its the little things that we do that mean anything: June 2011

We spent Saturday together. Reconnecting. Enjoying a rare opportunity to spend a full day in each other's company. We joined the club of weekend brunch goers. Though no real club exists, none that I'm aware of at least, following the unspoken weekend moral code, if you're not working, then you better be brunching, we packed up and headed out. We dined on benedicts and two-egg-breakfasts, soaking up bits of sun strong enough to make its way past the outside patio's awning.

After breakfast, we walked to the grocery store in search of the next great meal. Deciding on carne asada tacos, we gathered the required ingredients and headed home where I let Pieter in on another unspoken weekend moral code, if you're not sleeping in, then you better believe you're guaranteed a nap. After the two hours of family nap blissfulness, we ate an early dinner and later bartered chores in exchange for paying rights at Gunther's Ice Cream.

*****

Gunther's is a cute little ice cream shop with a big small town feel. So much in fact, I swear there are deleted scenes taking place in this very shop somewhere in The Sandlot archives.

During Summer months, the patios are always filled with frozen-treat-loving patrons. As we headed inside, only stepping a few feet passed the door, Lola was consumed by a horrible case of ice cream envy.

She was not amused as she was taunted by the sights of others enjoying their scoops of heavenly bliss, nor was she amused at the thought of waiting in line for her "I-keeeemm".

See, not amused.

Lola and I found a table outside while Pieter waited in line for our ice cream. Taking advantage of an opportune moment to ink Lola up, she's now an official member of the Gunther's family!

My daughter's a bad ass!

Lola, wide-eyed with anticipation and excitement, caught a glimpse of Pieter making his way toward us.

One part peanut buttercup, one part cookies-n-cream, baby!!!

Still don't believe that Gunther's is absolutely delicious??? The guy in the background can vouch for us, agreeing that this ice cream is finger-lickin'-good!

I'm not a random stranger photographer, I swear. It proves my point though, doesn't it?

Bad ass...

*****

As the sun set on our perfect family day, I sat reflecting on my life and my two loves, realizing how fortunate and blessed I am. I have a beautiful daughter, wildly energetic and spunky in every part of her thirty-one pound little body.

I also have a constant example of unconditional love. A love that fuels him to put up with me through all of my "feisty Mexican moments". An unconditional love that allows him to be understanding and patient with others even when they aren't necessarily worthy of it. He is perfect.

As I crept in to take one final look at my little sweets before I headed to work the next morning, I saw the little reminder of our wonderful evening. I carried that with me all day.

Happy Tuesday!

On the first day of Summer, Lola proudly sported her jellies on our morning walk. We walked along the shaded streets of Midtown, pausing to notice the Summer moon still hanging on a backdrop of bright blue sky.

*****

Mandy came to visit.

It's a wonderful feeling when your friends love you child.

Make yourself at home, Lola.

*****

More walks on hot Summer mornings accompanied by the sweet sounds of Lola chattering and the occasional Yee haw! We stopped to smell the flowers, literally, noticing the little insects hanging around atop bright blooms.

*****

Lola created a one-of-a-kind piece of art, claiming every surface as her canvas.

*****

We built a fort and had a mother-daughter luncheon. Words of praise came spilling from this little twenty-five month old's mouth convincingly stating, "Mmm, that's good shit! while chewing on some broccoli.

I get it, Lola! You love your broccoli.