Rides with PopPop

Yesterday, PopPop gave rides in the pool.

Today it is raining. For now, it is a welcomed reprieve from the outdoor, sunfilled activities.

Tomorrow, we will be willing sunshine once more.

Yummy

Beach life = beach treats.

Yum, yum delicious.

From the mountains, to the valley, to the ocean - white with foam

My head still ached. I think the pain was less from the actual tooth and more from the mental anguish associated with the whole ordeal. Headache or not, we took advantage of the day and we headed to the beach. The weather was perfect, the water was unusually calm and the kids were ecstatic.

But let me back up. It started with a pretzel. The flat ones. Have you seen them? Have you had them? I love them. They are the perfect delivery device for cheese or salsa or really pretty much anything. I used to love them, that is. That love affair ended on Thursday at 4PM. You see Thursday at 4PM I shoved one into my mouth and heard a sharp, piercing crack. It sent a shiver up my spine. I knew immediately what it was and my heart was filled with dread. I had broken a tooth. I was too anxious to move my mouth, irrationally hoping if I clenched my teeth tightly together maybe the tooth would rebind to itself.

Seriously people, I was devastated. I am one of those people who has dreams about their teeth falling out. My grandmother told me over and over and over and over and over again to “take care of your teeth.” And, while this may be hard to believe now that you have read the previous paragraphs, I really have. I feverish flipped through the white pages searching for ANY dentist who could help me, keeping in mind it was now 4:30 on Friday in Southampton….no one was around.

The good news is, I found a dentist, he saw me Saturday morning, I think I freaked him out with my anxiety about the tooth, he “fixed” my tooth, the end. Except, I keep reliving that cracking moment and it seems like I am clenching my teeth even more now.

Cut back to the beach….ah, the relaxing sound of the waves crashing. Except my tongue keeps running over that tooth. It’s like when you bite your cheek and your tongue just can’t leave it alone.

And then I take the girls for a pre-dinner walk around the block. Southampton has amazing beaches, a great town, lots of good restaurants, but one of my favorites things to do is....walk around the block. The morning and evening air is crisp, the walk is flat, the houses are gorgeous, the cars are few. And with each step, my worries about the tooth grow fainter and fainter.

To the mountains we went

"Is that snow on the top?" I asked, my eyes straining. We had landed in Denver, hopped in a car and headed towards the mountains.

"Yep, sure is," replied Alan.

It was our first weekend away together since little Latham fell into our lives. We had only been gone for five hours and I was already missing our girls. I had texted Gagi and PopPop no fewer than 5 times....each.... and I had called too. I know, I know...I think I might have more separation anxiety than the children.

We trekked to Beaver Creek, settled into our room, and went for a walk around town. It was the beginning of a fabulous wedding weekend. We spent time with friends that we see far less than we would like. We took the ski lift up on the mountain for lunch on Saturday (hence the picture above) and then hiked down. And even though we were up both mornings by 7:30, we relished relaxing breakfasts and leisurely afternoons. It was a quick trip.

Sunday morning, we ventured back down the mountain, back to Denver, back on the plane, and eventually back home. We pulled in the garage and the kitchen door flew open. Out tumbled Ellery and Vaughan racing towards us with the biggest smiles on their faces. And there sitting in the open door was Latham. We were ready to be back home.

Week Three

We are on week three of Summer Break. Despite the quibbles that erupt here and there as the girls play, overall things have been going quite well.

Along with lots of time at the pool and in the sprinklers, we have been spending a significant amount of time on art projects.

Usually our art projects are pretty typical - clay, beads, paint....you get the idea. But sometimes typical just isn't going to cut it.

So out came the foaming body soap/shaving cream. By the way, have you discovered this foaming soap yet? Seriously, it is a great way to encourage your children to suds up and get super clean. Usually the girls want to take a tub -- but if there is resistance, simply mentioning the "shaving cream" generally does the trick.

OK - back to art....we had fun with the foaming soap, paper and (of course) polly pockets. First it was a skating rink for the polly pockets, then it was some sort of pool.

What are you all doing to keep the kids occupied inside?

Coca-Cola

After 25 years of service, Hugh Ripps is FINALLY retiring. WOOHOO!!

25 years is a big deal. I mean, these days 5 years working for the same company is a big deal, right? My dad loves and breathes Coke. The first brand/symbol that Ellery recognized was Coca-Cola. Just a few days ago we were listening to the radio in the car and the D.J. mentioned Coca-Cola. Vaughan piped up, "Mommy, did they just say Coca-Cola." I replied, "Yes, they did." Then she chimed in, "Do they mean Poppy's Coca-Cola?" While it isn't really Poppy's Coca-Cola, I said, "Yes, Poppy's Coca-Cola."

The party was perfect. Not too long, not too short. Not too many speakers, not too few. Good people saying great things about my dad. I was proud.

I am so excited for my family and for PopPop's retirement. Longer vacations, more time in Southampton, less stress, fewer phone calls...

Or maybe not, rumor has it instead of working for Coke, now PopPop is working for Gagi. Could it be true?

Fingers

Swim Team is in full force down here in Atlanta. They have been practicing since the end of April. Ellery loves it and this past weekend was her first swim meet.

She rocked freestyle and backstroke. We were so proud of her.

When I was going through photos I came across these. I think Danielle took them. Are you jealous that I have the best babysitter and photographer?

This is Latham's new favorite game. She so desperately wants to be with her sisters at ALL times. The sweet thing presses her face against the window when the big girls are outside.

Vaughan has become the best big sister. She is so gentle with Latham and loves her LOTS and always makes her laugh.

And I saved the best for last. Look at those fingers!