They play all by themselves - and they have fun.  I love to put my ear to the door, and listen to their imaginations and conversations.  Harper is pretty convincing, and is working on her leadership skills (it's not 'bossy' - it's 'leadership').  Bennett is pretty patient, and quite good at getting his way - by convincing others it was their (her) idea.

They called for "MOM!" about 45 minutes in, and begged me to take a picture.  They even had the caption ready:               

JUST HANGIN' OUT

"Will you dog sit?" was the question posed by my parents.   They had a wedding to attend, and then dad's 100 year fraternity reunion extravaganza.

Here's what I heard: "Will you come to beautiful Rose Lake, while the leaves are at peak color and the high temperature is 70*, and the bar has been recently stocked?  Will you be sure to grill the fresh cut ribeye, and make sure Dora the Explorer is still running smoothly? Will you watch HBO on our new fancy 4D TV and have the entire lake and house all to yourself?  Oh, and keep an eye on the dog?"

Oh, I suppose.

Homecoming Week at ORE

 Monday: Crazy Hair Day

Tuesday:  Hat Day

Wednesday: Crazy Sock Day

Thursday: Dress Your Best Day (B was really happy that morning.)

Friday: Saber Day

Surprise! Boo!

For the past few months, Mr. Party Planner (aka AP) and Big Pappy have been planning the party of a decade.  There have been countless deleted texts and emails, even more secret conversations, and even MORE quick exchanges when the she left the room - but they pulled it off!  Boo had no idea (but really - an evening of bowling with the entire family - didn't seem like a super weird way to spend your birthday??) and we celebrated the 4th decade of our favorite Boo Boo.

For T's birthday, we got to spend a weekend away.  We headed to Chase on the Lake in Walker, MN.  It is a very "dirty dancing"ish - which of course, makes it very awesome.  We spent the weekend watching Bravo, and sleeping in, and apparently not taking many pictures..

 Meanwhile, back in the suburbs, Bennett was running an obstacle race with his friends.

 And sweet little Gnomeo was cheering him all around the track.

First day of second grade.  I hate to be so cliche, but really, where does time go?  I still publicly mock those mothers who cry when they put their kid on the bus, and privately let my tears fall behind my aviators.

Happy Happy Birthday, Lucy