Peel Me A Grape

GG and I have been spending lots-o-quality time together the last week or so, with my usual days at home and daddy out for a boy's weekend in the Twin Cities checking out the new Target Field. Fortunately the weather has been totally favorable for our little swimming enthusiast. My expectations for the plastic pool I bought in desperation at Walgreen's last year were not high, but by some miracle it seems to have survived the winter. So I huffed and I puffed and I blew it up to the delight of one little squish.

Immediately after filling with freezing hose water. Little hands could not resist.


She also decided to put her face in to blow bubbles, and of course got soaked. "Mama, cold!" Yeah, you don't say

After her nap the pool was bathwater warm, and fortunately for us, our friends Jessica and Madeline came over for a quick visit. They temporarily live in VA but were back in WI for a visit and made time to swing by. The girls had great fun cooling off, while Jess and I enjoyed a little mommyade (spiked lemonade in Waterford, of course).

Practicing for the 4th of July boat parade at the cottage


One of several failed attempts to get everyone to look at the camera at once


Is this kid cute or what?!?


Helping daddy out later that night

Matt was MN-bound on Friday after work. I chose to stay back with GG as the idea of 9-10 hours in the car for just a 24-hour visit made me a little ill. So instead the tot and I were out and about all weekend, starting with another new haircut. I have given her several good cuts, but last time I tried she zigged when I thought she was going to zag and, well, the outcome was not good. It definitely required professional help. The last time G was in a stylist's chair (well, in my lap in the chair) she SCREAMED like the scissors were piercing her skin. But this time she told me she wanted to sit by herself and was a perfect angel for the whole thing. What a difference five months makes! It's very 1960's Mia Farrow now, and best of all, doesn't look like it was styled by Edward Scissorhands.

After our successful styling, we went out for breakfast at City Market then headed to Lowe's to stock up on all of the necessities for a great summer yard. I haven't really done the annuals for the last two years (what, like I had a kid or something?) so I was excited to finally spruce up the yard again. Naturally I had a little help.

Just put a little in here, and a little over there...


What is with this junk on my hands? "Yucky!"

After a weekend of hard yard work, it was time to jump back into the pool for a relaxing splash.

After the swim I peeled off her suit and swim diaper and in the time it took me to set her wet suit over a chair she climbed up on the lounger to sun herself.

Oh hello admirers. You may adore me from afar.


Garcon! A lemonade and fruit plate!


I've been waiting for at least 30 seconds. WHERE IS MY BEVERAGE?


See if I ever come back to this place.