneaky. I have to keep an eye on that. But they're oil and water some days. It would be more interesting to watch if I didn't have to break up so many fights.

We ate at the Blue Moose. We had gigantic waffles topped with strawberries and whipped cream.

We went camping. Exhausting fun!

Evie and her new friend Sophia coloring.

Donuts: The breakfast of campers.

The whole camping gang (not all shown) gearing up to play music.

Daddy taking the girls to the camp store for ice cream.

And now I need another nap. That was exhausting!