Some days just seem more serene than others. The kids generally dictate that flowing feeling when they move easily from one thing to the next. No bickering. Today is one of those days when I think, “Aahhhh, that’s nice.” Yes, I know it’s only 9:00 AM, but I’m thinking positive. I am thinking this will last. Hopeful thinking.

Generally this feeling follows a trip to my parent’s home in Reno, some time off from the usual.

Yesterday, we drove home from there in record time. Good traffic and only one pit stop made the time fly, as well as a good book on CD.

Mom & I worked on making a dress for Little Miss. C said he thought I already knew how to sew. I explained my lack of skill in a language I knew he’d understand, that of baseball. “It’s like this. I can play t-ball, I can play farm division. But I’m not yet good enough for minors. I need more coaching.” He smiled and nodded. He got it. Z grabbed the camera and snapped a few pictures and left his little print on the corner.

My sister was there with her 5 year old and 9 month old. My kids love playing hard with their cousins.

About a half an hour from my parent's home, on our way home is a store my kids think is the happiest place on earth next to being in the great outdoors itself.

Little Miss works on her fish whispering at the tank, while her brothers look to replace some of their favorite fishing lures.

And of course, my meat lover begs to order up a sandwich at the deli. What will it be today? Bison? Elk? Ostrich? No, this day called for the familiar. Prime rib!