The - We're Together Again! - Edition

For the past two weeks Scott's been away for work training. The kids and I managed to survive that time with no injuries and no serious illnesses. Total success.

I know two weeks is but a drop in the bucket compared to some families - I'm looking at all the military families out there. During the past two weeks I gained an even greater appreciation for the moms and dads who do this gig solo on the regular. It's no easy feat, and hats off to anyone who mans this ship alone.

But, two weeks have come and gone, and today Scott is finally home!

Taking a look at the highlights:

1. Woohoo!

Marcus did such a good job helping decorate the sign I made to welcome Scott home. I thought surely a few letters would receive a couple of dabs of paint. I was pleasantly surprised when Marcus wanted to do all the letters, did a good job staying in the lines, and then wanted to paint the rest of the paper. We easily killed 30 minutes with this little project.

We're pretty proud of Scott and all he accomplished while he was away!

2. No excuses to keep on moving!

I have a goal to run a 5k by the end of today, with both kids, with sub-10min/miles. Wish me luck!

I was really concerned my workouts would take a hit with Scott being away. Luckily, I found my big girl panties and just rolled with the punches... By way of pushing a stroller - sometimes with two kiddos in tow - for every run. Boom.

3. Great neighbors!

These two get along so well. They'd paint, they'd pretend, and one afternoon Marcus even got a full makeover, complete with blue lipstick.

Every.single.evening between 3:30 and 4p.m. I would text my neighbor, who has a daughter just four days older than Marcus, and we would meet up in the alley so our kids could play before calling it a day. Some days Marcus would play at their house, some days the little girl would play at ours. It was so nice to have someone Marcus could play with while Julia helped me prep dinner. I honestly don't know how we would have survived without our friends just down the way.

4. The Park!

Most afternoons we'd walk to a park near us and blow some steam - before heading out to play with the neighbor girl.

5. Family!!!

Me, Julia, my mom, my brother, my cousin, Marcus, my aunt, my uncle.

I was a little sad when I realized Mother's Day landed right in the middle of Scott's work trip. BUT! My mom and brother had a quick trip scheduled to San Diego to visit my aunt and uncle. Naturally, the kids and I had to head down to spend some time with them over the weekend. 

It was so good to be with them. I can't remember the last time I've seen my brother. And, Julia, Miss Stranger Danger, took to my brother like she's known him forever.

Oh, happy weekend!