Day Out With the Girls! (:

This morning, I woke up curled on my side.  My hair was EVERYWHERE.  I'd dreamed really weird last night, so I'd probably tossed and turned plenty.  I sat up, glanced down, and saw that some of my hair was twisted around me as well.  Oh boy.  I started to unwrap myself from my hair, and by the time I was done with that, Flynn was up.  I flopped onto my belly and told him good morning. 
He smiled, turning onto his back.  "Morning, gorgeous." 
"Oh, hush it.  My hair was a lot -" before I could finish my protest, he had pulled me into a gentle kiss. 
When he pulled away, he gazed at me and pushed the hair away from my face.  "I meant it, dear girl." 
I gave him a grin, and he gave me a peck on the forehead before I eventually put my head on his chest and cuddled close for a few minutes.  He held me in his arms, and I let my eyes go shut again, until an idea suddenly popped into my mind. 
I sat up, and he made some noise I suppose was meant to display disappointment. 
"Did you have any plans for today?"  I asked. 
"Uh..no," he quirked a brow and stared at me. 
"Why don't we take the girls for a day out today?  Let them play and get good and tuckered out," I explained. 
He nodded.  "That would be good.  We'll leave when they're up?" 
"Okay," I grinned and leaned down to give him a quick little kiss.  He pulled me close again and basically, we just waited for the kiddos to get up. 

Once the kiddos were all up, we headed out.
I carried Hallie and helped Alexis down to the floor, while Flynn carried Jase on his shoulders. 
When we were on the floor, we set Jase and Alexis down to go play.  Flynn took Hallie from me, and we followed the girls as they ran...and ran...and ran, until they were all out of breath and red-cheeked. 
They stopped long enough to catch their breath and convince us into a game of duck-duck-goose. 
When Hallie was asleep, we laid her down nearby and then the game was commenced. 
There's something just so funny about watching Flynn play with the two of those girls.  When one of the girls would choose him as 'goose', he would pretend to run really fast, but of course, he wasn't. 
One particular time when he was left without a seat, he chose me as 'goose'. 
"You're awful," I grumbled, laughing.  I ran, but being behind me, he grabbed me around the waist and gave me a  tickle before letting me go again.  I was giggling so hard that I had to stop, and he recklessly slid to a stop, nearly falling down, before he plopped down in my place in our little circle.
I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe, and the girls were just shrieking with laughter. 
I chose Jase as 'goose', and she took off running as fast as those tiny legs could run.  I let her win, and then chose Alexis.  When she ran WAY faster than Jase, she won as well.  So then I chose Flynn. 
He laughed and scrambled to get up and ran....I beat him.  :D 

We played with the girls, gave them rides on Maximus, and let them run wild all day long. 
Alexis was terrified of Max, but after plenty of Jase's convincing, she reluctantly allowed Flynn to toss her up into the saddle.  I led him forward as Flynn walked beside, just as he had done with Jase, and I carried Hallie in my other arm. 
After a couple seconds, I glanced back at  Alexis's face.  She had the biggest grin on her face. 
I smiled, and asked her how she was liking it. 
"It's awesome!  You're an awesome horse, Maximus!"  Alexis exclaimed, leaning forward to hug Maximus. 
And didn't that horse arch his neck and get the most pleased look on his face. 
We led her around for a few minutes, listening to her unusual babbling of how awesome Maximus was, and when Flynn scooped her out of the saddle, she reluctantly left his back.  She put her arms around Flynn's neck and gave him a bigggg hug, though, and he got a huge smile across his face. 
And then she came over and hugged my legs.  I laughed, leaning down to scoop her up so I could carry her in my other arm.  We went back to Jase and let Maximus go do his own thing. 
"Momma...can we watch Duck Dynasty?"  she asked as soon as we got back to her. 
I glanced up at Flynn, and he shrugged.  "I'll go see if the iPod is charged - I'll be back in a few."
"Thanks, Daddy!" she exclaimed.  "Can I come with you?" 
"Alright, I suppose you can," he chuckled when she jumped up and held her arms out to him.  "We'll be right back." 
"Okay," I said, and once they had left, I turned to Alexis. 
"How're you enjoying today?" I asked her, giving her a cuddle. 
"I'm really enjoying myself...it's been really fun!  Maximus is such  a good horse."  She gave me a grin. 
I returned her grin, and we sat down to wait. 
Flynn and Jase came back within twenty minutes....and then the laughing commenced.  =D

