Good Manners

Wednesday night we went to Fuller's School of Psychology annual welcome back picnic and brought Mia along for the fun. There were a handful of kids running around the park and one little girl who looked to be about two years old took great interest in Mia. She was getting ready to pet her when her mom said, "Sweetie, you need to ask permission first." So, obediently, the little girl crouched down, hands on her knees, until she was nose to nose with Mia and sweetly said, "PLEASE!" Mia wagged her tail: Permission granted.

Home again, home again, hidly ho!

Ben and I got back on Monday after a whirlwind trip home. Maybe that phrase is redundant - it seems like all of our trips home are whirlwinds. We had a wonderful time, just the same, though. Ben met our new nieces for the first time and we both met some of our friends' babies, too. I'm telling you - people are having babies like it's their job back home! There were almost more kids than adults at my birthday party! After a long weekend of sloppy kisses, big bear hugs, baby talk, and spit up, Ben and I decided that we really love this Aunt and Uncle business. But the parent thing is a long way off. A REALLY long way.

It was bittersweet to be home. I think because it's not home anymore. Or at least, not the home we once had, which is to be expected. Life moves on without us there, as it should. I missed out on a party and a few other things happening here while we were in MO and I realized that we really have made a life out here in California. That's really weird to me, but I suppose that means we've succeeded so far in this whole "adult" thing. And it's not often that I feel that way. While we were in MO I had a few conversation with friends during which I thought, "Are we really talking about this? Is this really my life? Shouldn't we be giggling about boys or complaining about homework?" Sometimes being an adult is complicated. What am I saying? Being an adult is almost always complicated!


My birthday month has been one of the best so far. The party at Mike and tif's was fabulous and I was really touched by the turnout. It's a nice feeling - that of being loved and all. And I got to spend time with some of my most favorite people in the entire world: my family, Christy and her clan, Keri, and Kim. And I still have one more party to look forward to! Plus, Jake and Jason come into town tomorrow for a short visit. We've got a Damien Rice concert and Hotel Cafe lined up, but no Jimmy Kimmel because apparently Barry Manilow has a huge following and Friday's green room has been booked for ages. Who knew?!


Anyway, anticipation for things to come is so much fun! I feel incredibly blessed today as I start off my 26th year. Ben walked Mia this morning so I could sleep in, then woke me up with breakfast and coffee from one of my favorite coffee shops. It was so cute - he had it all spread out on the kitchen table, with lots of candy and gum surrounding it, along with the sweetest card. What a guy! My cup runneth over.

Grandpa Bill and Avyn.

Bocce ballers.

Jake and Ben - can't you just picture them in the same pose twenty years ago?

Just like Paris Hilton!

I had just sent out invitations last night for the birthday party I'm going to have in Missouri in a couple of weeks and was designing the invites for the party I'll have here in three weeks when it occurred to me, "I'm having birthday parties in two different time zones!" I think that means I'm cool. Or spoiled.

And while we're on the subject of birthdays, my first gift came in the mail today. So, according to the Blair rules, my birthday has officially started. Sweet! I've got a feeling this 26th year is going to be a good one.