How nice to have a long weekend.  How nice to really enjoy a weekend and not feel (as) stressed to get it all done.  We had a very productive day.  The three of us spent a few hours in the yard this morning. We got two of our three raised bed gardens planted and started on wedding the third. R got a bunch of stuff cleaned up near our “stream.” M enjoyed swinging, running around, kicking the soccer ball and throwing the basketball at Izzie. She just loves being outside. Then she and I came inside while R mowed the lawn. She surprised me by sitting on the couch while I vacuumed and cleaned almost the entire house. She played pretend games with her finger, sang songs, read her book and just generally relaxed. It was so cute and so unexpected. I have never even tried to vacuum with her not in her high chair before because it makes her a little nervous, but she did just fine.

I got to go to Home Depot, Sam’s and the grocery store solo and didn’t feel at all like I had to hurry home. I did hurry though, but just because it was so hot and my purchases were getting too warm!

Tonight I had my helper with me in the kitchen again. I’m on day 7 of my vegan workshop and I made Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with homemade wheat bread for dinner. R paired his with a nice strip steak. He was starting to feel outnumbered so he made sure M ate some red meat too.

PS – M is 22 months old today. I can’t even believe it.