Another year under my metaphorical belt, because it's been months since I've actually worn one

We've been celebrating around here.  I have both feet firmly in my 30's now, no longer just dipping a toe in.  I remember my mom being my age, which is a strange feeling.  I don't think anyone ever feels as old as they are, but I am glad to be here, and not just entering my 20's.

It's a comfortable spot, this 3rd decade, with hindsight of the swiftness of time, but not too late to commit even more to enjoying the present instead of wishing it away with thoughts of bigger, better, and more beautiful.  Surely we can squeeze another one in this house of ours.  They're little bodies, after all.

Ryan took us all on a day trip.  He doesn't like to drive, so this was a gift itself.  But we took back roads and scenic routes of bright green pastures, deep brown wood fences and lazy horses.  There was even a stretch of unpaved road.  A rather long, and drawn out stretch, unexpected, but fun.

We were in no hurry ourselves, which made it even more pleasant.  It seemed not many were that day, like cats on restaurant tables.

I got to work on projects in the car (why did I choose to crochet a blanket in my last weeks of pregnancy in this hot weather?)  

I love to go out as a family, as most strangers are excited to see we are expecting another one and die when we tell them we don't know if we will top it off with an even half dozen girls or if this will be THE one.

At the very least, we're entertaining to watch.

We had a restaurant owner, an older woman with a thick Italian accent, predict a girl for us.  Her accuracy rate is 99%.  She made us promise to come back and tell her if she is right.

We laughed and assured her the food was delicious enough to warrant many visits in the future.

We browsed several antique stores,

visited the restroom, several times too many, but at least we traveled without diapers or accidents. 

I treated myself to a biannual pedicure the day before.  

Divine asked if they were my real nails.  Were they that bad?  Guess so.

We browsed the local real estate brochures as we waited for lunch.  They (as in the collective Dill children) each chose a farm they wanted to buy, reading the description with enthusiasm, telling of the features of each property, as if they were trying to convince us to buy a new toy.

They were very convincing, those girls of ours.  

I'd like to go back and take my time at this spread of...mostly junk, but you just never know, right?  We don't need a thing, really.  We are blessed.  Even our wants are few.

But I love the challenge of a re-do.  

When we stopped for lunch Ryan treated us to an array of exotic beverage.  The man knows me.  I loved the ginger ale with ginger bits at the bottom.  Okay, let's be frank.  I loved them all.  I didn't really need lunch after that, with my limited stomach space.  I must choose wisely, you know.

I did have a bit of room for some macaroni and cheese.  I MADE room when it came out.

On our way home, Clover and Azure decided they needed one more go at using the bathroom....in the middle of nowhere.  Ryan did the boy scout thing and pulled over.  In the middle of Clover's relief came a Sheriff's car, lights ablazing.  Yes, please do draw more attention to our plight.

Thank you, love.  It's been a great celebration.