Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

Every other Sunday, I volunteer in Tatum’s class at church. It’s always fun to color and model Jesus love with the kids. It sounds so easy doesn’t it?

Simple not easy.

OK, so this week, Nixon showed up in her class. He has been at Paradise for Tots with her since she was 3.

He now wears glasses, towers over her, and is still so in love with her.

Today, he sat down while Tatum made her some delicious plastic morsels of food. She “served him” and then she asked about his day. So, Nixon, tell me how are you doing? How is your day? Would you like some more milk? 

Honestly, it was adorable to watch her be such a lady and he was such a gentleman. Five years old. 

Oh the joy.  (Now, let’s just keep it at this stage, K? Not ready for the rest!)

 

We started out drawing some firecrackers. (Better to draw than see them at this stage based on past Tot firework fears)

And Coti cozied up of course.

And then……he showed! Doug! She couldn’t wait to dance with him. The honey brought over the most delicious shrimp kabobs and we had to celebrate.

Twirl…

and lift!

Check the back???

I think it’s ok. Ready for more Doug?

We had the best dinner and conversation. The 4th of July is a special day in so many ways. It’s a time with family but a celebration of the true meaning of freedom and sacrifice.

 

Happy Independence Day 2018.

A video game on paper? This thing is as close as you can get. These Brain Quest books have color, stickers, and incentives. You can’t beat it, and Tot just wants to do more.

There’s this cool map you travel from Level 1 to Level 6

This lead to a toy. You see, I’ve had this in my closet for a while waiting to give it to Tot. It’s kind of a big gift, but I think she earned it. She’s been overly helpful and doing things without asking. I figured it was time. Also, she has many of these little Lego guys.

But this, folks, is a CITY!! And with a ……..baby. She would go wild. And she did. I spent the day putting it together with her,  and I found I wish I had these when I was little. I get the obsession. Great; just what I need.

Now, I have to get more of these. What have I created!!???

She spent about three SOLID hours playing with these just today.

They are a great learning/ imagination tool, so I’m ALL FOR IT!

The fourth of July, every year, has been an event. You see, around here, near the train park, it comes early. They always have a concert on Sunday and then a firework’s show (if it comes on the 4th, that would work out great!)

I love the 4th of July because of what it means for our country. I think we’ve lost a bit of that with all the hoopla surrounding it meaning hot dogs, swimming and lots of noise. But, I hope to make it memorable this year.

Once again, on Sunday (July 1st), there were fireworks. I was hoping Tot would not be scared this year. I knew Coti would need cuddling but not Tot?

We went outside after the start (around 9pm),

and IMMEDIATELY she wanted to go in. She was shivering! Every year since she was 2 she has not been ready for the fireworks. This year was no different.

We came inside and cuddled with Coti with hopes (well, my hope) that we could go back out for the finale.

Meanwhile, we cuddled and they shivered.

Ok, so can we go now? We did and boom! Nope. OK, you two.

We’ll have more fun on the actual 4th.

I love you both.

We had to celebrate of course!!!

And what does that mean? Getting all pertied up and debonaired out, right?

He showed up and I thought, Man, he sure does look hottie hot hot!

It took a while to get the right pose since my mom was taking the picture. The button on Doug’s phone is tender apparently. We tried to hold it together!

Let’s try again!

And now with Tot. She just has to be in one at least!

Now we are ready to go be JUST US. I’m so proud of you, Honey.

I love you to pieces.

She fell asleep and awaited the big exchange. The tooth for a ______ . What would it be??

Ok, really, what would it be!?

I had to do some quick thinking, and guess what? The tooth fairy came through, and Tatum had to let me know at early o’clock.

A $2 bill.

She didn’t realize how cool this was until she told EVERYBODY in her path. They all remarked, “WOW! A $2 bill? Do they even make those? How cool, Tatum.” Aaaaaahhhh, confirmation that I needed.

Now, what will she bring for 19 more teeth???

Remember that wiggly tooth on June 2nd?

Welllllllll, it’s been wiggly for about 3 weeks. The bottom tooth joined the fun to wiggle too. This one was much more amenable to falling out, I think.

She has been asking, “When will it come out, Mommy?” How am I supposed to know? So, I just say, “Probably tomorrow!”

So, today, Friday, she was determined to get that bottom tooth out. We made a plan. Let’s tie one end of the tooth with some yarn and the other end to Coti’s foot. Then, when he takes off running…….BYE BYE TOOTH! Good plan, eh? You see, I am too much of a scaredy cat to inflict pain, so I wanted nothing to do with the removal process. Coti needed to do it.

Not so much. It wouldn’t stay on. So we tried the doorknob effect.

Again, no go.

So, I went to make dinner and I told her we’d try again tomorrow.

That was not good enough for Tatum. She is one determined, tenacious little Tot.
While I made dinner, she continued to wiggle it. And wiggle it. And wiggle it. And wiggle it.

Apparently she was playing with Coti, and then she bumped into Coti and Coti bumped into her, and then……

the tooth just POPPED out!

Glory BE!!! She did it! Well, with the help of little Snuggle bug.

So, now, we must insert it into the tooth pillow,

thanks to my honey Dougy, and wait for the tooth fairy to come.

Just so she can see it better, here are some close ups.

 

And there is much rejoicing. Or there will be tomorrow.

P.S. (This was not expected so I need some fast thinking to discuss cash with this here fairy).