Princesses and Unicorns at Play....

Today our itinerary included a stop at the library so the girls could drop off their summer reading program forms and collect their loot (which included a ticket for each to an upcoming Canaries game~always the hot item), lunch at Z'kota (mmmm, Hot Ham and Swiss) and an afternoon at the park. Since we are such freewheelin', wild and crazy ladies, we went out on a limb (literally)

and visited a park not on our "Frequently Frequented Parks" list, Cherry Rock Park. Fun for three reasons: 1. We don't often go to CRP., 2. It's right on the bike trail with a cool bridge crossing the river. and 3. It had the perfect tree perching (we are too chicken to climb~we just perched) tree. After a brief photo shoot on the bridge....

which Lily and Ella were kind of scared of because of the grating. I have to admit, it was a little disconcerting walking along on the bridge with large openings below our feet. It did kind of feel like we could go right into the drink at any given moment. Notice Lily's absence from the next picture. Her issues with the bridge got the best of her and......

she crossed over to the all wooden slat portion of the bridge.

Grace and Ella took this opportunity to show off their bravery to the little sister who was extremely nervous.

Once our Bridges of Minnehaha County experience was complete, we stopped at the perching tree for a few quick pics. I fully intended on keeping my feet firmly planted on God's green earth but Grace had different plans for me. She encouraged me to climb up for my own model moment.

With the picture taking nonsense that the girls so kindly have accepted as part of any outing with me, they were set free to create their own fantasy land. As I supervised from the sidelines, I listened in amazement as my girls were transformed before my eyes into princesses fleeing from the evil witch (I sure hope that wasn't me playing a part unknowingly). At one point I heard Grace exclaim, "Ella, is it time to get back on the bird and fly away yet?" to which Ella replied, "No, I'm on my horse." as she galloped away. Grace started to protest but then the lightbulb flickered and she hollered, "Hey Ella, how about we ride unicorns?" which Ella and Lily both thought was about the best idea they had ever heard and off they all swiftly rode into the sunset.

There is nothing I love more than watching my girls play and laugh. Their level of comfort with one another is something I at times envy and the way they complement each

other is so interesting. They each have their very important and integral part to play in their sisterhood and there is no place I would rather be than sitting right there watching them play it.

Shopping and butterflies....

This morning we woke to a beautiful blue sky and promises of the perfect summer day. Last night before bed, the girls selected the Sertoma Butterfly House as their activity of choice for today. We had a bit of a rough start and I was afraid and frustrated that all my good intentions were going to be doomed. Now in this situation, Monday's Jessica would have freaked out and then spent the remainder of the day alternating between being pissed at the girls for fighting, arguing, etc. and pissed at myself for freaking out about the girls doing normal kid type things. But alas, Monday's Jessica had taught Tuesday's Jessica a valuable lesson and Tuesday's Jessica tried an entirely different tactic. A brief but stern discussion about choices, both good and bad, and how your choices dictate how your day will go and we began the day all over complete with brand new good morning greetings and hugs. This new approach seemed to do the trick and away we went ready to embrace the day.

Because our school supply shopping was taken care of months ago (thanks to those handy school supply kits), we have very limited shopping necessary to prepare for the looming big day. One major item on the list is new tennis shoes for Ella. Last year shoe shopping turned into an several day, pull your hair out of your head Olympic event and took us forever. This year, Grace unexpectedly stumbled across the perfect pair of sneakers a couple of weeks ago leaving us with just Ella to attire. Her decisive nature paired with her intense dislike of shopping caused me to conclude this would go quickly and it sure did. One trip around the shoe section at Kohl's, three pairs tried on and one pair singled out as the winner in less than five minutes. Yay Ella! Selecting the all important "1st Day of School" outfit turned out to be a bit more time consuming but boy did we hit the jackpot. After a spin through Target, a fast lunch at Wendy's, a buzz through JCPenny's (so Ella could admire this ultra fancy dress she has been thinking about for a couple of weeks), we meandered into Old Navy. As we walked through the entrance, Lily muttered under her breath, "We're going in here? I hate this place."~which she says every single time we enter this particular store. Much to our delight, all clearance items were 50% off the clearance price and we seriously did a number on said clearance racks. As we were leaving with ridiculous smiles pasted on our faces, Ella said to me, "I guess shopping can be kind of fun. Did you have fun, Mom?" Jeans for $5 and happy faces all around me, how could I not have fun?