We went through an hour's worth of Duck Dynasty, and by then, it was dark and the girls were all getting a little cranky because they were all tired.  Soo we headed back, after Flynn put the iPod away. 

By the time we got back, I was about ready to fall over, I was so tired.  Everyone else was asleep, so we quietly crept around, putting the two older girls to bed.  I sat down with Hallie and tried to get her to go to sleep, while Flynn tucked a handkerchief around the girls - it was sort of chilly tonight. 
The next thing I remember, I was being laid on my back. 
I peeled my eyes open and took in a deep breath, looking up.  Flynn was hovering over me, and when he saw I was awake again, he brushed the hair from my face and smiled.  "Go back to sleep, hon." 
I made a noncommital noise, and sat to watch him when he left my side. 
He was bent over, retrieving the handkerchief from the one corner underneath the bench, and then he turned towards me, spreading it out. 
I had a hard time keeping my eyes open, but I still watched him.  I don't know why, though.  I just watched him.  xD  He gave me that grin as he spread the handkerchief over my legs.
"Lay down so I can-" he started to tell me, but I grabbed his shirt collar and pulled him into a goodnight kiss and broke him off. 
He returned it with a tender kiss of his own, putting a hand on the back of my head and the other arm around my back, lowering me down onto my back as he kissed me.  When he withdrew his lips from mine, as well as his arms, he stroked my hair and stared down at my face for a few moments, the most adorable smile on his face. 
"Now...shut those gorgeous, sleepy eyes of yours and go to sleep, honey.  I love you," he added with a wink that made my heart squeeze. 
I tried to mumble out a good night and an I love you in return, as I rolled onto my belly, but I'm not sure it came out as such; and I was out before I could even hear him ask what I'd just muttered.  :D

Today was so awesome..I'm really hoping that we make a habit of taking the girls out for play days...I think they liked it quite a bit as well!  (: 

2 month anni (:

