Things I Love Thursday

• How big and lovely and colorful my hanging baskets have become in this gorgeous Northwest weather!
• The idea for this blog: "Things I Love Thursday" which I borrowed from another blog that I read every week. It's a list (in no particular order) of things that make me feel happy, grateful, inspired, etc. (you get the gist). Most of this blog has become a place to share news about the kids... On Thursdays, while there will be a lot about the monkeys--fo sho, there will be more about ME and what I've been thinking about...
• Avery's new bangs. The kid looked undeniably cute with her bangs pulled to the side in a barrette... however, the trick was getting her to keep it there (which never happened). Here's a before and after: 

• Reading my (high school) friend, Clisty's blog. She is so funny and grounded and "real." You should check out some of her stories--and with 5 kids she has plenty! Cee Can't Sleep
• Knowing that I will get to hang out this weekend with my BOTH of my brothers at my grandparent's house in Santa Clara. 
• The prospect of having a casual dinner out with my husband this evening while his mom stays home with our girls.
• My new monogrammed Pottery Barn pajamas on clearance at: Pottery Barn right now for $19.99 (not including the monogram--I recommend the blue stitching!)
• Playing Scrabble with Joe Milner on Facebook.
• Fitting into more of my old clothes.