The Daily Hailey

Last night was such a huge success, we decided to go out again today. Ok, not to the full extent at all, but we didn’t get to see Auntie Jerry, and thats just not right. We got the kids ready in the morning, and kind of hesitated while putting them back in their costumes. We didn’t know how it would go over with everyone else, and if people would be kind of standoffish, or polite, because they’re kids and should be able to wear costumes every day if they want. So we packed extra clothes, and decided to change them out of their costumes as soon as we were done at Bath and Body.

Funny thing was, once on the road, we discovered that there were two other places we needed to hit, and it only made sense to go there first. One, I just ducked into and bought one thing, but the other place was Walmart. Even if we just needed one thing, Dekker LOVES Walmart. He recognizes it from a distance and gets excited about it. We had a short list, but a list nonetheless, so we put our strawberry into the cart and our fireman hopped on the back of the cart, as firemen do, and we were off! Already in the parking lot, SO MANY SMILES from people walking to and from their vehicles. Immediately, both Brady and I felt relieved. No judgment!

We did our shop and paid for our stuff with very little fussing from the cart. Everyone who looked our way either had a smile or a kind word. One guys mistook Laela for a ladybug but I let it go, since ladybugs are adorable too. As we were leaving, I saw an opportunity that I COULD NOT pass up! I snatched Dekker from the cart and rushed him over to a photo opportunity that I couldn’t ignore. Traffic stopped. People smiled and waited patiently. And Dekker was thrilled!

Like he was this happy!

The sun was clearly burning his eyes but he was so pumped! He talked about it for the rest of the walk to the van, and then was devastated that he couldn’t go back and drive in the firetruck. I’m sure he’ll get his chance one of these days. But this was a serious highlight of today.

We visited auntie at work next, but both kids were pretty tired and cranky at that point so we didn’t stay long. Also because Jerilee was at work, haha! Something we should maybe respect more often. Oops! But we visited, and Dekker told her what he was dressed as, and Laela too, and then really wanted to eat. So we hit the food court, where the boys got burgers and fries, and Laela and I shared some asian food. Its particularly delicious these days for me. She thought so too. Big win across the board. Oh and smoothies. Because smoothies are a very special treat.

We hit a small town marketplace on the way home but left without making any purchases 🙁 Too bad. Just didn’t have what I was looking for, I guess. And then home for naps, laps, and food. Laela is walking like mad, so our house is officially a really, really active and noisy one! But its wonderful. Its such a funny dynamic. One kid spills something, so I’m crouched down wiping it up, and suddenly I have tiny little hands on my shoulder, and one of the two is leaning over me, observing the work being done. Or one chasing the other. I could watch that all day. My kids are hysterical.

Tomorrow is another day away, this time our usual routine of church, and then spending time with my parents. I feel like we’ve just been going and going, but luckily, it feels like home there too. Should be yet another good day 🙂