On the 4th of September, I woke up a little early.  Hallie had been pretty good yesterday, which was amazing.  Alexis was FINALLY starting to slowwwwly warm up to us, although she'd just told us, upon asking, that she wanted to think for a few days about being adopted by us.  Things were looking up! (: 
I woke up on my side.  I smiled and turned my head to look at Flynn...what I saw was his feet. 
His...feet?  Okay...
I sat up quickly and saw I must've thrashed around in my sleep last night enough to have flipped myself to the other end of the bench. 
I looked at Flynn's sleeping face, and a weird feeling washed over me.  I felt like I needed to be close to him, for whatever reason.  Velcro Rapunzel, maybe, as he'd call it?  I dunno.  But regardless, I laid down on my side behind Flynn and carefully set an arm around him, breathing in the smell of his shirt.  I did this for a few minutes, but then he woke up.  I felt his hand on my arm, and then he turned to give me a smile. 
"Well, good morning, darling." He gave me a smile.  "What's up with you?" 
I shrugged and sat up, shoving the hair from my face so I could look at him.  I drew my knees to my chest and shrugged again, a little embarrassed to explain that I felt, basically, clingy today.
"I-I dunno.  It's stupid...but I feel...needy today, I guess.  I feel like I need to be close to you or something, I don't know.  It's dumb...Just - never mind." 
His face slowly created another smile as he sat up too.  "That's fine.  I get that way sometimes, too.  And it's not that hard to fix!" 
I quirked a brow, until he leaned forward and pulled me close into a warm, loving hug that made my spine feel tingly. 
I put my arms around him too, and unfurled my legs until I could lean a little closer into him.  We just sat there for a few moments, and I enjoyed his strong embrace.  But all good things must come to an end, and he slowly pulled away, bumping his forehead with mine and laying down on his back.  I flopped down on my side beside him, and he pulled me super snug and tight into his side.  I put one of my hands on his chest and propped my chin on his chest as well, staring into his brown eyes. 
My hubby, bless his heart, tolerated my oddness.  He gave me a smile and then he pulled me close into a kiss that made my head spin. 
When that was over, I gave him a wide-eyed look, to which he rubbed his thumb on my cheek. 
"I-ah....w-well..." I mumbled, trying to regroup my thoughts.  "Love you."  I finally spit out. 
He gave a quiet laugh.  "Love you too, honey." 
I grinned and shut my eyes, leaving my head on his chest.  Until a thought occured to me.
Hallie was silent. 
Hallie.  Was silent. 
I quickly pulled away from his arms and propped myself up on my elbow to look at him.  "Did you get up any with Hallie last night?" 
He shook his head.  "I slept like a rock.  Did you?"
"No..."
He got a mildly concerned expression on his face, and my feelings inside matched it.
I sat up, turned to face the other direction, and flung myself onto my side, leaning out to look at the babies, who always slept near the bench anymore. 
I leaned really far, and my arm was shaking, so I could likely faceplant hard any second, but I still made sure Hallie was sleeping safe and sound. 
She was.  Her tiny little chest rose and fell rhythmically.  She had just slept through the night, which was a surprise anymore. 
Then, I felt an arm snake out around my waist. 
"Hey, you're gonna smack your face off that dresser pretty soon here...you keep bobbing around."  He pulled me into his front, and held me close.  "Hallie's okay?" 
"She must have just slept the night..she seems fine.  I don't want to wake her up to check on her." 
"Okay."  His shoulders must've drooped an inch in relief, because I felt his arm grow heavier all of a sudden.  He planted a kiss on my cheek and I snuggled a bit closer, curling up into a ball. 
I was allowing my eyes to drift back shut when I heard tiny footsteps. 
Alexis appeared just outside of the bench. 
I jumped all over and quickly pulled away from Flynn, my face blazing red.  I don't know why I was embarrassed, but I was. 
"Hey, honey...why're you up so early?" 
"I wanted to talk."  She looked down, but then she tipped her chin up and stared at me.
"Okay," I resituated myself to sit up against the bench leg, and she came over.  I pulled her onto my lap and gave her a kiss on the forehead.  "What's your topic?"
"I...I want to stay with you guys.  Last night, I decided that you guys were the best family I've ever had, and you've stuck it out with me the longest.  And I like you." 
I smiled at her, feeling as if the weight of the world had gone off of my shoulders...about that topic, anyway.  "Oh, honey...I'm so glad you feel that way.  You know we both love you very much, right?  We'll let Tangled Fan know as soon as we can!" 
"Okay."  Her lips hinted at a small smile,  which I had honestly seen hardly anything close come from her. 
She rested her head up against me and I cuddled her close, turning to give Flynn an astonished smile.  He grinned, and he looked like he wanted to join in and create a group hug, but didn't; knowing she'd not take too kindly to that situation. 