Our shopping escapade took much longer than I had anticipated and although we were running short on time, I had promised the Butterfly House and I was going to make good on that promise. I sure am glad I did too. What a peaceful, lovely place to spend an hour. We strolled around the room, taking pictures while oohing and ahhing.

I took the photo below right after Ella asked me what the butterflies were doing and I explained they were eating. It looks like she was becoming one with the butterflies and figuring out how she would eat if she were a butterfly.

My three beauties...

Awe and awwww....

At one point, I exclaimed to Lily, "Oh Lil, look at this one. It's so pretty". She came over, took a look and matter-of-factly informed me, "I call those ones fellas". Well, of course you do! What else would you call them?

Waiting and hoping with all their hope that a butterfly will land on them....

And here is Ella on our way home, drying off her sweaty pits after a long hot day of shopping and butterflying! Phew! Who knew having fun could be so much work?

What a great day! I'm so glad we started over. It made all the difference and without doing that, I would have missed out on a fabulous day with my fabulous girls. I'm anxious again tonight~anxious to wake up tomorrow and see my three favorite girls' beautiful faces.

Summer fun and more....

As usual, we spent this weekend playing and having fun. There was a birthday party on Grace's social calendar for Friday night. We dropped her off, grabbed a quick supper at our go-to, Fryn' Pan, and beelined to the park to kill time until it was time to pick up our eldest. Lily enjoyed the swing.....

While Ella showed off her monkey bar skills, going back and forth 16 times total, 13 of those times right in a row. I haven't been able to lift my arms above my head since, just thinking about the pain.



It was finally time to return our resident pop star diva to the fold. She had a fabulous time, just as expected. Pizza and Hannah Montana~what more does a nine year old girl really need?
Jason and I had decided that since we got totally gypped out of sun and didn't get to participate in any lakeside lounging, we would have to take matters into our own hands. After just the slightest bit of Facebook research, we located a lake near our house that sounded perfect. With the back of the Expedition filled with appropriate beach-friendly gear, we headed for sunny Lake Pahoja, Iowa. We were pleasantly surprised that after a quick 20 minute jaunt, a lovely, clean, relatively unbusy beach welcomed us. Prior to take off, I commented to Jason that we would most likely spend more time packing up and driving to the lake than our actual time spent enjoying the surroundings. Well, once again, I was totally off base. The girls shocked me and happily played in the water on their inner tubes and in the sand, surfside for hours with nary a complaint or a nag~even when they found out while we had plenty of beverages, their airheaded parents completely spaced off bringing any snacks. (Luckily Grace had her Kit-Kat from the previous night's party and she was willing to share!) It was the perfect summer day!

Lily~making friends everywhere she goes. I think she may be a politician when she grows up~(if the cowgirl thing falls through, of course).

Ella rockin' the air guitar....

Last week while cleaning the house, I decided this week was going to be fully devoted to the girls and doing all the things they love. No cleaning and no errands. All fun, all the time. They unanimously agreed today was pool day and so to the pool we went. Grace and Ella swam in the big pool while Lily and I splashed in the wading pool.

I think this smile tells it all.

