Kids Really Do Say The Darndest Things

I never really know what's going to come out of my children's mouths, especailly Harpers. She is a curious, uber honest 4-year old who has no concept of filtering her thoughts. You never have to guess what's going on in that mind of hers. Whether the words are complimentary or unintentionally hurtful - she just blurts them out. 

At times I appreciate her candor but there have been a few recent instances where I wish she actually had a filter, for the sake of my own dignity. I mean, take a look at these actual conversations we've had:

H: Mom, why do you have black under your eyes? (as she pokes my make-up free face)

T: Oh, I think you're talking about my dark circles. I have those because of you and your brother.

Or this one that happened just this week:

H: Mom, do you have a baby in your belly?

T: No, why do you ask?

H: Oh, because your belly just keeps getting bigger.

T: Okay. I think it's time for you to go to bed. 

I know those things weren't said to be cruel, it was just her 4-year old brain telling her to spew out her immediate thoughts. Like most things she says, I laughed. Hard. I mean, how can you not when your 4-year old daughter calls you out for eating your 20th cookie of the weekend? She's real and way too honest but still manages to stay ridiculously sweet in the process. After shaming me for my dark circles and cookie-bloated belly - she always manages to throw in a "I love you Mom!" each time which makes up for her word vomit. Not matter what you say, I love you too Harper. 

Emmett has become my outdoor man, he can't seem to get enough! I'm convinced he'd live outside if we let him. He's perfectly content lounging in a lawn chair but also loves running in the sprinkler and playing on the playground. Whatever he does, he just wants that fresh outside air. 

His love for Ninja Turtles is at an all time high. One of my favorite things is to watch him dance to the opening theme song, boy has some moves! Mikey and Donnie are his go-to's and I now carry an army of little turtle toys in my purse at all times. I hear the word "tur-tle" so many times a day, I lose count. A classic karate chop motion and "hi-yah!" have been added to his repertoire. It's the cutest thing ever - my sweet little turtle. 

 

The last few weeks have been busy as usual. We celebrated Jennie and that sweet baby girl (that should be arriving next month)! The school themed shower Jennie's friend Stacie threw was pure perfection. Baby Moren received a lot of really great things and her Mama was glowing. There is already so much love towards that little babe and we can't even wait to meet her!

 

We recently watched Harper take the stage again for the second dance recital. The girls looked adorable in their costumes and curly-cue hairdos. Before the curtain opened, Mitch yelled "Go Harper." We all watched as she did the entire dance on-stage but refused to look out into the audience. Her head was turned looking directly to her left so she didn't have to make eye contact with the crowd. She managed to tap along to the music and show us all her moves but we missed that infectious smile. 

During the finale dance, she must have been over her stage fright because she did face completely forward which allowed us to get a peek of that sweet little grin. When I picked her up from the dressing room afterwards I told how awesome she did but asked why she wouldn't look at us. She said, "Oh I was just a little nervous." I explained there was nothing to be nervous about and we were all just excited to see her dance. She followed up by telling me, "Next time, I think I'll look forward and make sure I show everyone my big smile." I told her I thought that was a great idea and we can't wait to see it again! :) 

 

Our Memorial Day Weekend tradition continued at Kavanaugh's Resort in Brainerd. We loaded up the car Friday morning and headed North. Mitch and the boys did their usual golf date Friday while the kids and I hung out at the cabin. We played at the beach and took advantage of the empty playground - but our outdoor fun was cut short by raindrops. 

The entire weekend was pretty rainy but that didn't stop us from making the most of it. Emmett sat outside rain or shine. If it was raining, he'd hang out in the lawn chair under the awning. If it was rain-free he was running around in the grass out back. 

Harper got to go fishing with the guys and managed to catch the most fish. She came back completely soaked from rain, but was still excited to show us the pictures and tell us about the "pee-pee fish" that Uncle Mike caught. 

We met the Medford's at Zorbaz Saturday night. It's always fun see their family and the girls took over the stage outside. Madison and Julianne taught Harper how to "Whip and Nae Nae." (I'm so old, I don't even know if I'm saying that right. Ha!) It was hysterical to watch and absolutely made my night. 

Mitch and I had to leave Sunday morning so we could head back to Minneapolis for a wedding. The kids stayed the rest of the weekend up North with Granny, Pops, Uncle Mike and Aunt Jennie. They did some more fishing and soaked up a little bit of sunshine. It was another great year and we're looking forward to our 2017 trip!

Mitch and I came home Sunday to attend Joe and Adrienne's wedding. Mitch and Joe have know each other since their days at Cedar Island Elementary. They went to the same elementary school, junior high and high school. Joe went to the UofM so we managed to see him quite a bit in college too.

Their wedding was downtown Minneapolis, the reception was held at Orchestra Hall and everything was absolutely perfect. Adrienne looked stunning and the newlyweds looked wonderfully happy. It was such a beautiful celebration of love and commitment for two of the kindest people. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Mallen! (BTW - Thank you Christine and Matt for giving us a place to stay that night!)

 

Memorial Day weekend, my Aunt Joan, cousin Betty and Grandpa drove up from Missouri to spend the week. Memorial Day was beautiful. Hot, sunny - everything you hope for long weekend. My parents recently bought a new boat and a picture perfect day like this gave us an opportunity to test it out. 

We spent the entire day on the water. Soaking up sunshine, sipping on drinks and being thankful for all we have. Mitch even braved the water since Harper insisted on swimming. It was an awesome day and a great way to kick off summer!

Harper and Emmett kept them entertained during the week while Mitch and I were at work. I took part of Friday off and met them at Mall of America. I mean, what's a trip to Minnesota with a trip to MOA? Saturday we introduced them to Whirlyball, had a great dinner and ended with ice cream from DQ. 

It was so fun having them here for a week and getting to see them nearly everyday. I wish we didn't live 600 miles apart, but gosh do we have one heck of a time when we're all together. We miss you guys already - come back!

Until next time…

The Helleens