a poem for Annie (and this blog's 100th post)

Goodnight to My Traveling Daughter
for Annie from Dad

Saying goodnight like this
Is better than nothing, it is, well, it’s something
like cold manicotti is better than starving

Don’t think I’m ungrateful.

I’m only grown partial
To bear hugs and blessings and monkey pajamas.
And beautifully off-key duets

Teeth brushed and squealing to Mom.

Tonight, she gave you
The phone, you said your goodbye before I said hello
I laughed, said "I love you," you sang.

Then said goodbye again.

Give my love to Grandma and Grandpa,
Your Great-Grandma, too, and of course, give
Momma a kiss as often as you think to.

I'll save one right here for each of you, too.

Momma's Day! and a weekend with Jared

Great weekend with like-a-brother friend Jared, who graduates med school this coming weekend, and so used this mini-break as an occasion to head out our way. We laid low, with a few exceptions (Dos Comales, the aquarium, and an ill-fated trip out to the Port Aransas Brewing Co. - "surprisingly awful," we agreed). Great to be a little lazy, and no one I more enjoy being lazy with. Seriously, blessed by the weekend and so much more by his friendship.

And two quick pics for Mother's Day. :)

turtle, turtle!

Annie has been relatively bashful around Jared, and very quiet. Suddenly, at the aquarium, "TURTLE!" "Tur-tur!" Quiet no longer.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Fish

Rocking the aquarium today with Rebekah, Annie, and Annie's God-dad, Jared. Don't have much to say, except that we're thoroughly enjoying Jared's visit, and all the chillaxin', reminiscing, goofing around that comes with it. Without further ado...

These jellies were not in the pretty cases, but outside, just under the walk-out pier. Yikes.