A good day, indeed. It’s just amazing what a little sleep can do for the soul. We separated the girls last night, Pea slept in the bedroom and went down about 7 and although she woke up at 6 this morning, I’m not going to complain. Coco slept in the living room and she woke up about every two hours, but it was manageable because she didn’t also wake up her big sis. We were back on the schedule that I have grown accustomed to at home, and yes, it sucks that Coco is now waking 4 and 5 times a night, but I’m in the groove of that schedule. What a relief. Sleep training will commence as soon as we return home, but for the next few nights, I’m feeling like I can handle this.

Today was a low-key day. We did some driving and then spent the better part of the afternoon in Ski Town, USA. The weather was amazing. Such a pleasant change from the humidity in Texas. We found a cute little store that sold all hand-knit and embroidered children’s clothing from Peru and since I’m a sucker for one-of-a-kind clothing, I was hooked. Pea picked out a dress for herself and a sweater for her sister. This child has amazing taste.

We found a wonderful playground that was the delight, I think, of Pea’s life thus far. It was all adventurous – rope bridges and see-saws that you stand on and she was up for it all. She was fearless but not reckless, a very thrilling combination for me to see in my little girl. I so want her to be strong and tough and ready to take on the world, but I also love that she wants to do it while wearing sparkly lipgloss that smells like vanilla ice cream.

Things I love about being in the mountains out West:

1. My hair! Incredible! If you know anything about me, you’ll know that I have a love-hate relationship with my crowning glory. While it’s thick and full it’s also coarse and wild. But here? Straight, lustrously glossy, swingy – perfection! No frizz!
2. You can wear a light sweater at night! In the summer! Which means I’ve finally had the chance to break in my new Lily McNeal cardigan that’s been hanging out in my closet for months.
3. No need for blush! Rosy cheeks are yours just from wandering around for an afternoon. And it’s that glorious shade of pinkish-red that looks especially precious on little girls… like mine.

All in all, it looks like this vacation is on an upswing. I’m feeling pretty calm and relaxed today, definitely not my natural disposition, I’m ashamed to admit (note to self: must work on this when I get home. I am much more fun when I’m happily laid-back). A good sign, indeed!