It's only 7 p.m. but Ella has already been asleep for almost an hour. She went without a nap today and was so exhausted by the time she nursed to sleep. I probably would have put her down earlier, but we had to take Accalia to dance and pick her up, so I didn't want her to fall asleep and have to wake up the poor tired thing less than an hour later.

Cory has a couple clients tonight, but he should be back in about an hour. Cole has been reveling in the heat and humidity and has watered the garden and flowers. Cole's probably done more watering this spring and summer than Cory (and definitely myself), and he just loves being outside looking at all of the plants and checking on the progress of the veggies in our garden.

Diana had asked about the Mitchell drive in and why we usually go to that one instead of the one in Luverne, MN, so I thought I'd answer that right on the blog in case those local would be interested. The biggest reason we go to the Mitchell drive in is because it's closer - more like 1 1/2 hours than two - and I suppose we head up there more often because we're just more familiar with it. We've been to the Luverne drive in before, and it's nice - newer, too. It's also bigger and more crowded. We hadn't expected it to be as packed as it was, and we ended up parking way towards the back. We don't have that problem in Mitchell, but we'll plan for that the next time. And yes, Diana, it would be a great place for a get together!

Since I haven't posted pictures in a while, here are a few of Ella doing two things she loves more than anything right now - being naked and playing with water.




Accalia continues to be interested in cooking and creating in the kitchen. We made an impromptu run to the library today to pick up two of Mollie Katzen's cookbooks, and Accalia has been having fun picking out recipes. This afternoon we made egg salad, which I declared quite yummy even though Accalia wouldn't taste it. She's very proud, though, that Cory will take some to work tomorrow and tell everyone that his daughter made it for him.

I've continued cleaning in the basement on and off and have two HUGE boxes ready to go to Goodwill. Maybe I'll get those taken tomorrow. I have to pick up some supplies for camping this weekend, too, so maybe I'll do that tomorrow. No guarantees that both will get done on the same day!

You know, there are times I really wish I had something more philosophical to write about or would comment more on world affairs, but the reality is is that my current life leaves very little time for focusing much on those things - or at least finding the time and brain power to write about it all. Most often I find myself thinking about above topics while lying in bed or driving around, and by the time I sit down at the computer I just don't care to repeat it all. I would not trade this life for anything in the world, though. The one thing that immediately changed for me when I became a parent was that I was completely satisfied with my life and what I was doing with it. So, even if not every moment is perfect or pleasant, it is where I'm meant to be.