Mike’s been at it again, sneaking away from work to do some fishing. He’s come home 2 days in a row with these monster salmon. He’s so proud of accomplishments. These fish are going to get smoked. Can’t wait to try it.

Yesterday’s fish.

Today’s catch was a female.

How did we know, you ask? Take a look for yourself.

Enough eggs to fill up a bowl. Just call her fertile Myrtle.

Huge fish means huge filets.

In other news my mom came for a visit this week. She’s in the process of relocating to Chicago, so she did some searching for new digs. The perfect place was found, and she’ll be moving into her new place in the next couple of weeks. The girls are super excited about having their Grandma so close and getting the chance to visit with her more often.

While trying to take advantage of the last of the nice days this year I called up the Johnsons to see if they wanted to hang out at the park. The invitation was accepted, and Mimi couldn’t have been more thrilled to learn about her upcoming playdate (is it supposed to be play date–2 words, or playdate–1 word, or does it even matter?). It occurred to me that I haven’t pulled out my big camera for outdoor shots in ages, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to do so. The Johnson kids didn’t know what to make of me or my large, black box, but I eventually got them to cheese it up for a few shots. The day was really overcast and gloomy, but I think it added an interesting mood to the pictures.

At first, Alex just ignored me.

I got him to smile a little, but I think he only did it so I’d get out of his face.

This picture cracked me up. I see a future rock star here.

I’m sure he’s thinking, “When will she go away?”

One last smile, but that’s it.

Chloe was a little trickier. In this picture, she’s actually running away from me. I happened to catch her smiling when she thought she dodged the bullet.

I finally figured out how to get Chloe to lighten up, it was to take off that massive coat that was suffocating her on a 65 degree day (sorry, Julie, couldn’t resist).

Mimi tried to steal the seahorse from Chloe. I’m glad I talked Mimi out of it because these are my favorite photos from the day.

As you can see I have no problem getting Mimi to smile or pose for me. Such a ham.

They actually did have fun in spite of the crazy lady with the camera.

This is all I feel like doing lately.

All those projects I had hoped to make are piling up in my brain but are not getting made in real life. I was doing so well when this new baby arrived. The projects were getting done. The housework was mostly getting done. However, it seems like the laundry is suddenly growing exponentially, and I can’t keep up with it along with all the other chores. By the time the bare minimum of tasks is completed for the day I’m quite exhausted. There’s no energy left for the long list of fun projects to get tackled. I really can’t blame Violet because she generates minimal extra laundry (or does she) and is sleeping 10-12 hours per night. I will say that she is requiring several hours of time being spent in my arms. Like right now I’m forgoing eating dinner in order to hold Violet while the girls eat (Mike’s gone for the night on a scout camp out). I also attribute much of the disorder to my other 2 tykes. The second I turn my back after cleaning up a mess another one has been made by them. Of course, I do make them help around the house, but that “help” requires my supervision which keeps me from completing other missions. When I suggested that hiring a live-in housekeeper would be good for the economy Mike just gave me a look of disdain. After all, the same suggestion was made in my favorite series of books, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. Not that we’d ever be able to afford to employ a person, but at least I can dream, huh? Oh well, I suppose this is how it is to be. For now. Maybe I can muster up enough energy tonight after all the girls are in bed to finish the jacket I’ve been making for Annie. Dagnabit, it’s so close to being finished.

I’m finally getting back to the gym after being on maternity/pregnancy/broken foot leave for the past 6-7 months. It’s amazing how much the body gives in to the sedentary lifestyle. My hiney is not happy today, and the rest of my body went on strike. I’m hoping after a week or so though that my muscles will start to remember what they are supposed to be doing instead of just exerting enough effort to pick up that next Milano cookie. Man, I love those things! In the meantime, I’ve been searching for the perfect workout to get my body back into ultimate shape. I think I’ve found it. Anyone want to join me for a session?

This may explain the horsey video from yesterday. Occasionally, there are some people who will ride their horses through the field in our backyard. They did this yesterday which prompted Mimi to grab her horsey for a “ride”. Today they got a chance to meet the real horses and to sit on them. The girls were out of this world excited about this opportunity. Annie declared afterward, “Today was my favorite day!” I’m glad I grabbed the camera.

Violet didn’t get a chance to ride on the horse, but that doesn’t mean she can’t be included in this post.

Mike wasn’t sure what time he’d get home from work last night, so we decided to meet up with him at Buffalo Wild Wings on his way home. It was kids’ night (which means free food for the kids), and Cuddles and Billy were there to paint faces and make balloon animals for the kids. Thank goodness the girls don’t have a phobia of clowns like I did as a child.