The Second Most Dreaded Question

About 10 minutes ago, I was beside Tyler in bed telling stories when he interrupted me with a series of unprovoked questions (that started off innocent enough). Replay of our conversation:

Tyler: The baby in your belly is having fun?
Me: Yes. She is growing and having a lot of fun.
Tyler: Is she kicking and dancing and playing?
Me: Yes. A lot of kicking and dancing especially- she is going to be very strong.
Tyler: How is she going to get out?
Me: Silent and still...Huh?
Tyler: How is she going to get out of your belly?
Me: (Trying to be as evasive as possible and just wanting to get back to telling my story about the monkey that wanted to visit the moon) She will just come out of my body.
Tyler: But from where? A hole?
Me: Yes- a hole...so the monkey really wanted to go into space...
Tyler: Where is the hole?
Me: Tyler, it is getting late- let's talk about this tomorrow.


HELP!!!! I know Tyler and he will be in my room at 7:15am sharp wanting to continue this conversation. Give me an age appropriate answer that does not involve the word stork or vagina.

20 1/2 Weeks

Books In Bloom

Tyler and I had the best morning today while Tommy worked and Carson napped. We started off my going to an event sponsored by the UT Gardens called Books In Bloom. The event is held in the UT Gardens and starts with about 20 minutes of getting books read about a particular subject. Today was "earth worms". After learning all about worms, the kids got to take part in making a worm compost. Tyler especially loved this part where he got to squeeze out the moist rice paper and add the worms to the bin. The morning ended with all the kids playing in the sprinklers. After the event, Tyler and I went to pick up G-Ma for lunch and ate at Soho Asian Bistro. Tyler has officially decided he loves won ton soup and sweet and sour chicken!

Tyler watching the demonstrator prepare the materials for the compost.

Squeezing out all of the excess water from the paper to add to the bin.

Studying one of the worms to add to the compost.

Tyler and his friend Emma from preschool enjoying the sprinklers.

Ice Cream Man

Slip-N-Slide

A find at WalMart in the $5 clearance isle (which has to go back because of the hole...they just do not make $5 toys like they use to). Tyler loved half sliding, half crawling down and getting soaked. Carson- who was observing fully clothed- also got in on the action.

First slide down. I think it would have worked better if we had put in down hill...

Tyler showing off his muscles. On a side note, Tommy pointed out to Tyler that he had two freckles on his back- to which Tyler replied "I have those freckles because I am almost a man." Interesting correlation.

Carson joining in on the water fun.

Homemade Popsicles

Tommy went to the store this morning and bought white grape juice and frozen mixed berries and popsicle molds. Tyler has asked "Are they ready yet...let's check..." for the last 4 hours, but it was all worth it. Naturally, Carson loved his popsicle too!

North Carolina Hospitality

Tommy and I just got in from North Carolina- with Carson in tow. Tyler has spent the weekend at G-Ma's going to Dollywood with her and his Aunt Becky and cousins...lucky dog. While he rode his happy self through the foothills on Dolly's train eating kettle corn, Tommy and I spent the weekend unpacking boxes, lining shelves and staining our porch. We went to bed sore and woke up sore- that is how you know you really worked during the day.

Just when we were at the pinnacle of exhaustion and starvation last night, we saw new neighbors that we had only met the night before stroll up our driveway with hands full. Turns out, our new neighbors run The Jarret House- a historic beautiful B&B in downtown Dillsboro. Also turns out The Jarret House is famous for their food! Yes- we were brought homemade fried chicken, biscuits, ham, slaw, chicken and dumplings and green beans. My eyes teared up when when I opened each container overflowing with hot, yummy, unexpected goodness. I had to hold back from throwing my arms around their necks and kissing them all over their faces (I did not want to freak them out and make them so uncomfortable as to never want to bring us food again).

Then, just as we were pulling out about to head back to Tennessee today...more neighbors appeared with warm sugar cookies. Lord, thank you for putting my family in a neighborhood where we are surrounded by such generous and welcoming people. Also Lord, thank you for helping those neighbors to be such good cooks.