Date Night

Wyatt and Lunden at the Warren

Wednesday night I got to go on a date!  Of course, I had to drive us, pay for the tickets and the popcorn and hold his had while crossing the parking lot but we had such a great time.  Wyatt took me on a date to his very first movie at the theater!  Rio was playing and his best buddy, Lunden was going with his Mom and we tagged along.  Wyatt was so excited as we pulled up to the theater.  He couldn't believe how big the building was.  His little face was completely lit up - until the movie got ready to start and the announcements began.  He wanted out of there, and now.  So, we took a potty break and headed back in.  As we rounded the corner in the theater and he saw how big the screen was I think he about knocked the wind out of himself.  He was in awe.  It was the neatest thing ever.  He sat on my lap the entire movie and we snuggled in.  The movie was great and way cute.  Every day since Wyatt has asked to go back and watch the movie about the blue bird and I can't wait to take him on our next date.  We might have to make this a habit!

MMM

There is something you should know about my Dad.  He loves music.  Singing it especially and has even taught himself to play the guitar some.  Over the years he has evolved into a huge cowboy music fan.  I am not talking about country music, although it probably falls into this category, I am talking about the kind they sing sitting around a campfire.  The songs that truly tell stories about the West and ranching.  Songs about doggies, not the cute little furry kind but the kind that moo.  Songs Taylor Swift doesn't understand.  True country music.  His favorite artist is hands down Michael Martin Murphy.  He is a fantastic singer and story teller and has a way of pulling you into his songs.  My Dad will tell anyone he knows about Murph.  We joke that if Murph is within a 400 mile radius of my Dad, he is there!  This past weekend, the Prairie Rose had their annual Western Days and we took the kids over to experience a little county.  Mr. Murphy was there putting on concerts all weekend.  I kept my eye out for him and spotted him wandering around the grounds.  I knew if my Dad had a picture of Michael Martin Murphy with his grandkids he would flip.  Wyatt was headed to take a train ride - AGAIN so Lorelai and I set out to catch him.  It took some courage on my part but I asked and he was gracious enough to let me take their picture. 

Lorelai and Michael Martin Murphy

I called my Dad who could not believe what I was telling him.  You would have thought Lorelai took a picture with the Pope!  It was so fun to surprise him!  I was so grateful that Mr. Murphy did this for my Dad.  If he only knew what it meant to him and that it probably means my Dad will attend a million more of his concerts!  Thanks Murph and love you Dad!

If you want more information about Michael Martin Murphy check out his website: http://michaelmartinmurphey.com/

Wyatt riding the train with me.  He must have done this a million times!

Here we go again!

Little Fish

Wyatt started swimming lessons this week and I can't tell you how proud I am of him!  The first night he was so excited to go.  He was having a hard time understanding that a swimming pool was indoors so when we walked in his face lit up like a Christmas tree.  We took him into the shop and let him pick out his goggles and fins which are required for his class and then marched around the big lap pool to the waiting area.  As names were being called out and the kids were leaving with the different instructors, I noticed he was really listening to what was being said.  As they got down to the last few instructors he looked at me and said, "Mom, they aren't calling my name!".  It amazes me how fast he figures things out sometimes.  His group was the last to be called.  When his name was called Wyatt hopped off his chair and followed the instructor out of the room without a second look at us.  Amazing!  Parents are asked to stay back and not allow the kids to see you in order to help get them used to the water, etc.  Apparently they think we will want to swoop in and rescue them. :)  Night two, I peeked.  He is way outside his comfort zone and when I am peeking in the window watching him, he just pushes through the tough parts.  Some have more trouble than others.  Wyatt seems to be somewhere in the middle.  He tells us after every class he doesn't like to go under water but we knew this.  He doesn't throw fits in the bathtub when we wash his hair for nothing!  I am just so darn proud of him.  He is growing up fast and I just want to hold on to all the times he is in complete bliss.  There is nothing like seeing your kids face just sparkle with excitement!

THE Dress

Most of you might think I am talking about a wedding dress.  Afterall, most refer to their wedding dress as THE dress.  In our family, my Mom's side, THE dress refers to a very special baptismal gown.  My Great Grandma Ida Hulsing made with her own hands a beautiful little white gown for every one of her children.  All 13 of them!  All four of my Grandma Kohake's girls wore the dress given to her.  If you are ever in my house, there is a picture of my Mom wearing the dress on my wall.  This makes our family dress 65 years old. 

My Aunt Monica in THE dress

My cousin Emily (Aunt Monica's daughter) in the slip that goes under the dress.  You can see THE dress on the left side of the picture.

All of the granddaughters have worn the dress and now Lorelai is the first great granddaughter to wear the dress.  So special that she has a worn a piece her Great Great Grandmother made!

Lorelai in THE dress

THE dress encompasses many generations and an obvious love of Great Grandma Hulsing.  I am so honored that Lorelai was able to wear the dress and I hope that one day her daughter will get to wear it too.