outside

Oh how we have missed you.

4th annual wine trip

Yep. 4 fun years of doing this. The only difference? This year, instead of one day, we went an entire weekend! Woot!

And we got matching shirts! That were totally messed up so ended up being free! We liked it better that way. We are so cool.

A fantastic weekend. Lots of wine, talk, girl power, and good food.

I am especially hating this Monday.

croup

Ellie has croup and it has not been pretty. The days are ok, but the nights. Oh, the nights. 2 of the last 3 nights, she was woken up coughing/puking/crying.

Fun. Fun. Fun.

Gross. Gross. Gross.

We are all exhausted.

However, during this ordeal, Ellie has learned a very important life skill.

She can hit the puke bucket!

Sweet!

Last night I heard that awful retching sound, run into her room and found her hovered over her puke bucket.

That's my girl!

So, while this is bad, it could be worse. I only have to empty the bucket now, instead of cleaning sheets, kid, loveys, pajamas, etc...

sunday

Sunday we got to go outside! There was sunshine and everything! It was wonderful! So to celebrate we headed to a zoo in another town. Once there, we

channeled our inner penguin...

crossed a dangerous rope bridge with a monster in close persuit...

made sure the sundial was working... It was...

fed some VERY hungry sheep...

wore braids... I love braids!

checked out some super cool jelly fish...


and climbed a rock wall.


I am almost ready to believe that spring is right around the corner. Almost.

oops

Ellie is huge into rhyming lately.

Mom! Cat and Bat rhyme!
Mom! Bed and Fred rhyme!
Mom! Rug and Bug rhyme!

It goes on all the time.

Chris and I were watching our DVD'd Mentalist a little while ago as Ellie was playing computer games, running around, etc... We never do that, but we had a little extra time, and well, we said "why not?" It's usually not too bad.

Then a woman on the show said something about a "rich bitch."

Ellie stops what she is doing and goes:

Mom! Rich and Bitch rhyme!

Yes. Yes they do.

Oops.

We totally ignored it, laughed hysterically when she wasn't looking, and let it go. She hasn't said it again so I think we are good.

my birthday

My birthday was yesterday. I had a FABULOUS day. My wonderful, awesome, handsome, fantastic husband took the day off, stayed home with Ellie, gave me a gift certificate for Anthro and said "Have a good day!"

A day to myself.

To do whatever I wanted.

Holy cow.

I started the day sitting in the bookstore, drinking some coffee and reading some books. Then I meandered around for a bit. Picking this up, reading the back of that, all without "MOM! Can I play at the train table now???"

Then I made my way to Anthro, where I spent A LOT of time. I got 3 dresses, a nightie, and cute little birdie salt and pepper shakers for under $200. I was amazed at the deals I found.

Then Paige and I went to lunch. I had Pad Thai and wine. Wine! At lunch!

Then I wondered around Trader Joes, Nicky Nicole, and a few other ritzy stores.

Then I headed home to cupcakes, ice cream, and flowers.

Then I went to book club! Where we had delicious stuffed shells, salad, garlic bread, LOTS more wine (a little hungover currently) and an ice cream cake. Just for me. My lovely ladies sang and everything. Thanks Leslie, it was great!

Then I fell exhausted into bed about 11:30.

A tremendous birthday. It's going to be a great year!

After I take off the 5+ pounds I probably added yesterday.

weekending

It was a good weekend. Friday night we watched Everyone's Fine with Robert DeNiro. Great flick. We also watched Zombieland. We are suckers for funny zombie movies. Funny!

Then Saturday we took Ellie skiing. We went once last year and she did great. This year she did even better!! Our cousin Andy (once removed, by marriage, etc...) works there and gave her a (free!!) private lesson. I think that helped a lot. I wish I liked to ski. I have been a few times. It always looks so fun. But all I can think about is those torture devices you have to put on your feet. Ski boots are not normal.

Anyhoodle, Ellie had fun. Thank God for Jeff and Megan. They do ski and Ellie had a ball with them after her lesson. Apparently, she is becoming comfortable on the skis and can turn herself and such. If we are going to live where it is winter 11 1/2 months a year (only a slight exagerration) she needs to enjoy the winter sports.




Let's see, in other news, Ellie is getting over pink-eye. It was a mild case but eww! I have never seen so much eye goop. She was a real trooper with the eye drops. I am PHOBIC of eye drops. I know it is ridiculous, but I cannot help it. You know that episode of Friends where Rachel has to put in drops and is scared to? That is me, x 10. I am hoping she didn't get it from the pool where we had swim lessons. I guess we will see on Wednesday.

Also, I have a cold. I am at the "just able to function" level. Today might be a LONG day.