wedding crashers

 

This past weekend we drove to St. Joseph, MI to attend a family wedding.  With our newly purchased wedding apparel hung in the back of the van, we made our way west excited to reunite with family, dance our little hearts out, and feast on wedding cake.  Considering the long morning of travel, lack of naps, increased levels of adrenaline and enthusiasm, the amount of sweet treats offered all day long by the hands of different family members (Candy Corn, Mentos, suckers...oh my!), the little lady and man conducted themselves pretty well for the formal affair.

 

 

Having waited until the day before the wedding to hunt for suitable wedding clothes, I was pleased to score outfits for three out of four family members at a reasonable cost.  A highlight of the trip (for me) was when over lunch, the little lady proudly announced to extended family members that she found the perfect dress for the wedding and that "it. was. a. DEAL, and cost ONLY $12.99!!!"  Love that our gal keeps it real, and is learning to appreciate the sweet satisfaction of price reductions. 

 

Ah yes, love was in the air.

 

 

The Dawn Ankli Family

 

Mimi and her little lady.

 

 

For the record, I love my brother-in-law.  The kids are pretty big fans, as well.

 

Our little man suddenly looking not so little as he took Mimi for a spin on the dance floor.

 

The reception proved to be another highlight of the day's joyful festivities.  From watching our children guzzle water from champagne glasses to their greedy consumption of wedding cake, they provided much of our evening entertainment.  And, when at last the DJ played the first tune of the night, our little lady was the first enthusiastic dancer to hit the floor.  Turning heads, left and right, she moved her little body into exhaustion, and exited the dance floor only when her "foot owies" proved too much to bear.  She spent the remainder of the evening heart broken in the arms of her Mimi.

 

 While our time in Michigan was short, it was filled with many sweet and memorable moments.

 

 



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - 32 weeks



baby talk

While driving through town the little lady and I were chatting about the arrival of Pablo girl and the many things we will love about her.  After several minutes of listening, the little man interjected, "Joey loves lippies and chapstick."  At least he will have moist lips to kiss his sweet little sister with.

***

 

Throughout the course of my pregnancy, the little lady has been slightly obsessed with the size of my belly button, which seems to be shrinking.  Recently after viewing my belly she commented, "I kinda want to eat your belly button it is so cute."

***

 

 "Mama, will you have a big hole when the baby comes out, and how will God fix it?" ~ the little lady

***

 

Each morning as I splash water onto the little man's hair to tame his thick crop I ask that he look up at Mama.  He adamantly replies, "No.  Look at Pablo."  and proceeds to stare at my belly until his hair is styled.

 

 



sequence stories

When asked to put the cards below in order and tell a sequential story, the little lady provided the following narrative...

 

 

First, the man prays.

 

Then, he eats his delicious food.

 

Then when he is all done he puts it in the sink, so that his mommy can wash the dishes.

 

I appreciate both the faith-based content and the fact that this young man's Mommy still does his dishes.  Lucky fella. In my humble and unbiased opinion, the little lady's narrative is a significant improvement upon the sentences printed on the back of the cards.

 

The plate is full of food.

 

The man eats the food.

 

The food is gone.



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - busted

 

With the exception of the mascara unibrow, I've got to admire his precise application without the aid of a mirror.



hello pre-K

Tuesday the little lady returned to school.  Being that it was her first day, parents were asked to accompany their children for a shortened school day.  Hand in hand we walked through the hallways of her school enthusiastic for another year of learning and new experiences.  Our gal is delighted to not only be in PRE-KINDERGARTEN, but to be attending school four afternoons a week.  Our first task of the year will be developing the fruits of patience, as our little lady waits out the clock, anxious for her school day to begin each day. 

 

I enjoyed every minute of watching our little lady in her element as she accessorized herself in the imaginary play center, sharpened pencils, prepared "stone macaroni" in the sand table, participated in her first "class meeting" during rug time, made her teachers nervous painting in an all-white sun dress, interacted with new teachers, Erin and Nicole, and met new classmates.

 

 

Being that her first day was only an hour, and I was already paying for a sitter, I decided to treat us to a little celebratory pedicure.  Truth be told, it is getting tricky to reach my toe nails over my swelling baby bump.  And, there's nothing like sneaking in a little girl time with my favorite gal while getting my feet massaged simultaneously.

