Friends and Family

Maliana ~

Monday morning brought some chuckles as I was reminded of a conversation from the night before. Here it is, as posted on Facebook:
~ I kept wondering why Mali was so against wearing short shorts for summer...she only likes the longer, more baggy kind. I thought it was a comfort thing. Then last night this happened while she was trying on a new pair of slightly shorter (than her usual) shorts, and it all makes sense:
Mali: "Mom, they're too short."
Me: "No, they're not."
Mali: "Yes, they are. I might get in trouble at school." (aka daycare)
Me: ???
Mali: "If my shirt is too long, everyone will think I'm going commando!"
#thankyoudaycareforthenewvocabword

While the day started with some chuckles, it unfortunately took a turn for the worse. Daddy and I got some phone calls from you at work. Evidently two of the kids at daycare are royal pains in the butt and had really upset you enough to want to reach out and talk to both Daddy and me. Our hearts broke for you, not only because you're our baby and this life lesson is so painful to watch, but also because we can remember all too well how much it hurts to deal with the "mean kids" at school (and in life). I reached out for support (in my own ways) in trying to gather ideas on how best to help you (which I will post in a separate blog entry later). When I picked you up from daycare, I took you to Easton for some ice cream at Jeni's and we read a few of the anti-bullying storybooks that I'd checked out from the library that afternoon, ending with a trip to the Lego store. I may not have solved a lot that afternoon, but ice cream and Legos do help at least a little. I also hope that these small gestures, along with our listening ears and continuing conversations about it all, help you realize that we are here for you, in good times and bad, no matter what. You've got Daddy and I's support. Always.

salty caramel and buttermint flavors ~ yum!

The ice cream wasn't the only thing melting that afternoon either. If you recall, that day was the day that you wore what you felt to be "too short" shorts (remember the "commando" conversation?). In the bathroom at Jeni's you told me, "Mom, I don't want to be rude but..." and then proceeded to discuss how your shorts felt too short and basically made you feel uncomfortable. You were so concerned about hurting my feelings, repeatedly telling me that you didn't want to make me sad or be rude, since I was the one who had bought you the shorts in the first place. Geesh, kid. Your sincerity and thoughtfulness truly melt my heart sometimes.

The rest of the week thankfully went much better at school. In fact, I got this picture from daycare one day with a note that said you had told a classroom visitor that you were going to migrate someplace warmer. Ha ha.

pirate cowboy?

Then you got to spend some fantastic daddy/daughter time as well...putt-putting and Knight's Ice Cream. You got 3(!), count 'em 3(!!), holes in one and even (legit) beat Daddy by one stroke!!! Yahoo!! You rock, Mali Ollie!!

hole in one on hole 6 for the 6 year old! 

We also attended a free concert at the Commons this week...our friend/neighbor Jess (aka Tha Game Masta) was performing with another band (The Conspiracy Band) during their show. She did so great and it was a fun evening with all of us neighbors from the 'hood out to support her along with her friends and family. You are a fan of hip hop and rap so your eyes were glued to her the entire time she was performing. If you weren't so tired, you just might have started to pop 'n lock...who knows? Ha.

Tha Game Masta

With only a few weeks before school starts again (gasp!), I decided use some vacation time and spend the day with you getting your school supplies and (trying to get) clothes. Before I go any further, let me just say it was an awesome day and I thoroughly enjoyed hangin' with you. You chatted up a storm and joked around all day, even in your more tired moments, you still were full of sweetness and light.

messages for Mom in the morning dew
#Iloveyou

We went to speech, then picked up your new glasses (eep!), then went to Meijer to get your school supplies (which you carefully hand-picked each one), and then headed to Polaris to see if we could find some new school clothes for you. We weren't able to get as many items as I had hoped due to the fact that you have a very particular taste and it's hard to find anything for you in the typical department stores. You're an interesting mix of eclecticism, kiddo. For example, here are a couple of things that peaked your interest while school clothes shopping:

this was on mega sale and you lit up, so naturally we had to buy it. you got the biggest kick out of trying it on and told me that you were now a "professional inklin'". we finally figured out that that is some sort of 'science person' and you are excited to wear this suit ("to big events, like baby showers and weddings") and are currently searching for 'workin' man' shoes to go with it. (oh my, what will you think of next??)

I guarantee that you would be the only
Hulk in first grade!

After shopping, I had promised to take you to the Lego store so you could use your own money to build 3 little Lego people for which you came up with the ideas for them all on your own; they are a "workin' man", a doctor, and a Beastie Boy. Ha. You crack me up, little one.

After that, we headed back up to Polaris to have a late lunch with Uncle Blaize who we haven't seen in way too long. You were very excited to spend some time together and I really enjoyed chatting with him about all sorts of things. Daddy and I think very highly of him and as you can see by the picture below, so do you.

I love how you're looking up at him

Saturday morning we headed out for an early play-date at the playground with your buddy, Jocelyn, and her mom and brother, Dylan. You had a lot of fun, telling me as we walked out to the car afterwards, "They are really good friends, Mom". So sweet.

"Mom, can we go on an adventure by ourselves?"

Almost as soon as we got home you headed back out to a friend's birthday party at the World of Bounce. Daddy volunteered to take you so that I could get some grocery and school shopping done. Actually, I think he just wanted to go and enjoy the party too since I heard later that he not only bounced and slid right along with you kids, but also entertained everyone with his "magic marble". Once a kid, always a kid when it comes to your daddy. Ha.

Sunday morning we woke up and you went directly into your rooms and began cleaning them, without me even reminding you once that this is your new chore on Sunday mornings. I was impressed and you were so proud to show off your handiwork when done. Then, to add a cherry on top, you even asked if you could help me with the laundry. Such a big kid nowadays.

That afternoon, we met Memaw, Papaw, Uncle Kevin, Aunt Beth, and your cousins at Cracker Barrel for lunch, then headed out to your cousins' house for some playtime. You miss all of them and were so tickled to get invited to come out to their house. It was a really nice visit, as usual. Always nice to see the fam bam.

checkers with Alex, Joey, and Sammy

you girls are the apples of your grandparents' eyes

"we moustache you a question..."
(your first intentional selfie)

getting good and dirty in Sam's sandbox

Later that night, Lalie came home from her week long trip to the Outer Banks with her volleyball team. You were as excited to see her as she was to be home. You headed next door to play mancala with them and hang out, thrilled when Lalie told you that mancala was her favorite game too! You adore this family so much.

welcome home, Lalie!

Nothing like friends and family...especially nice when the two become one. We're so lucky.

Love,
Mama