"I've made up my mind about what course of action I want to take." When it's time to clean up after supper, Sophie is the one who makes the announcement.The question then was, "And what is that?" I put the plate I'm washing down and turn my attention to her, asking her to pay attention to me instead."I am aware that winter is in full swing, but despite this, I have the urge to participate in some sort of carnival." She withdraws her presence gradually. "I am aware that it is somewhat childish, but I would really like to do it before I become a teenager.""It does not have an infantile quality. I have a feeling that we are going to have a lot of laughs." I'm heading towards the desk where my computer is located right now. I'll investigate whether there are any indoor carnivals in our area. This is what I am saying while I type."Really?" She asks with a grin as she makes her way over to me to keep an eye on what I'm looking for."Absolutely, we're looking forward to the fun. We are a

My birthday is on the first of June, which means that it is only a day away at this point. My hair has now grown out to be almost one inch long. Although there isn't enough to show just yet, it's still there. Mark and I have become even more close recently, and in light of this, we have increased the number of dates we go on that take place outside of the venues we previously attended.We packed a lunch and had a picnic at the highest point of our hike. We went to a community pool with Abby and Charlie, where they gave Lexi her first swim lesson when she was six months old. It was adorable to see how she reacted when she got into the water. We've had a lot of quality time together, both with just the two of us and with our respective friends and families.I've already told Mark that I don't want a party, so instead we're just going to go on a short bike ride around the area and eat lunch somewhere along the way. I instructed him not to get me anything, but he insisted on getting me at

"Mommy!" I hear yelling as well as loud running footsteps. Kara, Kyle and Willow come running into the kitchen. "Can you finish the story?""Not yet, we gotta wait for daddy and Milly." I dry my hands and lean down to pick up Willow. "Where's Landon?" I ask to go into the living room. I sigh when I see him sitting in front of the TV playing video games. Just like he's been doing with every minute of free time he gets."Come on, go outside and run around, get dirty." I put Willow down next to Landon."But this level is really hard and I can't-" I cut him off by turning off the TV and giving him a no arguing look. "Fine, I'll go outside.""Be a good brother and take your sister to the swing set." I say handing him Willow."Really? It's bad enough I can't finish my game." I put my hands on my hips. "You know what? I have a sudden urge to push my little sister on the swing." He says picking up Willow and walking to the front door."Smart." I call out with a chuckle.Kyle and Kara follow t