One of Nate's new assignments is to read a counseling encyclopedia. Reading an encyclopedia sounds gross and sad. I feel bad for him.

He leaves for his cross-cultural experience in a few days. It's all kinds of exciting and scary at the same time. I think he is going to learn so much and have the time of his life!!! I'm very happy for him, but I am going to miss him so, so much!

And ... his passport photo looks really good. Who takes a good passport photo? How does that even work? My official photos look like a smashed turtle face wearing glasses. 

Nate's parents came for a lovely visit yesterday afternoon. We went out to dinner with them and by the time we got back home it was way past bedtime. Getting home and getting the girls cozy and tucked into bed was our first priority. Well, it was until our first priority became getting into the house. We locked ourselves out somehow so we had to load the (crying, tired, confused) girls back into the car and drive over to my parents' for the spare key. Oh, the crying that ensued. Devastation ran rampant. I mean, it was as if we had taken away Christmas! I'm surprised the neighbors didn't come out to check on things. They were probably too scared. Actually, most of them have kids so they were like, "Yep. Been there. Done that."

Power through.

These thin pieces of fabric are more entertaining that I'd thought

... and the fun has worn off