Yesterday our nation paused to remember one of the most tragic days in our history- the day the World Trade Center crashed down at the hands of terrorists.  12 years ago, that day devastated the nation as we felt our sense of security unravel before our eyes.  With the passage of time, our wounds have healed and we’ve gone back to our daily routines, feeling safe again.  Because of events like those, it makes the simple things in life that much sweeter and worth savoring.  Thus, it is apropos for us to pause and reflect upon our weekly highlights as we link up with A Beautiful Ruckus for The Little Things Thursdays.

1. For the first time, Aunt CiCi, the girls and I had a “Girls Day”.  Six months ago, my sister generously gave me spending money for my birthday, to purchase post-baby clothing.  I’m ashamed to say, I after six months I had not carved out the time to spend it.  Thus, the four of us hit the mall to help mama find some new duds.  There we dined in the food court with a grand view of the carousel.  Following our food court fare, we hit several shops where my sister pulled clothes from the racks for me to try, then entertained the girls with the use of mirrors while I tried them on.  The girls were exceptionally well-behaved, until the nap time hour approached.  We were trapped in a fitting room at Ann Taylor when Rylin had a temper tantrum and a foul odor trailed from Sydney’s bloomers.  Clearly, the other store patrons wanted us OUT.  We could not escape fast enough!  Yet, that embarrassing moment in a mall fitting room was something I yearned for many years.  It meant I finally had a family and we were doing something “normal” on a Sunday afternoon.

The girls were totally enamored with seeing their beautiful reflections staring back at them.

And the mirror helped us capture a group picture without bothering a passerby.

We planned to ride the carousel, but the girls were content just watching it so we saved a few bucks.

I’m not sure what transpired during “Guys Day” at home. Definitely some football watching and mess making. Mason was dressed like this upon my return home. Notice something funny?

2. When I popped a bag of popcorn for myself, I learned that the rest of my family enjoys it just as much as I do.  In less than a minute’s time, I was encircled by 12 puppy dog eyes (four of which belonged to the fur babies) begging for a morsel of my treat.  It became a lesson in sitting and waiting patiently for all of them.

I can’t recall who started this snack frenzy, the dogs or the babies..

3. The babies are not allowed in the kitchen unless they are buckled into the quad table.  This week, we set up a water play station in the kitchen and the babies seemed to enjoy kitchen exploration more than the water.

I think the girls noticed their reflection in the dishwasher door, much like the store mirrors at the mall.

The underside of the quad table is fascinating.

What little rays of sunshine filled your week?

hugs,

Amber