But then she did something even more surprising.  "I love you...Momma."
First time she'd said that.  First time she'd called me her mother.  I was soaring. 
"Love you too, baby girl."  I gave her another extra-tight cuddle, but then she wormed away from me. 
Had I overdone it? 
Nope.  The girl was full of surprises. 
She took a deep breath and walked the few steps over to Flynn, standing to say it.  "And I love you, Dad." 
His face lit into the most adorable, surprised, and loving smile known to mankind.  He said he loved her too, and then, I think almost by accident, he pulled her into a bear hug. 
When he reluctantly let her go, I watched her face.  Flynn did the same thing. 
She looked up at him and gave him a smile. 
An honest to goodness smile. 
"I'm going back to bed."  she said, givng her eyes a rub. 
"Okay, sweetie." 
When she'd left, Flynn slowly turned towards me, wide-eyed.  I matched his expression and grabbed his hand. 
"I think the wall she's built around herself is finally falling, brick by small bri-"
He grabbed me into an excited hug before I could even finish my sentence.  When he released me, I laughed. 
"Excited just a  bit?" 
"I'm just so....so glad she's finally beginning to realize we won't hurt her...that poor child."
"I know...I'm really happy too.  I've been waiting so long for this to happen-"
"Two weeks.."
"Two and a half." 
"Fine, two and a half."
"But anyway...two and a half weeks for her to warm up just the slightest bit...and now it's happening!"  I squeaked at the last one, and he grinned. 
"Yup," he stared lovingly at me and I squirmed.
"I suppose we should get up..."
"Rapunzel.  Alexis just went back to bed because it was too early for even THEM!  Lay back and chill for awhile.  Enjoy that peace and quiet." 
I chuckled, nodding, and flopped backwards. 
He laid down as well, turned on his side to look at me, so I turned to face him. 
"You ready for a day out?" 
It took a second to register that today was our 2-month anniversary.  I will admit that.  xD  When it clicked in my mind, I nodded with a grin.  "Happy 2-month anni, honey."
He gave me a big smile, stroking my hair.  "Happy anniversary to you too, my precious girl."
My stomach fluttered in an explosion of butterflies, and I impulsively grabbed him into a kiss.  He reached over and pulled me close to him, and the kiss intensified before I finally pulled away.  When I did, he gave me a peck on the nose and a smile, but he didn't loosen his arm around me.
"So, you like being called 'my precious girl'?"  He joked, and I giggled quietly.   
I wormed away from him and rolled onto my back, staring up at the underside of the bench.  I randomly thought about how badly I wished I could dress up a bit for him for our anniversary outings - or even simply change my dress! 
"Hey," he said quietly, reaching to push the hair from my face.  "What's the matter?  All of a sudden, you just..."
"Oh, it's nothing."  I knew he'd give me the same old lecture if I told him. 
"Honey, in my experience, when you say something's nothing, it's usually something.  I won't laugh or anything, you know that." 
"I just wish I could dress up a bit for you once in awhile...I mean, you're always making up these great outings, a-and what have I done to thank you or return the favor?  Nothing.  And it's just...ugh.  See, I told you it was stupid."  I didn't meet his eyes during all of this until I was done. 
"Baby, I don't care what you look like.  You should know that by now.  You don't have to dress up or anything.  And you have returned the favor, time and time again.  First of all, you've stuck with me for the past two months, and sure we kind of got off on a rocky, hundred-mile-an-hour ride from being engaged to married with four foster kids in less than a week.  You've loved me when I don't deserve it - such as on Monday - and you're just there; and you've got a heart of gold.  That, precious girl, is what counts."  His eyebrows furrowed as he studied my face.  I was almost in tears over that one. 
"I-I...." my voice cracked, and I wasn't sure what to say anyway.  My lips blubbed uselessly as I tried to make words come out.  Until he leaned over and gave me a sweet, passionate kiss.  I closed my eyes and enjoyed every second until he slowly pulled away and smiled at me.  I was more than just slightly dazzled, and I stared silently at him until I could think up something to say. 
"O-oh, gosh...now I've really forgotten what I wanted to say," I joked, and he chuckled. 
"Good.  Just don't forget what I told you," he gave me that grin of his, and my heart fluttered.  But then that grin turned into his mischievous grin. 
And then he reached to tickle my side.  
With a slightly louder-than-expected gasp, I elbowed him until he removed his tickling fingers. 
"You're a brat," I laughed quietly, turning to my side away from him as if I was mad at him. 
"Oh, but you wouldn't love me any other way, would you?" 
"Hmph."  I tried to sound mad, but it failed....bigly.  He laughed through his nose and pulled me close to him, kissing my hair and wrapping his arm around my waist.
And then I heard Hallie whimper.
Flynn, who had been pulling me a tad closer, froze.  I held my breath.
And then she was quiet again.
I loosed my breath and shot a fist in the air.  "Yes!"  I exclaimed quietly, and then Flynn flat-out laughed. "Shh!"  I exclaimed, sitting to clap a hand over his mouth.
 Merida ducked her head under the bench.  "What is all the laughin' about?!  Or do I even want to know?" 
I turned to look at her, still keeping my hand pressed over his mouth.  If I left him speak now, I'd regret it.  "I, um..well, see, I was listening for Hallie to cry, because I heard her whimper, and when she quieted down again, I shot my fist in the air and was like, 'YES!'..and he found that highly amusing for whatever reason.  We didn't wake you, did we?" 
"Naw, I was up anyhow.  I was just wonderin' what all the laughin' was over."  She quirked a brow when Flynn tried to speak through my hand. 
I left him mumble for a few seconds, but then I felt my hand get wet.  He licked my hand.  He legit licked the palm of my hand. 
"Oh my gosh, you are sick!  I can't-ugh!"  I squealed, yanking my hand off of his mouth and shoving his chest hard enough to knock him backwards, before I wiped my hand off on his shirt.  "I can't believe you." 
Merida was chortling, giving me a gleeful grin.  Flynn was laughing. 
"I can't believe the both of you!"  I grumped, trying to sound disgusted - I didn't have to try too hard - and wiped my hand a couple more times and shook my head. 
"What I was trying to...say...whilst I was so r-rudely...restrained...is that I was wondering if you, Merida...Merida!  If you would watch the kids while we have a day out.  It's our two-month anniversary."  He said between gales of laughter and attempts to get Merida to pay attention. 
Merida allowed her chuckles to subside before she answered.  "Sure...I can watch 'em."
"Not sure I want to go with you today, you sick creature," I grumbled, looking at my hand. 
"Oh, come on..." he laughed, sitting up and grabbing me into a one-armed hug before I could move away from him. 
"That was pretty disgusting there, pal...but it was hilarious."  Merida said, still grinning.
"Says you, she who does not have a wet hand," I laughed. 
She left, and Flynn turned to me. 
"Sorry."  He told me, but I could see that dirty little grin he had on his face.
"No way are you sorry, I see the smirk on your fa-"
He broke me off.  "Okay...it was pretty funny.  Now...since she's up, do you want to just get up and get moving?"
"Sure," I said, pulling away from his arm and crawling out from under the bench. 
I rummaged around, found the ribbons and flowers that Tangled Fan had used in my hair once, got my brush, and got to work.  I might not have any other dresses to wear, but I have a lot of hair, and I could dress that hair up like it was in the movie, when Rapunzel gets to see the kingdom.  Annnd so I did! 
When I was done, Flynn was waiting for me. 
He gave me a huge grin, we said goodbye to the girls, and then we were off. 

