the essence

Saturday turned out to be a most excellent day! And, I FORGOT MY CAMERA for everything. What a bummer.

We went to Rays' dads during the day, which was a nice switch because we're usually there in the evenings. It was so beautiful there, being out in the country. It was hot, but there was a cool breeze so we were able to sit outside under the shade of the porch.

This time we arrived to Ray's dad filling up a kiddie pool for Addison, complete with a built-in slide. He has a tendancy to pick up something new for her each time we visit. Sarah, my sister-in-law was also in town, which was great since we hadn't seen her since Christmas! Addison had a great time in the pool &, since we didn't know she'd be swimming, she didn't have any swim diapers or anything so she got to swim in her birthday suit. Oh, to be two again...

If you want any indication as to how potty training is (not) going, a couple of times Addison was standing on the sidewalk when I heard "uh-oh" & looked to see a puddle forming around her feet. I really should probably just approach potty training hardcore, but I'm kind of dreading it, just having the energy and time to commit to the task.

Ray had to work Saturday evening & my parents arrived at our house about 20 minutes after we got home. My dad had an interview in the area Sunday morning so they stayed with us Saturday night to avoid the early morning drive. Plus, who doesn't like to visit?

They were going to stay home with the kids so I could go out for some alone time but I was really wanting to hang out with my mom. She hasn't been able to go to the new mall because of her extreme allergies to chemicals - the new buildings & the asphalt really get to her. I wanted us to give it a try now that they've been up for a little while so we both took off around 7:30 (after the kids were in bed) & told my dad we'd be home soon. We went to the outdoor mall & it was "bike night" so the road was lined with tons of motorcycles, including a really cool one that lights up & plays music in sync to the lights.

We shopped a bit & spent a good bit of time in JC Penney, where my mom had a gift card. I never used to shop at Penney's, I never saw too much there that was super cute & well-priced. I've since found that they carry some really cute clothes & run some amazing sales! I picked up a fabulous shirt for $8 & a new pair of jeans for $12. And, thus, I've exhausted all of my Christmas money. Yes folks, I'd been holding onto the last bit of it for long enough, in hopes of replenishing my wardrobe for my post-pregnant body. I still have some articles of clothing I'm in desperate need of, but they will have to wait.

My mom was able to use her gift card & picked up some fabulous clothes! They look really amazing on her, I can't wait for her to get to wear them. After our little shopping spree we went across the street to Barnes & Noble, another place mom can't go to for long because the ink from all of the books inside make her sick after awhile (yes, her allergies are that bad) but she was doing fine there. Plus, the smell of coffee was too enticing so we split a mocha & sat down with some crafting books.

By the time we wrapped up, it was 10:30! I had such a fun time with my mom, though. When I'd been out the day before I kept thinking, "I wish my mom was here & I could shop with her," so it was just the evening I'd been wanting!