How do I look?

"How do I look?"
Like a happy two-year old!














"Grampa Poole thinks I look like I could fit in at Virginia University."

Smokestack takes a Bath

Yesterday, our jaws nearly cracked the tile floor in the bathroom. Smokestack (Esther's nickname by Hans) readily agreed to take a bath. I know, I know, what's the big deal, right? Well, let me tell you... this was the first time in 1 1/2 years that she has ever willingly neared the bathwater. Usually, she turns into a cat and nearly claws me eyes out. She clings to me tighter than a bug on flypaper in the heat. But on this momentous occasion, she sat happily popping the bath bubbles while I scrubbed her down with a washcloth. I don't think she's ever gotten this clean on purpose. There's been a few times she's accidently sat in an ice puddle, or poured water on herself; in which case I eagerly mop her off-- taking advantage of the situation. I sometimes would try to give her sponge baths, so I'm not entirely negligent. Good smelling lotion definitely covers over a multitude of sins as well! Being that I prefer to keep my eyes in my head, I quit trying to bathe her. Now that she's into the whole bath scene, I guess I need to put more bubble bath on my list. I ran out of it last night....

Our 5th Anniversary!!

We left the kids here with the Pooles, and headed out for 48 hours of celebration of five years of marriage. Our first stop was to Cub where we took a small black cart around and stood for a long time in the chocolate aisle making tough choices. :) we could actually think without being interrupted!! We then went to the Cheesecake Factory, and then to a piano store where Lance found a 9-foot grand to play. Next stop was Centenial Lakes!
Lance had reserved a gondola ride for us at Centenial Lakes in Edina. The gondola is actually from Venice, and was SO much fun to ride in!! Our gondoleer, Casey, (pictured below) said that many couples have become engaged during such rides in his boat.









Casey. (on the clock he's known as "Luicciano")


















We stayed at an Inn right off the St. Croix in Stillwater, Minnesota. We dressed up in our original wedding gear and headed out around the old part of town for some pictures and cheers from pedestrians. Why not? You never get to wear it all again otherwise!! Celebrate your marriage!













Weather was perfect, relaxation was much needed and appreciated.


















Passers-by took pictures for us. People congratulated us, cars honked, and we enjoyed every second. -It's kind of strange when you later walk around, and no one's honking anymore. :) oh well, take what you can get!! The kids had a great time, and we are so grateful to Pooles for letting us get away. I am so thankful for a loving husband who cares about our marriage and keeps the love going. Thank you, Lance!! Isn't he cute?

More "isms"

Thought I'd add a few more Pooleisms to the list.....

Visiting a lake for the first time this spring, Esther perked up when she saw the water. Her eyes lit up as she exclaimed, "Puddle!!" She would only splash in the "puddle" if she was wearing her shoes...

Esther loves any living thing that moves. If she spots an ant hill on the driveway, she'll stop and say "hi" to every ant. She will then proceed to put both hands in the air and cry until I pick her up.... she doesn't want to squish any of her little friends.

Hans has been fascinated with the farming industry this spring. When questioned where certain crops grow, he'll tell you if it grows in a field, orchard, etc. He was questioning the origin of pizza one day, and I told him it was from our local grocery store. He, of course, said in a knowing tone,"no, mommy. Pizza comes from a pizza field." Of course. I knew that.

Hans discovered his wrists and ankles. He figured out what they are made of. He told me, "Hans have tool in there."

I am a budding artist, in my children's eyes. I was illustrating a small poster with the words, "The Lord is my shepherd" with a stick-shepherd. Clever, I thought. Hans insisted the poor man wear some clothes. So, I drew a shepherdy bathrobe-like garb on the man. Hans knew instantly what the clothes were called..."jammies!!"

Hans stubbed one of his toes. He explained the dire situation; "That piggy broken!!"

Makes sense to me.... what is the hard protective surface on top of your toes?
"toe fingernails!"

Hans is a mechanic at heart. When presented with the opportunity, he will scurry into the driver's seat, and pop the hood. He then tells Lance, "Daddy, check the oil." Lance replies, "I checked it yesterday!" Hans,"Check it again!!" Safety first.