All hail the glory that is Mother

Hooray for Mother’s Day — the Hallmark holiday that has now surpassed Fourth of July* as my most favorite holiday.

One of my favorite things about Mother’s Day: how touched I am that my own Mother remembers ME on Mother’s Day. Not that we needed more evidence of her status as World’s Greatest. My Mom is incredibly strong and perceptive (the absolute best “people person” I’ve ever met) and without question thinks more about us more than anyone (we know ’cause we talk to her at least 3 times a day) but I think the fact that she remembers me not only as her daughter but honors me as a Mom just acts as validation. I love you, Mom!
My Mother’s Day began AFTER 8am, a fact that is so blissfully wonderful that I am still basking in the memory’s sweet glow. Paul had whisked away the kids when they woke in the wee hours and allowed me to sleep. I wandered into the kitchen to find breakfast fresh off the stove, and Paul plus one of our kids dressed. A bouquet of flowers (from the night before, he got an early start) were there, too. If only every morning were so serene! Extra, super-special plus: while I got dressed, he and the kids walked down to CC’s and brought back iced coffee. I didn’t even hear them; it was a complete surprise (and I am hard to surprise).
We decided to go to the Aquarium. We decided we wanted 1. a place where I could take pictures, and 2. air conditioning. When we remembered we hadn’t seen the new pirate ship exhibit, we decided to go there. Apparently, NOMA’s Femme Femme Femme (our initial plan) doesn’t allow strollers…?
Pictures at the Aquarium didn’t last long. Will had an accident shortly after arrival… a big one… but we recovered. More on Will and accidents later.
Cutie Patootie was out with full force. She had a blast toddling around, seemingly oblivious to the throngs of people falling over in her wake, bowled over by the incredible weight of her cuteness.
We liked watching the eels… for some reason, they were really active. I was frustrated with my camera… I couldn’t get quite the exposure I wanted on any shot. Low light challenges aside, we spent a decent amount of time in the big viewing room letting the kids point and hoot at sharks and eels. Then we went outside to Woldenberg Park.
Then we hung out on the riverside for awhile and watched the boats. Kate did her best to try and eat whatever she could find on the brick walk.
Will watched the boats and ran around under the trees.
Kate loved the boats, too.
Pretty cool to watch a huge boat come up FAST and then have to make this hair-pin turn on the river.

It was a very relaxed and fun Mother’s Day with my family — nothing particularly profound, but something we all enjoyed together.

*Fourth of July = grilling out, swimming pools, and fireworks