On mermaids ....

My sister Jessica, her husband Adam and their baby Lily came to town for a visit the week after Easter.

I L-O-V-E-D getting to know Lily a bit better. She has almost as much energy as I do. It was fun. She so reminded me of Hayley at 2. So fun to kiss all over her .. when she would let me.

We actually had the family Easter dinner on her birthday .. Tues. April 26th. Gonna pat myself on the back here ... I made the cupcakes (from scratch .. that's right ... scratch). Not a baker or a decorator and they turned out pretty stinkin' good.

Lily had a great bday ... she did a surprise "OH!" for every single present she opened. Then she would gasp in pure joy. I love love love little kids for this. Every action is so genuine.

Later that week ... Jessica, Adam, Lily, Natalie, Enoch, Travis, my mom and I all went to the Aquarium. It was different for me going without my kids ... so I tried on my sister's kids for size. It worked. Lily is just about like me ... not much for stopping and spending too long on each fish.

me and Nati ...

and my awesome nephew Enoch with his classic big smile ...

They have a new show right now at the Denver Aquarium. Mermaids. I was actually fascinated by this. They would dive down .. tails and all ... "talk" to us through the glass and acted out this little scene. I would hold my breath while they were down ... not even realizing it. I was so focused on their talent of holding their breath I heard nothing they were saying. It captivated me. But not enough to get my picture made with them afterwards.

Travis ... my other nephew giving me some cheese ...

My very favorite part is the very end (NO .. not the very VERY end where you go home .. although that's my second fav) when you can pet and feed

the manoray's. So cool.. waiting for them to swim by so you can reach in ... gliding past your fingertips. They feel like silk to me. Not in a slimy way but a super cool - soft way. Enoch and I did this for the LONGEST time. He thought about feeding them but couldn't quite keep the fish in his fingers for their mouths to take it from him. Can't say I blame him.

Sad to see Jess and her little family leave. It was fun while it lasted. I want Lily back. Cause I like her. And she likes me back.