FEEDBACK NEEDED

When you see this picture, do you think, "How cute!" or "What is wrong with this dog's owner?" I'd just like some feedback.

Is it wrong to get as excited as Sydney when I'm in the American Girl Store? Or is it one of those mother/daughter bonding things that I should embrace? Fight the American Girl thing or embrace it? I'd just like a little feedback.

That is Syd's doll whose hair was getting so gnarly and this worker in the doll salon just fixed it. She's wearing a cape for pete's sake.

How sweet is this picture above?Haley bought glasses for her doll.

This just makes me happy.

Should I be grateful and think it is cute that Kate can't get enough of Misty? Should I care that sometimes when Misty's holding her, she won't come to me? I'd just like some feedback.

Is it weird that making a huge batch of chocolate chip cookies for Maddie to take to Spencer on Thursday is making me this happy? Is it because he gets to see his sisters and get a care package or that I am making them and get to eat one or two? Or three at the very most. It's raining and I didn't go to Disneyland with Misty and Mom. Should I still be this happy today? Can you give me some feedback?

Is it strange that this note on Sydney's door today makes me love being a mom? I had to move these two out of the crib to put Kate in. Syd and Haley made me promise to brush their teeth twice today and give them a nap.

*Haley, Paige, Christian, Elle-- you make Sydney so happy. You have made her month by being here these few days.* Do you ever get nostalgic for the simplicity and goodness of being a kid?

I would just like a little feedback on that.

Aquarium of the Pacific-Long Beach

I would like some feedback on the following conversation:

Ring Ring.

Erin finds cell phone in the car and pushes answer. She has to be careful, because she is in rush hour traffic coming home from Hollywood and she doesn't want to get in an accident. It's also raining so roads are slippery.

"Hello?"

"Hi hon!" said with lots and lots of energy.

"Hi Brett. Where are you? At the airport?"

"No, I'm actually in Bountiful!"

"You're in Bountiful? Oh...really?"

"Yeah. I'm at Nielsen's Frozen Custard! Guess what I ordered?"

"You ordered a turkey/avacado grinder and a concrete."

"Good! What flavor?"

"um, either peach...or..oh yeah. Raspberry oreo. You ordered Raspberry oreo."

"Yep! Oh man, this is sooo good!"

Silence on Erin's end. Erin's eyebrows furrow just a little bit.

"So, seriously hon, the weather here is so nice today and the leaves are just gorgeous."

Honk honk! Oh sorry sir, just let me get in your stinking lane please! Mom looks nervously at Erin as she tells her she always tails cars way too closely.

"Ok, what were you saying Brett?"

"It's so nice here! Guess what I am doing right now?"

"Hmmm, what?"

"I'm driving up 1800 S. over that hill to the church looking at Mueller Park Canyon. Oh man! This is so gorgeous!"

"Are we doing this Brett? Dude, do you really want to be having this conversation with me?"

Erin is smiling as she says this, but only because her mom is in the car and Misty is still here and they just went to the American Girl Store.

"Oh sorry hon. I shouldn't have told you that! Look forward Erin! Life is so good! I can't wait to fly home!" I can never convey the energy in Brett's voice. I could have used multiple explanation marks. If you know Brett well, you know what I mean.

"Ok Brett!!! I'll remember that!! (trying to equal his enthusiasm) I'll see you at the airport tonight!! Love you?"

"Yeah, you do! Bye Kate!!!" (now he's really yelling so Kate can hear him)

"Dada! blahjeiosld,nlwikejjrl. Dada! dksierlkdjslkj.e! dkslek~! Dada!"

He sings one verse of Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, and he's gone.

Mom and I look at each other and laugh.

Misty just sent this photo from Disneyland today. She said it's a downpour, but they are happy. I mentioned how nice it is to be here, warm and eating cookies right?