Taking Our Last Bites Out Of Summer

Maliana ~

So, this week had some very sweet moments for sure. Maybe it's because it's the last week before you start the first grade and it's becoming more and more evident every day that you are growing up. Or maybe it's just one of those really good and touching weeks in our family. Either way...here are a few of them:

First, I got this endearing text from your Daddy this week...
Fwd: I can't stop thinking about you and Mali this morning.  I love you both so much.  I have been blessed with so many things in my life.  You and Mali are the best things a person could ever ask for.  I am so lucky.  Thank you for coming into my life Theresa.  You have no idea how much I appreciate you and Mali.

And just the night before, you and I shared a moment in the kitchen where you had wanted me to scoop you up and hold you. So we just hugged each other in the middle of the kitchen while I rocked you back and forth and rubbed your back with your little head resting on my shoulder. I could have stood like that forever with you, trying to freeze time and space. It just felt like a moment was being made between us somehow. I loved every second.

You lovingly offered to help me spread mulch on another night...

And I also got this message from your teacher this week:

Special Message

Mali gave some really good examples of how to be a good friend today during our group discussion.

When I asked you what you shared with the class about how to be a good friend, you told me, "Talk about your feelings." I love that you are aware of the importance of staying in touch with your inner life and that of your friends.

So many precious moments. Love them all.

As for our adventures this week, I think I've mentioned it before but this summer has been unseasonably cool and fabulous for enjoying the outdoors. Lao Lao came over one night and you, Lao Lao, Audrey and I went for a walk/bike ride. As you can see...it was a truly gorgeous evening with time spent with some of my most cherished people.

Since this week held the last Friday before school starts, I took the day off work and enjoyed it at the zoo with you and Audrey Ayi. It was packed with people who must have had the same idea as us, but we got to beat back the crowds and check out the new Heart of Africa exhibit and feed the stingrays (a summer favorite). You crashed out on the way home and it gave Audrey and I a chance to drive around some country roads and talk about whatever was weighing on our minds. It was really nice. There's something I find so therapeutic about driving; combining that with talking to one of my best lifelong friends felt like perfection. There's nothing like being able to be completely honest and accepted just as you are by another person. I hope you can find friendships as fun, understanding, and supportive in your lifetime. However, recalling the tip you mentioned at school about how to be a good friend, I think you're well on your way because one of the most important steps on finding good friends is knowing how to be a good friend first.

you made everyone else at this exhibit chuckle by announcing:
"Ok, everyone. This is your captain. Buckle up!" 

petting the stingrays

face painting

a shark!

before the sparkles were added...evidently
having a shark on your face is serious business

Saturday morning we had another family snuggle-fest in bed before getting up. You were extra excited and in rare form because on that particular day you were headed to have a sleepover with your cousins at Memaw and Papaw's house. You must have asked me ninety million times when you were leaving to go over there and so I set the stove timer so you could do the countdown yourself and I was off the hook for having to answer that God forsaken question one more time. Well...this is what I came back into the kitchen to see about 2 minutes after that timer was set.

a little excited, are we?

The next morning, it was evident that you clearly had an amazing time at your sleepover because you were a giddy little chatterbox when we met you with Memaw and Papaw at Bob Evans. You saw us walk in and raced to us as fast as your little legs could carry you. It was an awesome hello after a night apart! Then as we ate lunch, Papaw and Memaw shared story after story of the silliness that all four of you girls cooked up together. Many of the stories involved you and Sammy, or "Thelma and Louise" ~ a nickname that you both earned during this sleepover. Don't worry...I'll get to that in a second. First, while riding to Easton with Papaw and Sammy, a toy blue-tooth device must have been in the car with you because you pulled it out and pretended to call Memaw and then call the police, telling on Papaw for "eating and driving". You told the imaginary police, "Yes, my papaw is eating and driving. (...) Mmm-hmm. (...) Oh, I know that's bad!" Evidently, after you got off the phone with the imaginary police, Papaw told you girls that if you got him in trouble and arrested by the police, then you wouldn't have any way to get home. Sam immediately piped up with, "Oh yes we would!" and then proceeded to tell him, "Mali and I can drive ourselves home. Right, Mali?!" to which you replied, "Yeah, I can steer and you can do the pedals!" Clearly all of this scheming cracked Papaw up and gave you both the official nickname of "Thelma and Louise". It also made us all realize that the two of you might need a little closer supervision in the years ahead. Lord, help us!

"Thelma and Louise" mug shot

I hope Memaw packed some detangler for Sam's hair!

you two have been sitting in these little ottomans since
you were practically babies...and you still fit today!

all of the cousins plus a couple of random neighbor kids and their dog

thanking Memaw and Papaw for hosting all of you
crazy girls the night before

After we got home, we did some work around the house, relaxed for a bit, enjoyed some watermelon, and then Daddy took you to go swimming at Uncle Joe and Aunt Tina's while I got some of our weekly shopping done. By the time you got home, you were pretty tuckered out. Squeezing every last drop out of summer is hard work!

mmm...watermelon!

Love,
Mama