Mommy and Lula day...what to do?!

Girls Only Today...Again

Today is one of those especially tough days when Tim's been gone all week, and then has to leave again on Sunday. He got up early, before Lula was even awake, so he didn't have to leave the night before. Try explaining that to a 2.5 year old! We miss him already, but what is really hard for me, is knowing how much he misses us. We are so proud of him though, such a great role model for Lula.

This also leaves us with a big question, what will Lula and mommy do today??? It is actually going to be a nice day and we're so ready for spring! Perhaps we run some errands and play outside, or go to Stony Point or Short Pump mall where there are lots of things to explore outside (and inside for mommy). Church, gym, errands...and fun! Let's get our day started little lady :)

Waiting for Aunt A!

Our house is filled with anticipation...well, I think. I know I'm SUPER excited - Lula, well, it's hard to tell sometimes if she really "gets" that she is about to have company. Tim is on the road, so he will just be glad for me to have another adult to lean on. My sister, Amber, is coming in tonight! We saw her quite a bit on our last visit home in early August, but it is amazing how much Lula has already changed in that time period. Sometimes being so far away from your family makes time go by sooo slowly between visits, but we've all had a busy couple months...and thank goodness for Skype - but there is nothing like having Amber (or any family member or friend from home) here in person.

We're planning to have lots of fun! Lula's most recent obsession (aside from princesses and Fresh Beat Band) is all things Halloween, especially pumpkins...and spiders...and candy. The plan is to take Aunt A pumpkin picking this weekend - it's truly fall and we cannot wait to get out and enjoy the season!

Witching you a Happy Halloween!
Now let me count my suckers again...

Vacation is great....but returning to reality is tough!

Re-entry. Not the easiest thing in the world to do after a week off - and when you spend that week with long-distance family, it is even harder. We were glad to come home, sleep in our own bed, unpack our bags, etc. but it quickly sets in just how far we are from "home" and our family. And although Gram and Gramps are visiting this week to help us recover (my back went out late last week), it is just not the same as being "home" with everyone close at hand. PLUS, there is always someone willing to chase after Lula for us :)

We had a fantastic trip - spending time with all of our parents and siblings, as well as cousins and friends. Loved the opportunity to celebrate Papa Brett's retirement and Leah and Dave's wedding! Such a special time with all of the grandparents and almost every one of the Stamps kids there (we missed you Meg!!). Nothing like relaxing and eating.....and eating, and eating. Did I mention we did some eating??

Later in the week we took Lula to the St. Louis Zoo; and needless to say - she loved it! It was nearly 100 degrees, but with low humidity, we made a great day of it. Thankfully we had Gram, Gramps, and Grandmama to help us out. She is still telling us about the animals and asking to watch her animal videos every day.

To survive the heat we had a pool day at the Harre house, another big hit since swimming is right up there with animals on Lula's list of favorite things. We loved seeing her interact with all of our friends' children throughout the week; I think her and Kinley are going to raise geese together rather than go to college.

All-in-all it was a wonderful trip - bittersweet to be back in VA, but looking forward to our next visit in early August to celebrate Lula's 2nd birthday!

 To survive the triple-digit temps, we took to the water!

Duck farmers

 BFFs! 

Best way to end a vacation!

We are all worn out!

Luckily, Tim was doing mostly day trips this week, and again, my parents decided to come help out since I was having back issues. BUT, once again, they will all leave at nearly the same time, then it is me and baby girl, making it work on our own as daddy hits the road again.

Vacations are always too short...