I just want to scream

Alright. I'm not optimistic by nature but lately I've really been trying to stay positive and hope the good energy I put out there will make a few things that are typically challenging for me a little less. Especially, when it comes to parenting.
That wasn't my fortune today. I scheduled portraits for the kids today knowing that Zoe is VERY reluctant to have them done. Strangers, new places, meeting our friends that we have known for years for lunch-well they all throw Zoe for a loop. It is getting better but she still has her days.
The person taking the portraits was friendly and tried so hard to get Zoe to do the pictures. There were promises of balloons, stickers, and suckers. I myself, one who never believes in bribing as a tactic to get my child to do something, told Zoe last night that she would get a special treat if she was very helpful and did her pictures like a big girl. I knew about 2 minutes into this whole mess that Z was going to be Z. She wasn't going to do the damn pictures. I tried my best to move beyond it and focus on the success of H's first portraits. But really I was just so mad that Zoe wouldn't stand up there for a few brief moments and get her picture taken in this very cute dress my mother sent her for her birthday. So there ended up being talk of how disappointed I was and how we would have to tell Daddy about how she behaved. As we were exiting the mall all the exciting things she had asked about seeing or doing on the way in, I shot down as we passed them again saying, "Girls who don't get their picture taken don't get to ride on coin operated airplanes."
I'm laughing as I type this now but I assure you I was just trying so hard not to break down crying from frustration at the moment. Why? All this for some silly photograph. I have hundreds of beautiful photographs of Zoe. Now that a few hours have passed, I have a little better perspective on the whole issue.
This is the deal about Zoe. She puts her whole heart into everything she does. She gives it all 150%. Just like she puts her whole heart into being a great big sister, or learning to do some fancy trick while flying through the air on the couch...she put her whole heart into not wanting that picture taken today.
I LOVE her for that!

Simple Pleasures

We are loving our lush new lawn! Previously we would do all our water play in the front yard. Our backyard was nothing more than a dust bowl. Now we can play in privacy away from the street. It's SO nice!

There's a Protestor Here

Sometimes dinner is a pleasure. The food is delicious and Zozo gives a loud YUM after each bite. Tonight the food was great but Zozo wasn't too jazzed up about it. Here are a few great one-liners I can recall from dinner.

Why don't you stop talking about eating the steak and actually start eating it? Mommy
If you don't eat your dinner, you won't get a popsicle. (This was said about 10 times) Mommy
I'm adorable. Zozo
Gagging while taking a bite of steak. Zozo
Why don't you just relax and eat your dinner? Mommy This was my response to Zozo asking if she could go upstairs and play with Henry. I'm still not sure why I gave this answer.

Old Friends

We had some very exciting guests at the end of this week. Heather, Kennedy, and Caden came to Austin for a few days. They came over Thursday evening along with some other friends we haven't seen in a while. Caden and Zoe had a great time playing outside in the playhouse and they of course ended up in their bathing suits.
Kennedy was all over the place! She was up and down the stairs, babbling nonstop, and flashing those beautiful gray eyes. It was a treat to finally get the opportunity to spend time with Kennedy.
Little Penelope was busy getting her beauty rest most of the evening and she was super cute in her 4th of July outfit. Henry got lots of snuggles from Angie.
It was a real joy to spend time with our friends who share so many memories. Life gets so busy we don't do it enough.

Creamsicle

Do you remember those great Popsicles with the ice cream inside? Zoe and I enjoyed purple Popsicles after a great morning swimming at a local Austin pool. Henry even splashed around a bit. It was the perfect way to spend a sizzling Austin summer day.

Love Thy Neighbor

Those of you keeping up with the fly bag saga will be interested to know we returned from our trip and the bag was gone. Victory!

Holiday Road

We spent the 4th at my parents house on the lake. Rhett's family came and we had a super time. The kids swam and played all day! We took the boat out Saturday night for the big fireworks show over the lake. Unfortunately, there was a computer problem with the folks heading up the show. After waiting an hour and a half for the big fireworks to start we had to pack it up. It was a great weekend. Rhett stayed in his bathing suit the whole time and Zoe didn't need her shoes once!