Silly Girls playing with Auntie outside.
Future Cowgirl.
This weekend, I had the privilege of seeing my babies (except for the two big ones). I came home exhausted; pulled in every which direction, but I love every minute of it. If only I had more hands and arms to carry them in. Fighting over sitting next to me, holding them, and wanting me to stay the night with them. I really had to divide my time. Afton has been so close to me for years. All of my nieces and nephews have at one point in their life (I've been the cat's meow for them) and typically they grow out of it once they start to get a little more independent and don't want to be toted around on a hip anymore but Afton is still clinging to me. (Maybe cause she's still small enough to tote around on my hip). Either way, I could tell she was getting a little jealous and wanting to claim territory with me since Sophia was around and Sophie's finally to the age where she runs into Auntie's arms the minute she sees me and wants Auntie to do everything with her. So, I made it a point to take Afton on a special date with just me and her. In the summers I try to take all Grace's kids separately for a full date to somewhere cool; since I was living so close. Like, I've taken Gideon panning for gold, Abby on a trailed horse ride, Afton to Putz and Glow etc. but since I'm so far away, my options were limited this weekend; especially given that everything in Newcastle seems to be closing down. But we made due and headed to the HI-16 for ice cream and Italian sodas. She drank my Italian soda and ate all her ice cream, then she decided to cap off the night, she wanted a special fun drink from Mini Mart (or Loaf and Jug. whatever it's called now) So, I got her a HELLO KITTY fun container that was way overpriced and she was happy to get her special time with Auntie. My sister wasn't too happy the next day when she told me Afton peed the bed and attributed it to me letting her drink Italian sodas, and hello kitty drinks right before bed :) OOPS! That's what Auntie's do though.
As for Gideon, poor guy was so sick. I barely saw him and when I did he was like a ZOMBIE walking around. He couldn't even get to the table to eat with the fam. Poor guy. But, he was feeling better by the time I left.
Poor boy fast asleep.
As for Abby, she opted to stay at her cousin Meghan's house; which I had to take her to her house to get clothes and got voted to drop her off too. How do I get voted to do these things!?! So I didn't get to see her much, but when I did, she was all snuggled up with me.
And Sophie, well she stoled my bed so I had to sleep with her. I slept actually extremely well, but the absolute best part was the mornings. See, Sophie is extremely independent and rarely likes to be held, snuggled, or is not a touchy feely girl but on the run constantly. However, when she woke up, I remember stirring with her as well. She looked over to me and just cradled herself into my arms for almost a full hour before she wanted to get up. I just absorbed it as much as possible. We were even holding hands. I would look at her and she'd close her eyes real quick as if she was really asleep. Too cute. The best part was she actually is at the age where she knows Auntie and knew that Auntie would be sleeping with her that night and told Christopher she was waiting for me to come in. By the time I got in she was asleep but she promptly nestled right into my arms as soon as she woke up. What a special bonding moment. With every niece and nephew I can remember the first official time we actually had a sentimental bonding moment and this was it for us. My heart was so happy. And she did the exact same thing the next day.
Sophie and I waking up together :)
As for Dubs, We had a bonding moment in Laramie but not to the extent that I'm still waiting for. I mean, he's only 4 months. Dessa and my dad went on a "date" to the Newcastle movie theatre which I was originally invited to and then Dessa uninvited me so Chris and I were sent to baby duty. Dubs was crying downstairs and Sophie was yelling in the back bedroom. We were not very successful. But, I went down and gave Warren his binki and quieted him down. Chris says that I passed the test and can officially come as their nanny to California. But then, I went to Sophie's room and was singing her songs until Afton came in and disturbed the whole process; now Sophie standing on the bed wanting to play with her cousin so when I took her out to the living room because there was just no turning back at that point, Chris said I failed. Good thing I'm family. But come one! What else was I supposed to do. Options were limited at that point.
Missing Kaori and Icariah. You both hold such a special place as well in my heart. You all truly are my heart.
Jason after eye surgery. His eyes were open until the flash from the camera.