Yesterday in church, the priest spoke about not squandering the gift God bestowed upon each one of us. The greatest gift I have been given is my beautiful family and the opportunity I have to spend each day with them. Now, I'm not going to lie. I struggled with my gift today. I was plagued by anxiety. Sometimes I worry over big issues such as wondering if I am providing a happy, secure life for my girls, if I am doing my best and giving my all every day, finances, being a good mother, wife, daughter, friend, etc. Some days my anxiety is over trivial matters but matters important to me, nonetheless. Selfishly I wondered why in addition to all I have been given, I have been chosen to bear the cross of persistent anxiety. People understand when you are stressed about losing a job, health concerns, problems with your children or your spouse~you know, the big things. People (myself included) do not understand stressing over what to make for supper, what time to get on the treadmill, what day to go to the library, how best to schedule your day~little things that build up throughout the day. And the irony of it is because of this anxiety, I became more anxious. Worried and regretful that I had wasted my time, thoughts and energy. Because of this, I did not fully embrace my day; you know, the day that was supposed to be devoted to my girls. Cue more anxiety over not being a great mother. I hate that but I know it's in my hands. This is not an insurmountable problem.

I'm not sure yet what tomorrow will bring but I do know what I will bring to tomorrow: a positive attitude, a grateful heart and the promise not to squander my gift.

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about."~Angela Schwindt

A Night To Remember....

On Monday, Mr. Kolb asked me out on a birthday dinner date to my favorite restaurant, Minerva's. He gave me the option of going with just him or bringing our three little duckies along. As nice as it is to have dinner just the two of us, I knew how excited the girls would be to get dressed up and go out for a "fancy" dinner. They are fancy ladies in training,after all, and I figured this would be good practice for them.

It probably goes without saying that we all have been looking forward to our "hot date" since the invitation and were thrilled the big day was here. The girls picked out their best evening wear and they all wanted their hair curled. Finally, we were properly attired, spruced up and most importantly, hungry. We hopped in the sweet ride and away we went.......

Minerva's is located downtown and smack dab in the middle of the Sculpture Walk route. The SW is one of the girls' favorite summer activities and desperately wanted to take advantage of the lovely evening and satisfy their inner cultured souls. One quick photo op and a promise to check out the rest of the offerings after our meal we continued on, anxious to not be late for our reservation.

There were plenty of oooohhh's and aaaahhh's immediately upon entering the fine dining establishment. Ella thought, "This sofa is very pretty." and was thrilled to pose with her two besties.
After perusing the menu and making our selections (steak for Jason and I, chicken and broccoli~of course~for Lily, a cheeseburger and smiley fries for Ella and the scrumptious salad bar for Grace....in case there are any inquiring minds in the crowd), we sat back an enjoyed the lovely and ultra fancy atmosphere. The girls just couldn't believe how beautiful everything was and Grace noticed that "even the people here are fancy". She also decided that unlike Fryn' Pan, it probably would not be OK to show up for dinner in your swimming suit. Our food was delish, as expected and I ate my weight in crackers and cheese spread. The YaYa sisters could not have been better behaved and even garnered a compliment from a fellow patron sitting nearby who commented to Jason, "You sure have a nice looking family." to which Jason replied, "I've never seen these people before in my life". (No, he didn't really say that but it would have been a pretty funny comeback.)

A meal out on the town just wouldn't be complete without a trip to the restroom where Ella quickly discovered that even fancy people have to poop as evidenced by some remnants she stumbled upon. Yikes.

One last photo session on the "beautiful sofa" and it was time to take our promised Sculpture Walk.

The girls were in a most photogenic mood and wanted me to take their pictures by virtually every sculpture along the path, a request I was more than happy to oblige. So without further ado, please enjoy the Kolb version of the Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk......

(Notice Lily the creeper in the background.....)

(This sculpture was titled "Gossip" which I imagine these three will do much of in the upcoming years....)

As we were walking from our car to the restaurant and I was already taking pictures, Grace inquired, "Mom, are you going to put these pictures on the blog?". Obviously, we all know the answer that and when I told her I was going to, she suggested a title that after the evening is complete and the girls are snuggled up in their beds, I know is perfect..."A Night To Remember".