While Dad's away, this is how we play

Robert has been away a lot recently presenting papers at Poli Sci conferences around the country. We are always very excited every time he's selected to present, but I'm learning that means lots of days of being a single mom and usually it's over the weekend. The most recent conference was in Las Vegas and he was gone for 5 days and 5 nights. We did really well without him, better than I thought, but it was still hard and lonely so we did our best to stay busy.
Since we got a new camera for Christmas I practiced with it a lot and goofed around with all the functions while the kids played in the yard.
We worked on the garden. I bought pansies and marigolds and lots of herbs and the kids helped me plant them. They love to help water them everyday. Our tomatoes are doing amazing.
Nate was invaluable while Robert was gone. He was the person I talked to and the person I relied on for help. He really stepped up to the challenge. He helped with Scarlett whenever he was asked. This is him making sure we gave the plants their food. Can't forget to feed the plants!
Nate also did a ton of puzzles while Robert was away. It was quiet and it kept him involved in something for quite some time. It was the perfect nap time activity while Scarlett slept. The Little Mermaid puzzle pictured here is 250 pieces and it took him 3 days to finish. I was so impressed with how intent he was on getting it done. He loved to work on it with me and I had a great time doing something with him one on one.
By far the hardest time was bedtime every night. I don't like being alone in the house without Robert. The kids would get ready for bed and then I'd be alone for 2 or 3 hours in the quiet house to worry about things that are completely unlikely to happen. So, in an effort to occupy my mind with happier thoughts, we made bedtime a little later (which Nate loved) and we tried to make it really fun. The kids love to give each other good-night hugs. Scarlett squeals and giggles and Nate laughs and blows raspberries on her. It is one of my favorite things to see them just love being siblings. I hope they always love being around each other like that. If I don't let them get in the hugs and kisses before bed, one of them not so quietly reminds me that it is necessary for good nocturnal rest.
My kids brought me so many smiles while Robert was away. One day while I was keeping busy elsewhere, Scarlett got into the office and found Nate's Nerf darts. I walked in and just busted up laughing. It just really tickled me at the time.

Robert got home safely and we were so happy to have him back. It's hard when he's gone, but I love the smiles and excitement on my kids faces when he comes home. It's almost worth not having him just to get to see the moments that they really show they love him and need him. Almost.

Our zoo at the Zoo

My parents came to visit from Idaho last week. It was so nice to see them. Especially when I think that it will be almost a year before we see them again. We did a lot of eating around here in Houston and played a lot of Pinochle at home, but we had the most fun when we went to the zoo one afternoon.
Scarlett is learning to wave. Now she does it every time you pick her up.

Mom was a classic Grandma and got a lot of play time in with the kids. Scarlett loves her grandparents. Two more sets of arms to hold, tickle and play with her.

The Zoo is in Hermann Park and we had a really good time resting and enjoying the amazing weather as the sun started to set.

Nate was drawn to the water. It's a magnetic pull.

The zoo had a new attraction that is all African animals. I think it's a lot of fun. All my favorite animals growing up were African. This is Scarlett and I in front of the giraffes and rhinos.

Robert did most of the picture taking. We had to document that he was there with us.

My parents love to take pictures. I think it's really cool how they talk to each other about the compositions and are sharing an interest that they both want to learn more about.

Grandma playing with Nate. Nate's mornings always began with, "Are Beema and Peepa coming?" And as soon as they walked in the door it was, "Beema, Peepa, what should we play today?" He loved it!
I'm not posting tons of animal pics because I think we've done plenty of them in the past, but the jaguars were very cool. There were two of them and one was missing a paw because of the other. They were very territorial and put on a good show growling, pawing, and fighting with each other.
Mom, Nate and me in the reptile house. Robert's favorite is the reptile house. I don't mind it, but it kinda makes me nervous. I like where I am on the food chain. When there's only glass separating me from that changing, I tend to get a bit uncomfortable.

We feel so lucky that Mom and Dad could come for a visit. It's not easy or cheap to make it to us when we're so far away. That's really the only down side I've experienced in all our moving around. When you're far away, family really becomes a treat. We can't wait to see them again!