Top 10

Top 10 for the Week:

10.  Cooler Weather.  Up until later last week, we had MUCH cooler temperatures.  I had mixed feelings about this.  First, how strange that the weather is changing so drastically.  Second, it cancels all the FUN water summer activities!  And thirdly, does this mean we will have winter early???  The kids and I still enjoyed lots of time outside riding bikes, looking at bugs, and just being outside.

9.  Spider Web.  Earlier in the week, I saw a few spider webs located in some of our flowerbed landscape on the way to our backyard.  I had a brilliant idea of "feeding" the spiders.  We went on a bug hug searching for spider food, AKA moths, flies, etc.  Yeah, all we found was an earwig.  Turns out, spiders don't like them, but it's pretty funny to watch the fight between them!  The kids loved it.  And I swear we were there watching for over an hour (that and searching for more food).  The spiders are still there...and we still continue to try to feed them.  They don't like crickets, centipedes, worms, or dead moths.  Just to let you know.

8.  Impromptu Visit.  To a friend's house was greatly appreciated!  A golf cart ride in the woods and fresh blackberries were a hit! 

7.  Chiro Visit.  We planned on meeting up afterwards with friends at a park.  On the way, Mal asked if I was going "to get my back scratched first" or if we were going to the park first.  Cutest things ever.  No honey, I'm getting my back cracked.  Don't worry, I didn't say that.  Turns out I can now start reintroducing coffee and caffeine back into my diet!! I am SO excited!!  It was the perfect park day too--the weather was perfect!  And the park is a secret awesome fun filled getaway place for the kids!  We brought bikes and scooters...both kids were exhausted!!  It was a blast by all.

6.  Blueberry Picking.  I have been wanting to take the kids blueberry picking for the last few weeks now.  We finally got around to doing it on Friday.  I went to the place in Decatur--where I remembered visiting one year during summer school.  Cutest little place.  NO ONE was there.  It was funny watching the two kids pick.  Mal was very precise about getting the right berries.  ONLY picking the biggest, bluest ones.  Clayton just grabbed a branch of them and shoved them in his mouth.  When he realized that all of them were not ripe, he ended up spitting them out.  It was hilarious.  Mal kept trying to show him, but he wanted nothing to do with her.  Just the berries.  He ate a LOT.  I wish I would have had more time to look around at the cute shop--but with all the breakables and 2 kids, I had NO time.  Next time.  And I'm bringing my mom.  She'd love it there.

5.  Lake Cora.  Another hidden treasure.  Met a few friends at the public access.  The smallest beach and swimming area but it was perfect for us.  We were the only ones there.  And it is SO close to our house.  Mal loved practicing her swimming skills, playing in the sand, and making a "pool."  Clayton loved walking out into the water (up to his chin I swear!  That boy has no fear), playing with the trucks in the sand, and the rocks.  I thought the minnows pecking at my feet were fun.  Overall, so much fun.  I'm bummed I didn't know about this until the end of the summer.  Oh well.  We WILL be going there again this week.

4.  Clayisms.  Oh Clay.  What are we going to do with you?? He seriously is the cutest, sweetest boy I know, but he is also so "off the charts" (as Jay puts it).  I should really just say that nothing surprises me with him. But it still does.  This reference is more to this week's happenings...so you'll have to wait until next week's blog.  This week, he actually has started doing two things that are SO normal at this age and I feel like it's taken him a bit longer than most to get there.  He NOW watches TV and actually even requests it.  In his "TV" words.  Clay will sit down and watch a program--Wild Kratts his still #1 in his book or anything with animals in it.  He's also started reading books on his OWN right before bedtime and nap time.  Ummmm...this has become a LIFESAVER.  I'm not going to get too excited about it...because it hasn't even been a week since this behavior has started.  And I would hate to jinx this.  Period.  Still BIG time into trains.  Carries them everywhere.  SO cute.

3.  Malloryisms.  Mal has SUCH a great week.  Her sweetness and thoughtfulness truly shined through this week.  I let her know that I was staying home again this year.  I honestly don't even know if she understands this or even if she knew.  But I told her and she was elated!  Hugging and kissing me nonstop which caused Clayton to follow suit.  I was bombarded with hugs and kisses from my favorite kiddos.  It was a great moment.  That night she also told me "I never want to be without you"  as I put her to bed.  I was stunned.  And filled with pure joy and love. My sweet gal. 

She's been obsessed with her bike.  Riding it as much as she can.  We've been going on walk/bike rides together.  She LOVES this.  I love that she loves to ride her bike since I used to be a big biker (I miss biking).  She's getting really good--almost to the point of getting rid of her training wheels.  She can also ride up our big hill and down it.  Big deal in our house.  One day this week when Clay was throwing one of his two year old fits, she asked if she could lay down with him and take a nap.  I was like sure, why not?!?!  It was cute to see her talking to him, "Now Clay, it's okay.  Just calm down.  You really should just take a nap.  I'll lay down here with you."  And then giggles.  Screams.  And they are both up--no rest/nap time that day!  Go figure!  Her vocabulary and language is growing.  On our way home from the zoo this past weekend she told Jay "If you be so nice, could you give my bunny some broccoli?"  Her bunny that she's going to get--like 20 years from now:o) 

2.  Zoo.  Went with our fellow Northrup Clan.  SO much fun.  Toured the park, had a picnic, and was home around 3:00.  Good time had by all.  Mal walked almost the entire way and Clayton was extremely close behind.  I think they are STILL trying to catch up on sleep from that day!

1.  Perfect Friday.  The end of the week can be kinda rough.  Just sometimes I'm ready for the weekend...for a little break from being ON all the time.  Well, this Friday was such a great day for us.  From blueberry picking to meeting a few friends at the lake, we had a GREAT day.  One of those days that make all the others better.  I LOVE days like those.  And thank God they come around here and there.

Looking back on the week, it was a GREAT week.  I didn't have anything planned, and it turned out to be SO fun.  Why did I feel so restless about it then?!?!  Not sure.

I'm tired.
Time to head to bed.

It's only Monday, and BOY do I have some stories to tell for next week!
Means a great week ahead right?!?!

Anyhow...
Have a great week!!

Until next week,
Mrs. Newell