When we had made our way to the floor, Flynn stepped away from me. 
"Give me a twirl," he smiled and gestured. 
"Why?"  I furrowed my brows. 
"Because," he chuckled, and I rolled my eyes, but I did give a twirl. 
That failed hugely. 
Remember how I always say I'm not graceful?   Un-graceful people should NOT EVER twirl.  Ever. 
I twirled, and I twisted my back the wrong way.  But then, on top of that, I got one leg tangled around the other.  I stumbled into Flynn, who was standing right by me, and then he staggered backwards. I kept going, and I tried to catch myself, but I couldn't.  Tangled Fan's floor was actually clean of clutter, so there was nothing I could grab onto.  Except for Flynn, and he was stumbling as bad as I was by now!
So finally, I went down right on top of Flynn with an oof and a thump. 
I caught myself before I smacked my head off of his, luckily. 
He gave me a surprised and slightly stunned expression, and I probably matched it. 
"A-are you alright?"  I finally managed. 
He chuckled, staring at me. "Yep...you?" 
"Well, yeah...I mean, I landed on something slightly softer than the hard floor...and you didn't," I laughed. 
"Remind me to not ask you to twirl.  Ever.  But what I wanted to say is that you are gorgeous, and I love your hair that way."  He gave me a warm smile, and cupped my cheek in his hand.
"Oh...well, um...thanks," I realized I was still on top of him, and I sat abruptly. 
He sat up too, and I realized I was still across his legs.  I scrambled awkwardly in an attempt to get up, but he took my hand in his - with such gentleness that I was surprised; he wasn't just keeping ahold of me so I couldn't go - and I stopped to look at him a few seconds before I slowly stood, squeezing his hand and not letting go of it.  He stood as well, and then swept me up close to him and into a tender kiss. 
When he pulled away, he bumped his forehead with mine and I stared up at his brown eyes, which were giving me a loving gaze.  I grinned as the butterflies started up, and kissed his cheek.  He tried to conceal the pleased grin, but it came anyway, and he pulled me a bit closer for a hug.  When we pulled apart, he took my hand in his again and gave me a sweet smile. 
"So...what're we planning on doing?"
"Well...you know how awhile back, when Jase rode Maximus, how you wanted to as well?  It slipped my mind until the other day...so why don't we go ride?" 
I gasped.  He was actually going to do this?  Awesome!  "Really?" 
He chuckled, nodding.  I squeaked with excitement and grabbed him into a quick, excited hug, before I left him lead me to where Maximus was at. 
"Let me ride him first, so he won't buck you off or anything," Flynn told me when I raced over to him excitedly. 
"Oh, he's fine...he was as sweet as pie with Jase," I told him.  "That was just a one-time thing, I think." 
"I just-" 
Maximus nuzzled my hand with his plastic nose, and I giggled.  "He'll be fine, Flynn...if I fall, you can say 'I told you so'." 
Flynn gave me an uncomfortable glance, but he finally sighed and nodded.  "Alright...but just don't get hurt, okay hon?" 
"Okay," I laughed, and Flynn gave me a boost up into the saddle. 

