Happy Birthday Puddles

Dearest Vaughan,

It is hard to believe you are two years old today. I lifted you from your crib this morning and softly whispered "happy birthday" in your ear. You grinned and then hugged me. Two years old. You are so big now.

When we are in the pool, you don't want me to hold onto you. When you get in and out of your stroller, you insist on doing it yourself. It seems like everyday you are more and more independent. Everyday you seem to need me a little less.

But you still want to cuddle with me before bed and you still crawl up in my lap to eat dinner and you still give me good squeezes. So for now - I will cherish those.

Happy Birthday, Sweet V. Two years old today!

Letter Home - Part Two

A-

Today we woke up to the drip drop of rain on the roof. Don't you love how the rain sounds up here? It lulls you to sleep - and sleep I could all day long. Our children, however, had different plans for me. It was a tough night of sleep for sweet V - finally, I nestled her into bed with me and we drifted off quietly together (I could hear her sucking on Stinky Pig.)


The girls had a full day planned with Gagi while I worked. I felt like I was missing out on the action - but I know they like time spent with just Gagi too. I met the girls and Gagi at the library after work. As I walked over there I was reminded of the many hours you spent there studying for the CFA! Seems like just yesterday but wow - how much has changed.



We got all ready for the concert in the park tonight but it was cancelled. Sweet V was very sad - she grabbed my hand, dragged me to the front door and repeated "party, party" over and over again. They were somewhat assuaged when Maximus showed up for pizza and to play.



I know I should have tucked them in early tonight - given the restless sleep we all had last night. But we were all having so much fun catching lightening bugs and playing outside. I admit - they got to bed well after 8PM.



We are missing you terribly. Sweet dreams.

Letter Home - Take One

A,
The kids were so excited to be back at the beach house. I was surprised to hear Vaughan holla out a YIPPEE when we pulled into the driveway. Did she really remember being here a month ago?

The kids rushed the door and anxiously scurried through the basket of toys (many of which belonged to me as a child.) It amazes me that after a month, the toys are like new again.

It was sunny so we decided not to waste any time. We suited up and hit the pool and there we were stayed for the remained of the day.

The kids were all tuckered out when it was time to retire, as was I.

We all miss you....wishing you were here.
M

We made it!

We made it - relatively unscathed. The flight was good, the kids were well behaved....now I can breathe deeply. Traveling with small children is always a crap shoot. Glad that we are here!

I have been working the past few days (boo) but the girls have been enjoying the pool, the house, the town and their friends.

I promise to post some fun pics soon - Pirates, Mexican Fiestas and Fireflies..oh my!

It's too darn hot!

It is swealtering, stickly and down right unpleasant here lately. For some reason, the heat the last few weeks has really been getting to me more than usual. So I packed up the kids, packed up a lunch and we headed to the Children's Museum.



My kids L O V E the Children's Museum (Imagine It) here in Atlanta. There are the staples- the balls, the grocery store, the kitchen, the pond, the painting wall, the clay, the stage...the stage...the stage...we spent about 75% of our time at the stage. I am not entirely sure how to process this yet - but my kids really like to dress up and look at themselves. A LOT.



Imagine It has a rotating exhibit and the quality really seems to vary. Right now there is a tree exhibit (tree house, nests, etc.) We spent a lot of time there this visit. Ellery pretended to be a bird and Vaughan went up the treehouse and down the slide no fewer than 20 times.


Tomorrow we are off to Southampton and hopefully we will be greeted with cooler weather. Gagi - have I mentioned how excited the girls are to see you? Get ready for us - here we come!

Who's that Guyrl?

Where were you born?  Brooklyn, NY

Where have you lived?  New York, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Ohio, Texas, Georgia, and Austria.

What was your favorite? I like them all (always the diplomat, writes his daughter)

What is your favorite color? Blue or maybe red (Coca-Cola red)

Favorite meal? I don't have a favorite (again, so flexible in his answers)

Favorite season?  The Fall  Why?  The weather, the colors and football.

Favorite way to spend a Saturday?  Attending a college football game with my family.

Favorite way to spend a Saturday night?  Playing poker (and being "in the money")

When are you going to retire?  Next year (please note, this has been his answer for the last 5 years)

How did you meet Mom?  I was her second date on a Saturday night.

How did you propose?  I didn't, she did.  Don't put that -- Mom will shoot me.  Why not?  Because it's not really true.  So what's the real story?  How did you propose?  Well, she basically said fish or cut bait.  So, I guess she did sort of propose.

How old were you when you last graduated from college?  32

What time did you get up this morning?  5:55AM

Do you have your call with Val tonight?  No, I had it last night.

There you have it.  The man, the myth, the legend.  Mr. Hugh Ripps. As Alan likes to say, the nicest man in the world.  Honestly, he is.  Some could learn from his patience and all could learn from his wisdom.  

Many Faces

This kid cracks me up.



Honestly, even when I think I have no more energy left she either says something or does something (like these faces) that change my outlook entirely.



Last week as Alan and I were getting ready for a "work" dinner she extolled "I never get to go out to grown-up dinners." Well all of that is about to change. Tonight Ellery is heading out to a 'fancy' dinner with Uncle Jared. She tried on her outfit last night:

• bra - check
• skirt - check

Um - you might need to reread that. I did write bra. She is not even four. You might also notice that something like 'shirt' or 'top' is missing from the above list.

Yes, Ellery plans on dining with Uncle Jared wearing my bra and a skirt. If that doesn't turn heads I am not sure what will.

Check in tomorrow for some photos of their adventures.