I took Khayleb and Emma to the county library to join the summer reading program. Emma was infatuated with this boardful of magnetic letters and numbers. THEY GET A HARMONICA when they complete the program. Yay, I'm all for exposure to instruments! To their parents: you're welcome in advance!

Next up was the playground where they filled in between their toes with sand. The hour or so we spent there cemented the fact that Emma is indeed blunt and unafraid. After pushing her on the swing for MANY minutes, I tried the vacant (adult-size) seat out myself. She loudly exclaimed, "Auntie Boo, you're going to break it!"
It meaning the steel, concrete-enforced swing set that was planted firmly into the almost impenetrable ground. DAMN, THIS GIRL! Emma also doesn't hold back in asking fellow playground visitors, "Excuse me, are you done?" At least she's considerate. And besides, how can you say no to this face?!

Khayleb, oh, Khayleb. My best little guy is digging a hole to get to China, it appears. (He's got some Chinese blood in him, so it makes sense.) Khayleb is at an age where he gets my humor and giggles and looks at me like: omg, Auntie Boo, did you just say that?! And then giggles some more. He's growing up quickly (even though WTH; he looks so tiny in this picture), and I just want to hoist him on my back to take with me everywhere I go. Everywhere I go.

Of course, their pre-dinner with Auntie Boo was ice cream! Emma's order was "pink" ice cream. Khayleb, as shown by his brown, sweet face cream, opted for Rocky Road.

Other activities included an intimate "British" tea party with Emma. SpongeBob and iCarly TV time because I DO have restroom needs. Also, Khayleb and I played
Chongka'.
What you don't see captured here is two bambinos jumping on my bed and yelling, "My mom doesn't make us jump on the bed!" And then there's laughter and glee as they fling off my bed and onto the futon on the floor where apparently, they are trying to master their "karate moves" and frog stance. And omg, Auntie Boo, did you just jump on your own bed and jump on the futon?! Do it again, come on!
What you don't see captured in a picture here is just how much joy and appreciation I have for these two kids. Sure, my back hurts from carrying a certain someone because her "legs hurt," but mostly it's because I'm lifting her to nuzzle her yummy neck, and sure, Khayleb asks me hard questions that I should know the answers to but don't. I am drained the day after they sleep over, but damn you, damn you, it was wonderful having them.