Grocery Shopping

Oh how I used to loooovvveeee grocery shopping.  
I would take my time.  Find new stuff to make and try.  Ooh, sundried tomatoes.  Ooh, Fresh avocado.  Ooh Lime, I like lime on everything! Wander leisurely through the aisles.  It was therapeutic.

That was B. C.

Before Children.

Now, not only is it a chore, but most days I would rather bang my head against the wall than to actually have to drag Dyleva to the grocery store with me.

Oh, when they were babies it was tough, but as long as I was quick, and could keep them smiling, it was fine.

Now it's like, extra awful.  Because they are old enough to know better and don't care.  When I only have one of them; it's fine.  But on the days I'm blessed with both of them, they play off each other.  

Dylan is mostly good, he just whines.  "When can we be dooonnneee????"   And walks around super dramatic because I pulled him away from his Pokemon cards. 

Eva is super hyper and annoying.  "Mom, can I have this?  Why not?  Why aren't you answering me?  That's not a reason.  You said we could pick out something.  You lie.  You're a liar."

Or they both get the giggles and start creating a scene.  One time I walked out and left the cart right in the middle of the store because Dyleva was chanting, "Nuts! Nuts!  Were making Mommy nuts!"

I am pretty sure they have been banned from several local grocery stores.

Also, one of my biggest pet peeves, is the lack of concern for the people around you.  I find it incredible, how many people, park their cart right in the middle of the aisle, and don't move until you verbally have to say, "Um, excuse me?"

Well Dyleva has zero spacial awareness.  They walk right in front of other peoples' carts.  They stand in the middle of the aisle when someone is trying to get by.  Awful.

Today I foresaw this going down.

I was determined to have a quick, productive, fun, trip to the grocery store!

Our local store.  They know us there.  I swear when they see us come in, they shake their heads.

I made  both Eva and Dylan each their own grocery list of about 10 items.  

Then I laid down the ground rules.

"You have to stay together, and you have to return to my cart to deposit every item.  Oh, and don't talk to anyone unless you have to say excuse me."

That way, they would be checking in with me about every 5 minutes or so.

It was fantastic!  They worked together, it was like a scavenger hunt.  And once they completed their list, they were able to choose one snack they wanted.

In the end, we sacrificed a little bit of health, (I would NEVER have purchased Lucky Charms for 'cereal' on their list.) But they had fun, were successful, and gave me a peaceful shopping experience.

The Car Wash

Eva has stated her annoyance to me, in having to ride in such a dirty car.  

"Excuse me?"  I asked.  "Have you seen your back seat?"

It's winter (kind of) in Buffalo.  

My car is dirty.  Who cares?  It's a car.  But apparently, to some people, it matters.  






So I humored my princess, and I took it for a car wash.  

For like the first time ever in my life.

My goodness.  It's the little things.  

They were so excited.  

South Carolina

On Thursday, I raced home after work and began packing.  Dyleva soon emerged; so excited to leave on their vacation!  

We hit the road running and met fog and heavy downpour along the way.  Eventually, we made it to West Virginia for the  night.  Not fun.

We continued the next day, where we hit traffic and construction.  Bummer.  We ended up taking the back roads, because the highway was at a standstill.  16 1/2 hours.

Arrival happened after dinner time.  It was a long ride. 

Dyleva was mostly good, but come on, look at this set up:

the ride down

Thank you Titi!

Hilton Head is truly a beautiful place.  This is not our first time traveling here; but the maintenance needed to preserve the beauty is immaculate.   It is somewhat elite; which I have a problem with.  But at the same time, it is incredibly safe.

We rode bicycles the entire time.  Our first outing was to the ranch.  Dyleva went on pony rides.  We wanted to horseback ride, but Dilly is still too young.

The next day was Easter.  We met up with family, and hung by the pool all day long.  It was sunny, but not that hot, 60's, low 70's.

It was also April Fool's Day!

Later in the week, we met up with one of Jeff's friends that works in HH and we took a dolphin tour.  It was a gorgeous day.  We saw a few dolphin, but I was most impressed with the skydiving pelican for food.

We went to see the dude.  The dude that sings in Harbour Town.  Greg Russell. Dude has made a living singing under a tree for tourists.  But he's funny.  He tells it like he is. Here is Dylan singing one of his annoying songs for the ride home!

Eva and Dylan on stage

Family

We spent a lot of time at the beach.  Bike riding.  Digging in the sand.  But not too much time in the ocean.  We looked for a lot of natural treasure...and found it!  Sand dollars, shells, jellyfish, crab claws....

This is to remind us of what the sun looks like.

There was an overcast day where we decided to go fishing.  I love fishing!  Shame on me.  I forgot how much work it is with ninos.  I would cast and drink my beer.  No.  My ninos cast, and then reel it in.  Get it stuck. Times 10.

Tio Arch met up with us, thank goodness.  To provide some fishing wisdom.  Eva caught two trees and a twig with her pole.  Dylan got a fish; pero se escapo while we were reeling it in!

But some of my favorite moments happened right at the house.  We played hide and seek.  Eva gave me a manicure.  Dyleva searched for their Easter baskets.  They were kind to each other.

It was very relaxing; other than the drive.  And nice to escape Buffalo!

Familia