Take lemons, make lemonade. Suck it, lemons!

So many of you know that our second car is still in Altus, Okla., which is where we left it on our way to Santa Fe a few weeks ago. Jerry was supposed to go pick it up this past weekend with a buddy of his, but it wasn't ready yet. That same buddy can't go this weekend, so we thought we'd pile the kids into the car and drive out on Friday.

I was kind of dreading the trip, but now I'm psyched about it. Why? Well, we've booked a suite at the Holiday Inn there that has an indoor pool, so we'll be staying two nights now, using all of Saturday to explore (after we pick up the car). OK, so it's only Altus, and it's kind of a nowhere town. But nearby is the Quartz Mountain Nature Park, and that place is actually supposed to be kind of pretty. If you click on the link, it shows you a 360-degree view, and well, hell, it's nicer than Dallas, TX in January. So we'll be packing the swimsuits, baby hiker and making a day of it.

Hopefully I'll have some pictures.

Then, Monday, it's off to DC for me. Altus, Oklahoma. Washington, DC. What a globe-trotter I am.

Let's see, do I still know how to work this thing?

Ugh. It feels like I never get time to post here anymore. Future Hunter, when you're reading this honey, know that it's not that I didn't write or post as often because I cared for you any less. You are seriously such a great kid who could inspire so many wonderful posts, if only mama had the time. Whatever year it is you read this, kiddo, look at me ... see those lines and dark circles and that huge display of textbook haggard written all over Mom's face? Yeah? It's even worse now. And remember, hon, Mama was the 3rd child, so she knows all about getting the shaft. There's like 1,847 photos of your Aunt Tara as a child, 348 of your Uncle Jay, and about six of me.

Anyway, a quick post. In the last week, Hunter has learned to say "Mama," learned to give high fives, clap and ... drum roll please ... pull himself up and cruise around the room. He'll be walking in no time. Oh, and he's gained 14 lbs. OK, that last one is an exaggeration, but it feels like it. In fact, I have decided I've GOT to get a 4-door car because Linebacker McEats-Constantly and Wiggles McCant-Sitstill are just too hard to get in and out of my little two-door.

Speaking of Wiggles, err ... Wilder, he is quintessentially 3. I walk around all day going "Wilder, can you pick that up?" Repeat aforementioned phrase somewhere between three and 12 times, and you see what I'm getting at. Are all 3-year-old boys like this? He is literally in his own head about 90 percent of the time, but let me slip an eff-bomb just once I tell you. I kid, I kid. I don't swear in front of my kids (hardly ever).

Well, it's after 9 p.m. My pillow is begging me to come drool on it for a bit. Hugs, k.


Hunter in his crib right after he pulled himself for the first time. So pleased. So proud of himself.


Wilder comes in to congratulate his brother. Have I mentioned how much this kid LOVES his little bro? Man, he cannot get enough of him. It's pretty great, but honestly sometimes Hunter looks at me with an expression that says: "Seriously, what's a baby gotta do to get a little space around here?"


And Betty, just because she's neglected too often. But look how cute she is! And that stuffing on the floor behind her? A toy! She ripped to shreds! Because I don't have enough messes to clean up!!! (NOTE: sarcastic use of exclamation points ... but honestly, I adore this dog. She's the best.)

Wilderism No. 1,597

Said at breakfast the other morning: "Mama, little boys need ketchup."

I've also been meaning to note for some time that I taught him how to play Slug Bug(minus the slug, of course ... that'll come later when I can teach him there's a time for a little punch but mostly a time for never punching). Anyway, it's kind of funny that we don't slug each other, because he says SNUG bug, as in "SNUG BUG BLUE MAMAAAAAAAA!"

And now a few photos from our recent -- and Hunter's first -- trip to the zoo: