What’s Keeping Us Busy
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Kelly: Current Focus
Alright, let me paint you a picture… and yes, there was actual paint involved. A lot of it. Possibly more than anyone signed up for.
We’re finally getting back into the groove over here after being away, but let’s just say Spring Break had other plans for us. Carleigh and Parker came to stay, and suddenly our calm, organized life turned into what can only be described as a full-blown art studio… with zero adult supervision vibes.
There were many activities that involved paint. And when I say many, I mean the kind where you start questioning your life choices halfway through handing out the supplies. At one point, Parker decided that painting paper was simply too limiting. No, no… he went straight for full body expression and painted his entire hand, proudly announcing that he was now a bear. A bear. Not a painter. Not an artist. A bear. Honestly, the confidence? Impressive. The cleanup? Less impressive.
Then we took a field trip to a pottery paint store, because clearly we hadn’t learned our lesson. Parker started a fire truck… and then abruptly decided he was emotionally finished with it long before the paint was. That fire truck is still out there somewhere, waiting for closure.
Meanwhile, Carleigh stepped into her moment. She was completely in her element, carefully painting and then casually declaring herself an expert in pottery painting. Not only that, but she generously offered her services to help others. I mean, we love a confident queen who builds her brand early.
And because we apparently needed to round out the week with one more adventure, Dean and I took them to the National Museum of Transportation. The kids had a blast… but let’s be honest, Dean might have been just as excited, if not more. There’s just something about trains and big machines that brings out the kid in him every single time.
So yes, we’re easing back into real life… a little paint-stained, slightly exhausted, but with some pretty great memories. And possibly a newfound appreciation for activities that don’t involve washable (but somehow never fully washable) paint.
Chelsea: What's in Motion
Chelsea… oh Chelsea. If there were an Olympic sport for “doing the absolute most while pretending everything is totally under control,” she’d be bringing home gold.
As usual, she’s been running in twelve different directions at once, just trying to keep up with life, kids, and whatever wild idea pops up next. And this time? It started with planning Carleigh’s 8th birthday party… which somehow turned into ordering a joint gift for both Carleigh and Parker. And not just any gift. Oh no. We’re talking a very large playhouse. Because clearly, subtlety is not part of this family’s brand.
Enter Dean, who stepped in with his signature combo of expert guidance and moral support. (Heavy on the guidance. Also heavy on the “you’ve got this” from a safe distance.) With that, Ariel bravely took on the task of building this masterpiece.
Now, it started as a very organized, systematic project. You know… the kind where you lay everything out, read the instructions, feel confident, maybe even a little smug. Fast forward a bit, and that system slowly turned into “we’ll figure it out as we go,” which then turned into… late nights, power tools, and what I can only imagine were some very passionate conversations with the instruction manual.
Rumor has it the neighbors may have overheard a few heartfelt phrases along the lines of “NEVER AGAIN!” echoing into the night. Honestly, nothing says “family bonding” like assembling a giant playhouse after dark.
And because Chelsea clearly doesn’t believe in doing just one big project at a time, she decided mid-chaos that it was the perfect moment to spruce up another area of the backyard. Naturally. As one does.
That project is still in progress, but stay tuned… because if it's one thing Chelsea has taught us, it’s that there’s always another reveal coming.
So yes, if you’re wondering… things are running exactly as expected over there. Slightly chaotic, mildly sleep-deprived, and somehow still making it all happen.