 

 

Day two brought as much enthusiasm as day one, and with her school clothes hand-selected from head to toe, she was eager to spend her first full afternoon at school.  She did not bat an eye at drop off, and proceeded confidently into her classroom. 

 

 

The little lady's pupil was less than thrilled after dropping big sister off at school, and proceeded to moan loudly in the van.  When asked what was troubling his two-year-old soul he responded, "Sissy. Not. Here."

Our gal was beaming at pick up, and joyfully announced, "I'm so glad school has started again!"

Highlights of her first day included watching the class pet, Slider the turtle, crawl across the classroom rug, playing on the "blue playground," and spending "lots of time in the dress-up area, of course."

 

Here's to another great year!

 



second family flight

 "We waited very patiently to fly to Milwaukee. This trip will be a lot faster!"

- the little lady

 

The little lady finally got her wish.  Leaving our trusty Odyssey safely parked in Cleveland airport's Park and Fly, we boarded a plane last Wednesday bound for Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  With great enthusiasm, we took our seats, arranged backpacks, and settled eager bottoms for the one hour trip west, a definite improvement upon the seven hour drive we have grown accustomed to.  Between the little man's boisterous attempts to point out every "hairplane" big and small, and the little lady's thoughtful organization of her carry-on items, the novelty of flying the friendly skies made for an entertaining and delightful trip.  Little comforts (trusty blankie, and Daddy's hand) for the little man, and special privileges (in-flight Sprite and folding tray) for the little lady kept them calm and content, allowing us parentals to sit back and enjoy the flight.

 

 

"Ready to hold hands, Daddy."

 

 

Papa picked us up at the airport and quickly whisked us off to see Nany who greeted us with arms wide.  No visit to Milwaukee would be complete without presents, and the little lady and man quickly tore into their treat bags.  Prior to our visit, the little lady had requested something "pink and sparkly."  Nany managed to find the perfect gift...

 

After a relaxing evening with Nany and Papa, we left early Thursday morning to join the rest of the Larson/Mallof gang in the north woods; however, not before Nany treated us to a hearty and satisfying breakfast.  One of the perks of being home, we feast upon many delicious meals. 

 

While our time up north was short, we filled our days with lake fun taking full advantage of the idyllic weather.

 

 

Cruising Enterprise Lake in Uncle Bobby's "super fast boat."

 

The tranquil waters provide the perfect setting for pondering many of life's big questions.

 

Such as "When do we eat next?" and "When can I learn to water ski?"

 

No trip to Camp David would be complete without a paddle boat ride with Mimi.  This visit the little lady requested that her seat back be removed, so that she could lie down to enjoy the ride.  OK, Cleopatra.

 

 

SPF.  Check.

Life jackets.  Check.

Enormous shades.  Check.

 

Cocktail cruises with Jeff serving as captain, and the evening's entertainment.

 

Quiet moments with Auntie Dawnie, a rare and special treat.

 

The canoe serving as a water taxi. 

The little lady enjoyed getting a taste of lake community, often requesting to visit good family friends, the Hawkins, at their new lake home. Unaware of the fact that she is only four, she continues to conduct herself like one of the adults, filling our north woods social calendar with activities.

 



Impromptu dance party on Bob's boat.

 



 

Sun-kissed and sweet.

 

And, no trip would be complete without commemorative family photos.

 

Larson/Mallofs, Labor Day 2012

(The little lady requested to be in the arms of Uncle Bobby.)

 

 

After a hug-filled send off, we made our way back to Papa and Nany's house for an evening BBQ with extended family and friends.  The little lady and man enjoyed the company of their many cousins, and played well into the night.  It is always a special time when we can gather as a family, enjoying each other's company and hours of eating together.

 

Before our flight home, we savored a little more quality time with Papa and Nany which included a pancake breakfast, shopping for appliances, backyard baseball, and catching quick cat naps.

 

Awaiting our departure after an extended weekend of family fun. 

It is hard to believe that after 6 1/2 years, we will soon return to Milwaukee to live, at least for a time.  It will be a sweet reunion.