Counting to 10...

We're in the middle of a rough night at the Rife household. Well, just between Holly and me actually. Matt's out with a friend and Anna is snoozing soundly. Ever since Matt and I returned from a 4 day trip with his work, Holly has been Miss Sensitive. Shyer than normal around others and experiencing a LOT of separation anxiety when we're apart. So when I put her to bed tonight, she asked if I can walk her into her classroom tomorrow (instead of dropping her off in the car line). She didn't like my answer. And she's been bawling her tearful protest for the last hour. Loudly. In my defense, I'm not heartless, just trying not to start a really inconvenient - I mean bad - habit.

In my effort to keep my blood pressure from boiling and my patience from tanking, I thought I'd remind myself of some happy recent memories. Ah, the way we were.

Holly, checking out the dolphins at Sea World a few weeks ago.


Shamu show, "Believe." As in, believe you can tame a wild animal. I wonder what their theme will be now? (Sorry, I had to.)


Fun silliness at Magic Kingdom! Yes, she's wearing a Tinkerbell costume. Don't laugh. All the girls are doing it.


Holly and her prince.


Tea cups! I think I went a little fast for her.


Here are her brief thoughts on the tea cups...




The house is quiet now, and my little exercise in patience succeeded. But now I reeeeally want to go on another vacation...