The 4th

I took these tonight after Leeor came home from work.  It's hard to tell, but little sister is not wearing a diaper.  She donned some undies (just for fun) and, luckily for Leeor, only had one tiny accident.

We heard her say, "Uh-oh!" as she stood at the toy basket and peered down at her yummy bare legs.  No pressure, sweet Lilit.  You are only 2.

 These two.  What more can I say?? They both have more intensity in a pinky finger than many people have in their whole bodies.

***

We had a relaxing mid-week holiday this 4th of July.  The McFarlands' BBQ started at 1, which meant a leisurely morning in pjs (for me, at least; Leeor went to the gym like a responsible guy and the kids were even dressed before I finally showered). 

 As Lilit sported her favorite red skirt, we decided she needed an Olivia-style hairdo, too.

 Watermelon is a great accessory.

 As our firstborn ran amok throughout the BBQ, we were free to dote on our girl.

 We barely saw Avi throughout the party as he was occupied with Declan, the jumpy house, toys inside and out as well as a pack of kids. The boy had a blast.  When I used this exact phrase on the way home, he wondered what "glass" I was talking about.

It's becoming impossible to capture Avi in a photo these days, so averse is he to having one taken.  Our friend came by today with her 8 month old and observed, "Wow, he's like a teenager!" This after I instructed him to wash his hands before he held the baby.  He thought for less than a minute before he replied, "But you didn't wash your hands before you held the baby," not in a snotty way, just quite matter-of-factly.  We hear from his teachers that this is his form of mischief--finding the loopholes in rules we adults make in vain.

At any rate, I am taking him for a Mommy-Avi date in the morning while Ilse stays with Lilit.  I didn't sign him up for summer school this week and it's a good opportunity to take a day with the kids.  Our weekend away was restful, to be sure, but as my friend pointed out to me today, "Look what you are doing when you're not at work!" as she swept her glance toward my kids and bounced her own baby in her arms.

And while I am grateful not to have a high-powered job that might keep me away from my brood a full 40-50 (or more, shudder!) hours per week, it remains a lot to navigate, this commutingworkingmenuplanninghousekeepingchildrenraising thing.  Marriages need tending, too. So here's to more recharging this summer, more savoring of the backyard BBQ.