Bending South

Here's Paul's Cheeser. He's quite a character.

Aparently I'm not the only one who is the mom around here. Yesterday, after I finished washing Paul from lunch, I walked into the "dinning room" to find Lydia shoveling food in Paul's mouth. Of course he couldn't yell for help, his face was full of BEANS! I tried really hard to feel bad, but I couldn't stop laughing, so I took a picture instead. Poor Paul, Lydia couldn't get in trouble either; I mean, what could I do --she was helping Paul do his favorite thing ever: EAT.

Cute. Lydia is becoming increasingly cute.

A week, or so, ago we(Paul, Lyd and myself) were having what our family likes to call "a roughie-toughie". We had played games and read books all day to keep the mood happy. The hour of dad returning home was drawing nigh. I ended our play time to pick up a little and was starting dinner. That's when the house fell to bits. In two minutes my house looked like a stinking pig pen...as you can gleen from the pictures; and my children were all but cheery. I was trying my best to sing songs and give them little toys or distractions so we could eat a nice family meal together at 6. Finally, feeling frustrated and a bit cryie too, I sat down on the kitchen floor in defeat. I felt like crying, like putting the kids in the crib, ignoring their cries to continue with dinner and a clean house, like not wanting to "deal" with their insecent whines and tears. But ya know, when you commit to having children, you are in it for the long haul. So, I did all a worn out, good mom could do: I pulled out the last dregs of root beer stored in our fridge, poured everyone a cup and enjoyed a nice messy house, a lousey dinner and two beautifully cheery kids. Root Beer...does a soul good.

...yes, I know the kids don't look happy, but trust me, they were.

After the visit from Tom's parents we took a trip to Rickmond VA to visit my Grandparents. I had an absolute wonderful time. Tom said it was so fun to see where I get some of my personality. First we spent the night with Granny Bo where she took us to see Pa Joe's grave and a little tour of Richmond. She read books to Lydia and said how much Paul reminded her of my Dad (her son). I loved visiting with her. Then we traveled to Daddy Byrd's house right by the Chesapeake Bay. We went on the boat (this picture is the exact image I have in my mind from childhood vacations when Dad brought us out) and out for ice cream (yes Lydia shared her ice cream with her chair back). Sharon is the best Texan Chef I've ever met. Infact, I got upset that she would throw dinner away so insead she packed it up and we had Texas leftovers for the next week. We had a great time there too. I do have to say that it is fun to know I have a little Virginia blood in me... too bad I didn't pick up the accent. I loved my visit with my grandparents, they are wonderful.

ps- that is me outside of the house my Daddy Byrd grew up in. That was worth the trip by itself.

Tom's parents and youngest sister came for a visit late in July. Of course we had a blast and some good laughs. You need to check out jibjab.com. It's hilarious. We watched some Cosby, ate some fresh Philly preztels, and played some mean card games. Here's some pics of adventures to far off places. I just knew Tom would want to take his dad to the Rocky Steps; needless to say it was the very first stop we made. Boys will be boys. We biked to the Museum/Rocky Steps, wandered around the City and went to Hershey and Amish Country. I know...aren't the girls "berry" cute?!