Ingrid’s daycare is closed, so I took the week as vacation and we are currently at my parents house. Dave couldn’t get the time, so he will join us for the holiday.

So far, it’sbeen awesome. Ingrid has totally opened up to Grammy and Grampy (from her, this morning: “Wake UP, mama! Go see gammyngampy!” and even MORE impressive is that the two things I’d have bet money that she’d have hated, she’s LOVED. First, the boat. My parents got her a new PFD, and she loved wearing that, even around the house, and when it came time for “da boat!” she was alllll smiles, even when dad went kind of fast. He also let her drive, which, again, she loved. Weird.

Today was just about as good a day as you can have — my parents had to work, and won’t be home til midnight tonight, so Ing and I were on our own. This morning was spent coordinating my sister’s 30th birthday present — she mentioned needing/wanting a bike basket, so I found her housemate on facebook and messaged her, to see if kate meant wicker or metal, and her friend jumped in with both feet to help me. I ended up ordering one from REI, so that she can return it fairly easily if possible (the friend couldn’t find one locally) and then I called her fave coffee shop, bookstore, and health food store and bought gift certificates, that the friend will pick up this weekend. Then, she’s going to install the basket (I shipped it to her) and put in the gift cards and some flowers and park it in front of her bedroom door. (I also bought a giftcard at the coffee shop for the friend, as a surprise and thank you for her help.) The idea is to have a “ride around town” and celebrate her 30th in a bigger way than usual (we usually don’t, now) with gifts from local, independent companies (save REI) that are easy to use up, and don’t require much storage. This afternoon we walked over to get the mail — the post office is open about 10 minutes each day, and not after regular business hours so my mom regularly stays home just to get mail — there was 2 weeks there, today — and the schoolhouse where the PO is has a little playground next to it, so Ingrid swang for a bit. The PO also has a book & magazine exchange, so I picked up some reading materials for free.

When we got back from the walk, I was DYING from the heat, so we suited up and hit the beach, where I fully expected at best, reluctant toeing of the water, and at worst, full meltdown. The lake is spring fed and because the beach area is right by the dam, the moving water makes it even colder. It is, to say the least, refreshing. But no! Ingrid sat right down and played with the rocks, and waded out, and then I carried her way out and swung/floated her around and she LOVED it. WHen she toppled near shore and went under, she came up sputtering but happy, never shed a tear. She didn’t want to go, but she was starting to shiver, so I made her.

She went to bed early, I just ate ice cream and am watching House Hunters and reading recycled magazines and life is good. Except for that bigass spider I killed on our bed, which I took pictures of before I sucked the carcass up with the vacuum. I’ll be sending those to flickr, keep your eyes peeled.