When the cat's away

Tonight I got to sneak out for a few hours and have dinner with my best friend, Ceylese. We went to Noche, a tapas and tequila bar in Vinings, and it was delicious. We did not partake in the tequila; however, we certainly ordered a boat load of appetizers. I think I want to go back today.

There's no telling what went on in this house while I was gone. Actually, one thing I do know for sure is that Corey managed to bathe both girls. And they were both sound asleep when I got home at 9 o'clock. I just can't hang out that late anymore.

Tantrum time already?

We were playing so nicely in Grace's room.

And then I decided that it was time to go downstairs. What was I thinking? Not only did Bonnie rip the bow out of her hair, but then she angrily followed me into the kitchen, flattened herself face down on the hardwoods and screamed her little head off. Is it awful that I couldn't stop laughing? I just couldn't help it...she's cute even when she's mad!

I didn't have the camera ready quite in time to get her lying on the floor, but I did manage to catch her trying to bulldoze the kitchen island over...

Is it possible that we've entered the "terrible twos" before her first birthday???

Botanical Gardens

I'm embarrassed to say that I've lived here since 1981 and I've never been to the Botanical Gardens. It is a beautiful place and there is so much to do.

My friend Amber, who lives down the street from us, has a season pass so not only did we get to take a fun field trip, but she let us use her guest passes that got us in for free. Mimi was nice enough to come over and babysit Bon so that Grace and I could have a little solo time together. I'll definitely take both girls, however, when Bonnie is a little older and is big enough to enjoy everything.

Grace had a blast hanging out with her boyfriend, Reid, and his sister Charlie, who wasn't at all interested in posing for pictures!

After story time and lots of running around in the treehouse, the kids cooled off in the "sprayground."

Next up, lunch and tours of the orchid conservatory and the edible garden. Reid and Grace clearly shared some special moments here!

Later that same day...

As we continued our quest to stay cool, Grace decided, during what was supposed to be her quiet time (a.k.a Bonnie's nap time), that she would like to play hair stylist. That game included "styling" my hair. I'll spare the picture of me wearing the pink headband and instead share this photo of my firstborn looking SO incredibly grown up!

Fall, please!

It's a good thing our gas bill is cheap this month because our power bill set a record high since we bought the house in 2006. I don't even keep the thermostat very low but our ac units still run constantly.

We need a break from this heat. If not for any other reason than just so Bonnie can wear clothes again!

**Updated to add that Bonnie added blueberry to her ever-expanding vocabulary. I was putting blueberries on her tray this morning, and she just exclaimed "bleu-lay-lay!" And yes, I spelled bleu that way on purpose. It came out with a sort of French accent!**

Sibling rivalry?

Don't be deceived by Grace's seemingly "willing to share" demeanor...

she's starting to look a bit more devious now...

wait for it...

and she goes in for the grab. Now that's more like it.

It looks like I might have to start a separate My Little Pony collection for Bonnie!

Happy 5th birthday, Mackenzie!

Mackenzie's actual birthday is in July...the day after yours truly :-)

Due to scheduling conflicts, however, her party was today and it was definitely worth the wait. The big event took place at Chastain Horse Park and Mackenzie, along with 15 of her closest friends, had a blast going on horseback rides, painting the horses' hooves, making crafts, and of course, eating birthday cake in the shape of a giant horse! We had a great time and on the way home Grace said, "that party was SO MUCH FUN!"

I'm thinking she might be asking for a party like this one in the future...

6 years ago today...

This single gal...

became a married lady!

Happy Anniversary to us! Love you, hon!