.....this is how it's done.....

.....when rain prevails for three days straight, we need to get a little creative around here....constant rain can initially bring comfort and coziness, but after 72 hours of it in our snug and intimate apartment, we have to find some activities to do besides the indoor ones that can get a little boring on day three.....

.....so here is how it's done in our home when we are on the third day of rain....

....1. I don't think twice about taking Elsie out of the house when she has creatively concocted her own wardrobe choice....we need to get out of the house ASAP while the rain has let up...... it's hard enough pushing a 35 pound stroller with 58 pounds of littles tightly strapped in while holding an umbrella and distributing snacks through the rain cover.....Great, you look like a fashionista.......you are so creative putting your outfits together......get in, let's roll!....

....2. We feed the ducks while ignoring the sprinkling mist of an impending rain shower......

.......and my Callie was more interested in blowing kisses to the ducks than feeding them graham crackers....she's such a little lover of all people, animals and life in general....she is fearfully and wonderfully made in her own uniqueness and I love her individuality.....

......and when I told her it was time to go, she gave me this face.....for a moment, I almost considered hanging out in the thunderstorm that was two wind gusts away just to brighten her distressed face....

....3. In between thunderstorms that bring in cold fronts, we saunter over to the zoo because the animals are always frisky when the weather changes.....

....the seals zipped by us so fast that the girls laughed hysterically at the crashing waves of water caused by their speedy laps.....

.....but they took a few breaks to show their gratitude that fall is in the air......it won't be long....it's coming....

....4. We are the only three people watching the monkey's mark the hour at the infamous Central Park Zoo watch clock.....

.....usually a crowd stopper, Elsie had full range to watch, laugh, ask questions, count the other animal friends that join the monkey duo for this 5 minute celebration of a new hour......

.....she even had full range to shimmey, shake and do her little hip sway that I love so much......

.....5. We have pasta, ice cream and bubble bath parties with our neighbors because they need a change of scenery too......

......a full house of toddlers is crazy, hectic, hysterical, exhausting and I love it......especially observing the excitement of trying a new dessert like chocolate covered ice cream bites.....

.....or watching the critical moment of panic because one of the 6 ice cream bites you are hoarding for yourself was taken by another little pudgy, chocolate smeared toddler hand.....

.....pure delight in the little things.....

.....and messy, chocolate and pasta covered babes are the best ones to clean....it's an extra surge of accomplishment when they come out sparkling clean and smelling yummy of lotion and chamomile body wash.....

....although it's taking me longer after each bath to stand up after being bent over for 20 minutes.....agh, to feel the effects of motherhood in my bones and joints.....a sweet reminder that I am in the throws of the physical demands of children.....

.....I wouldn't have it any other way.....

.....6. We talk of the sunny days that must lie ahead after 3 days of rain when we can relish in blue sky, billowing white clouds and a simple activity like finding the Central Park bubble man.....

......however, we realize that without the rainy days that keep us tucked away for bouts at a time is what continue to keep us appreciating the beautiful days that captivate us.......

.....7. We are anticipate and are thankful for a soon to be full house of family that we will welcome into our cozy home for five days......anticipation always gives us something good to talk about.....

.....and although I am thrilled that my brother and his wife will be here in less than 8 hours, I can hardly contain my excitement to get my hands on my nephew, Chase.....

....he's delicious....

.....so rain or shine, it doesn't matter.....we will have a full home of laughter, good food, plentiful wine, three blessed babes and family.....

.....it doesn't get any better than that.....

......Have a great weekend.....ours starts today.....