Whining

Feel free to bypass this post, as I will be doing exactly as the title explains.

I'm sick of working night shift

I dislike hunting season

I hate having a husband that has to travel for work

(minus the perk of frequent flyer miles)

Let me lay out how the next 4 weeks are going to go...

Starting today, I work the next 6 nights in a row, right into Thanksgiving morning.  Gag.

Thankgiving evening, my husband will leave to go hunting until Sunday afternoon.  Boo.

Monday, I go back to work until Wednesday night. More gagging.

Thursday and Friday I will spend time with my loves! 2 days!!! HOORAY!

Then...  the first Saturday in December, Ryan and I are playing photographer for our friends wedding.

I'm thinking this may have been the dumbest idea I've had to date, as I'm already completely panicked.

Moving on, the next day, Ryan leaves for China.

Another 10 days away from my man.  10 days.

3 nights together as a family in 4 weeks.

I'm sad :(

And just to clarify, I do still love my job, I just don't love the HOURS of my job.

Random day at the zoo

We have a zoo pass.

We go to the zoo at least once or twice a month.

Even though I knew it was going to be cold, I woke up this morning, and it just felt like a zoo day.

I had brought coats and hats, in case we did the outdoor stuff as well.

Thank goodness!

Because as we pulled in 5 minutes after Open, I see my biggest fear...

School Bus!

Ah crap.

For those of you with small children, I'm pretty sure you know what I mean.

Field trip days are the worst to be at the zoo.  Those big kids don't give two hoots about all

the pint-sized kiddos there.  The running around, yelling, and poor language... ish.

So, we ventured inside just long enough to check in and go potty, then back out we went.

And I'll tell you what...

it was GREAT!

Yeah, it was chilly, but we had enough gear with us to be comfortable.

The sun was shining, we pretty much had the outdoor area to ourselves, and all those

critters seemed to be in the mood for hanging close by!

Truth be told, we didn't even see any of the indoor stuff today. (Except the penguins) 

Just took our sweet time enjoying the outdoors and the sun, 

playing on the playground, and having ourselves a little lunch.

Pretty great morning if you ask me!

The girls love the little penguin exhibit they have right inside the check-in area! This is Ellie's favorite part!

For any of you considering getting a zoo pass, DO IT!  It's a great investment!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

And Happy Birthday to our dear friend Heather!
We love you and miss you!  Hope your day Rocks!

Nothing exciting...

It's been awhile since I've posted, but that is because nothing too exciting has happened.

Just working until last Thursday, then a glorious, boring, relaxing, non-eventful weekend!!!

We didn't clean the house, even though it needs it desperatley.

We didn't get a bunch of work done on the basement.

I still don't have the bin of Halloween decorations put away, although it's been sitting in my kitchen for a week.

Dog poop didn't get picked up, there's a load of laundry left in the dryer needing to be folded,

and the greatest thing about it...

I just don't care!

I DID spend time with my family!
We DID get the "Christmas Card" family photos taken!

We DID make a nice dinner last night and I had an "in-home" date with the hubby!

The girls got to spend time having both their parents home together!

Nothing exciting, but perfect to me!

The Toy Box

I'm feeling pretty darn good today!

After a long week at work, I'm happily enjoying the start of my "no big plans" weekend!

Ryan and his Dad went out hunting this morning, so it was just the girls here at home.

After an episode of Dora, and watching Bambi II for the millionth time, the TV went off

and playtime began.

As a mother, there are certain things that make your heart swell, and your eyes prick with tears...

today, well... this was one of them!

Watching and listening to my two most precious gifts, play together.

IN the toy box!

First step:  All the toys OUT, little children IN!

Big sister showing little sister what to do!

Their two little blonde heads bent together, playing so intently.

Those little fingers just peeking out over the edge.

And the giggling, oh that sweet sound!

I love that toy box!

(now... making them put all the toys BACK IN, not quite as fun)

;)

Our little Witch and Punkin!

Oh what a fun night!  

After working all weekend, I snagged the girls yesterday morning and headed for my mom's!

The morning was spent doing random stuff and having my mom help me in my attempt at making an advent calendar... (whole other story).  Then thankfully, ALL of us girls got a nap in!

Afternoon focus = COSTUMES!

Of course, Lila wanted hers on ASAP and we literally had to hang on to her so she wouldn't run out the door!

Both girls did very well Trick or Treating.  Elle even could kinda sorta say "Trick or Treat" and "Halloween", and both Lila and her did great with their "Thank You's"!

Lila had a blast and didn't stop talking the WHOLE time.  

We got quite the load of candy, far more than we need... maybe I'll bring some to share at work.

Maybe.

Overall, it was a great time!  I hope everyone else had as much fun as we did!

Elle Trick-or-Treating by herself for the 1st time!

Happy Halloween weekend!

I'm back to work tonight for the weekend, but am happy that I do get Monday off.

I can take my little goblins out Trick or Treating!

Last night we carved a couple pumpkins, Lila thinks they are pretty awesome!

I hope everyone has a great Halloween weekend, whatever your plans may be!

Enjoy that candy, my friends!

I have no clue who the Dracula is, I guess you Have to have 5 characters in this one.  Ah well, who wouldn't want to join our fun?!

it's been a good day

This makes me happy!

My baby and her buddies, watching the world go by!

Please pay close attention to the sparkling shine on my storm door,

I do like to keep a clean house, you know?!