"Big Girl" Weekend

This past weekend was really special. We had a family reunion to attend in the town of Jerry's parents, and afterwards we just happened to leave Jade with them. I really thought it would be hard to let go of her, but she has been fussy, clingy, teething, earache baby for a couple of weeks now. Those things, plus the fact that she screamed no less than 57 minutes on our way to E. Texas only to fall asleep moments from the edge of their driveway, made prying her little fingers away from my arms a wee bit easier.

Lily has been showing some signs of needing our devoted attention, so we gave in and spoiled her rotten this weekend.

First we became a minivan family. I'm pretty sure Lily thinks it is hers, but is holding steady on wanting a pink convertible VW bug when she turns 16. Grandparents? Are you listening?

Our first stop was a great aquarium downtown that is also home to a 3 level rainforest. We saw every jungle, sea and swamp animal imaginable, but spent the majority of our time finding the characters from Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid. We succeeded in finding Flounder, the eels (minions of Ursula), an octopus (sea witch), the stingray (Mr. Ray the teacher), the jelly fish, sea turtles, Dory, Marlin, and of course Nemo himself among others. Watching Disney movies with Lily definitely turns an aquarium visit into a different sort of experience.

Later we met up with my sister and Lily's cousin for a trip to a theatrical restaurant. We were greeted by Jasmine and also got photos with Cinderella and Snow White. We were a little disappointed that our waitress turned out to be Hannah Montana, because Lily didn't even know who she was. But Avery, being just a year older, was very excited. They both got chicken toes and a bubbly magic potion to drink. Avery ordered hers in red and Lily ordered hers in "ugly"...I'm telling you...I have my boy! We spent a good time just chasing them around the restaurant exploring the different themed rooms and booths.

The next day was Big Girl water park trip day. Her DryPro waterproof cast cover worked perfectly. Lily was pretty intimidated by the water though. It is very different from her nature, so we may give it another try, but the waves and splashing water definitely won us some bonding time. If you count clinging on to either one of us for dear life as bonding time at least.

I'm about to put a slide show up, but you won't see any water park pictures. I didn't even bring the camera. I think I have anxiety about being photographed in my swimsuit. It wasn't helped by my shopping experience with Lily the night before our water adventure.

We were in the swimsuit section at a department store and Lily was assessing the situation:

L-Are you getting some new clothes, mommy?

M-No sweetheart, I'm getting a new swimsuit.

L-These don't look like swimsuits.

M-What do you mean?

L-These are dresses.

As I glanced at my receipt on my way out, sure enough, my purchase was called a "swim dress".

I was joined by many other mamas clothed in swim dresses too. And a few others that may need to be introduced to the concept. I know a personal shopper that I could lend to them.