Penelope and Her Hunt Boys

When I told Penelope that she was going to hang out with her cousins, the first thing she said was, "I gonna see my prince, Mom? My prince needs me? Does he, Mom?"

Nathan is her prince. Maybe she's right. Just look at him helping her ride the bike.


Then it was time for a picnic. Penelope's favorite thing. We went to Lake Harriet and goofed off and kicked the ball around.

I had to post this picture. This is a classic "Penelope expression." When she gets excited her whole being expresses it. Look at her hands and foot. She was elated with the thought that perhaps some squirrels lived in the hollow of the tree. She and Natie put a Cheeto in the hollow for the thought-of residents.

Many other moments, Penelope simply enjoyed observing her fun cousins.
Monkeys on bars.Again, Penelope enjoying the entertaining view of three cute monkeys.

OK, so could there be any cuter Hunt boys around? I don't think so. They are delightful.

Nathan, perfectly lovable. I can't even stand it.

Never will you find more affectionate brothers. Did I mention how I totally can't even stand it?

A fun day indeed.

(Sad to report that after this sweet moment on the bike Penelope aquired her biggest boo boo to date. There was much sorrow, but nothing that her doting Prince couldn't handle. He brought her a toy for comfort, almost in tears himself, and even sang softly to her.)

A couple of days ago, I opened my messy closet to get my shoes. That's when I noticed "Suzie's" shoes carefully and neatly put away with all the other shoes. Knowing the rule about no shoes in the house, Penélope must have removed her dolly's shoes after arriving home from our outing earlier that day and put them neatly away.

I wish I could take credit for her obedience and organized ways. I'm sorry I cannot. I always thought I would be a very consistent parent. I'm not. I used to view myself as organized. I'm not.

Penélope is that way just because God made her like that. And I'm not about to complain.

Vacation

We just got back from vacation. I know, are we spoiled or what? First New England, now the lake in northern MN. We relaxed and relaxed then relaxed a little more. A friend/co worker of Chris' let us stay in their RV, which as you can see in the picture, doesn't really look like an RV. It's pretty fancy. The best part: windows, windows, windows, which meant a CROSS BREEZE. Can you tell I live in a condo?


This was the view from almost every place in the house.

This was the little guest cabin (also with a view). Notice Penelope climbing the ladder to the loft.
It was fun to have Marilyn ("Bubbe" as Penelope calls her) to stay with us for a couple of days.

Penelope loved the cabin.

Anyone who knows Little Miss Cautious, knows that she is extremely hesitant about trying new things. She has never liked slides, for one. But on this trip she carefully, under much consideration went for it. And then she couldn't get enough of it. She kept saying, "This is so great, Mom. I can do myself!"

We had a ton of fun on the boat.

This lake was unlike any other. No slimy green stuff to swim through. Just sand.

Can you tell I love being this little girl's mom?

During the stay we gave up our vegetarian ways and stuffed our faces with meat--everyday. (However, I will add that once we were coming home we were happy to think meatless thoughts--even meat lover, Chris!)

This was also Penelope first time swinging on her own. She was so proud.

Every time we would sit down to eat or play outside or ride on the boat, Penelope's most used phrase was. "This is so fun, guys!"

Favorite Vacation Moment: One night Chris and I laid down on either side of Penelope for the nighttime routine. She tucked her little arms around our necks and pulled us in tight, cheek to cheek and kept saying over and over again, "I love you guys, you're the best mom and best papai. We're together! You guys are best. I love you!", and kissing our cheeks.

Happy's Birthday

Little Miss Happy had a happy birthday. She had a lovely little tea party: a teapot for a cake, little friends, Gigi and Lulu and three dashing cousins, Ethan, Dylan and Nathan. Her tias and tios and Bubbe were there to help celebrate, also. Kristi Fonseca took the pics. Her pictures tell the story...

The Little Miss with her new hat, new baby, and a suitcase of waiting crafts, she was eager to go home.