Mudgy and Millie Turn 5

Those of you not from this area are probably not familiar with Mudgy Moose and Millie Mouse. Hayden received the Mudgy and Millie book as a 3rd birthday present from a dear friend and old coworker of mine, Connie Taylor. The book is special because it takes place here in Coeur d'Alene and features several places that we have not only visited with Hayden but that were also landmarks in my upbringing in the area. You can learn more about the Mudgy and Millies story here. The book includes a map with a trail around town that features actual statues of Mudgy and Millie. Hayden adores the story, characters and statues. I saw an add in the paper a couple months ago with the date for Mudgy and Millie's 5th Birthday party (5th anniversary for the book) and hung it on the fridge so I 'd remember to take Hayden when the day rolled around. The party was this last Sunday so we took Hayden down to participate. The author of the book was there,  along with the man who created all of the statues. Susan Nipp (Author) read the book to all the children, we got Hayden's copy of the book signed , Mudgy and Millie made a guest appearance and there was CAKE (pretty sure this was Hayden's favorite part). It was really a great little party for the kids. I'm happy to be part of our little community and to take Hayden to events like this one. Seeing her little eyes shining with excitement (especially about books) makes me feel so warm and fuzzy. I love that Susan Nipp wrote this story and that I can share my love for the town I grew up in and read with my daughter all at the same time.

A Week In Photos

This week we attended my cousin Roxanne's baby shower. Spent 1 last day at the fair. BBQ'd at our friends Brent and Jessica's house. Spent 2 days on the couch overcoming a little virus Hayden picked up somewhere. Today we went to the bounce house in town and fed the ducks down by NIC at Coeur d'Alene. All on top of our regularly scheduled weekly duties. Yet another busy week in the life of us. Here a few of my favorite photos from the last several days

My Fair Lady

What a week! Chris has been outta town, working in Philadelphia, since the Wednesday before last. So I've been playing the role of full time working, single Momma. Although traveling is not uncommon in his career, this week has been a little extra exhausting it seemed. I think maybe all of the excitement of the summer is just finally hitting me. Every weekend has been full of birthdays, BBQ's, family gatherings, beach trips, events in downtown Coeur d'Alene (Ironman, Art on the Green), etc. It's always something. I'm not complaining by any means. It has been a wonderfully eventful and amazingly weathered summer here in North Idaho. But truth be told, I think I'm starting to run a little low on fuel. I'd almost say that a little piece of me is ready for the next season, but I know I'll eat my words as soon as I step outside and can see my breath.  Fall is definitely in the air, though. The days are still very warm but they are getting noticeably shorter and the evenings and mornings are definitely getting chillier. It's weird how you can actually feel the transition of the seasons within you. Not to mention the fair is in town here in Kootenai County (for me, this has always been a marker that the end of summer is near).

We took the girls (Hayden and her cousins Holland and Halle) to the fair last night after I got off work. I really didn't feel like going, to be honest. It's been a long week at work. Our other technician has been on vacation so the work load was heavier than usual. As I mentioned Chris has been out of town and Hayden has been going through an exceptionally trying, testing, sassy phase. All I really wanted to do was go home, put my feet up and have a glass of Vino. But I knew that Hayden would LOVE seeing her cousins and going on rides and petting the animals so of course I couldn't say no. And of course, after the fact, I'm certainly happy we went. Her smiles and giggles were priceless. We even ran into one of her classmates while we were there and they went on the Dragon Coaster together. And as if that wasn't enough we saw her teachers Miss Chris and Miss Ashley there, too. I remember how excited I used to get when I was little and would see people I knew from school when I was out with my Mom. It was really cool to see Hayden's face light up like it did.

Hayden and Auntie Deb

Halle and Hayden

Cutie Cousins

Hayden and Papa