Today…

Outside my window: it’s kind of gray and dreary. Rain is forcasted for most of the day and several other days this week which seems to be typical of the season. I remember when we moved here a year ago, it seemed to rain every morning like clockwork but still managed to be hot and sunny otherwise. So I’m holding out for that.

This weekend we: went on our first family camping trip! It was great in some ways, not so great in others. I had never really been camping before apart from a brief overnight in college that barely counts – and camping as a parent is I’m guessing different than camping as a single person. MM loved it for the most part – playing in dirt, playground excursions, s’mores and cookouts. But for the next trip I need to plan more diversions for the kids and myself, because just “enjoying nature” got old quick.

Also, the baby? She hates sleeping in a tent. Or maybe she just hates being in the same room as us at bedtime. Either way, she was very vocal and we ducked out in the middle of night 2 and headed home early, not feeling like enduring another night of her violent screaming. One thing we learned: We are experts at packing up camp and can do so in record time, in the middle of the night, in pitch darkness with only a small flashlight to aid us.

So did we have a good time? Yes. Will we go again? Yup – but if the baby hates it again, I won’t hesitate to say we’re only staying one night.

I am reading: Percy Jackson: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan and What Your Preschooler Needs To Know by E.D. Hirsch Jr and Linda Bevilacqua

Some plans coming up include: Fathers Day picnic with friends, more camping, BBQ with friends, company picnic and baby’s 1st birthday!

In The Kitchen:

• Monday: Annies Mac and Cheese, leftover Bratwurst and Salad
• Tuesday: Spaghetti
• Wednesday: Grilled Shrimp and Rice
• Thursday: Grilled Cheese and Salad
• Friday: Breakfast for Dinner: Pancakes

Some other links I think you should click:

• Color Dad a Father’s Day Picture at Make and Takes
• 4 Ways To Bring Summer Into Your Home at Simple Mom
• Lego Versions of Famous Photos at Kottke.org
• Pine Cone and Peanut Butter Animal Feeder at Blissfully Domestic
• How To Save Money By Gardening at Bargain Babe

One last thing I want to tell you about before I go: I cut my hair this weekend. But I might cut off even more. You can read more about that here and join in the debate.