Meet the Green-Eyed Monster. I think she had her hands and arms (and forehead!) painted in about 2.5 seconds.

I took the girls to a park and put Sweet Pea down to help Little Bug. Turned around and this baby was crawling on the concrete! By the way, Sweet Pea is officially mobile as of about 1.5ish weeks ago!

This girl loves to swing. And she always wants to go higher!

We were playing in the living room when all of a sudden Little Bug, with her characteristic enthusiasm, said, “Mommy!! Let’s go swimming!”. She proceeded to stripe completely of her clothes – even her panties - and run to me while saying, “Please go get my bathing suite!”

The next hour was spent out in the backyard playing in the pool…

with the water table…

and in the sand box!

It had rained earlier that afternoon and the rain had cooled things off a bit. So it was actually pleasant to be outside for a change.

Until dinnertime when we attempted a picnic. The mosquitos were out in droves and drove us inside. Even Sweet Pea was batting at them.

Little Bug wanted to take a picture of me and this is what she got:

This “solo parenting” week is actually going very well. (I know by saying those words things are bound to fall apart tomorrow…) I was a little apprehensive about doing this parenting thing without my other half, but it’s going well. Attitude is everything. I decided we were going to have a fun girls week – and we are.

Plus, the blessing of family is HUGE. Dave’s parents came over and played with the girls on Monday and my mom came over yesterday and spent last night with us. We enjoyed dinner out together with the girls at the restaurant of Little Bug’s choice: Chick Fil A!

Also, I think of all the women whose husbands serve our country overseas, leaving their wives to “solo parent” for months at a time. What I am doing this week is nothing compared to that. Puts things into perspective.

Four more days and the man of the house will return!!

- Elaine