When I was situated, he let go of the reins reluctantly and rested a hand on my leg.  "You sure?"
"Positive," I grinned as I clucked Maximus on. 
He was perfect.  I walked, trotted, and cantered him.  He was acting absolutely perfect, until we went near the guinea pig cage on the floor. 
The guinea pigs in the cage both ran over to the cage side and started squeaking.  Max shied before loosing a round of violent bucks.  I gasped and clung to his mane, wrapping my legs around his barrel.
Mistake. 
He squealed, pinning his ears, and crowhopped in disapproval.  I glanced up just in time to see him almost ram into a bin, and he swerved.  I wasn't ready for it, and I flew off, landing right on my back. 
It knocked the breath out of me and I couldn't even get myself to move.
Flynn was at my side in a moment.  "Are you alright?"  He frantically studied my face. 
Well, it's kind of hard to speak when the breath's been knocked right out of you.  Finally, I managed to squeak.  "Y-yeah, I'm alright.  Just"-I coughed, and cleared my throat before continuing -"Just a bit stunned, and need to catch my breath." 
"I knew I should've gone on him first, or led you, or something...oh gosh,  I just need to listen to my gut instinct...you end up getting-"
"Flynn.  It's fine.  I'm fine" - we'll not mention my aching back quite yet - "Don't beat yourself up about it.  If anything, it's the guinea pigs' faults," I joked. 
"I know, but-"
I stuck my hand out.  "Help me up, please?" 
"Oh.  Sure."  He helped me up, and I gave him a smile. 
"Thanks.  See?  I'm walking, talking, breathing...I am fine."
"What about your back?  You landed hard on it." 
Crumbs.  I couldn't lie..."It does hurt, I'll be honest.  But I'm fine." 
"Let's go back-"
"Flynn, I am-"
He started to pick me up. 
"FLYNN!"  I yelped.  "Put.  Me.  Down.  Now!  And no, we're NOT going back home.  I'm fine.  If I feel like I need a break, I'll let you know.  Okay?  Quit obsessing, please." 
He stared down at me, and got a calculating expression on his face. 
Finally, he nodded and set me down. 
"Fine...but you're positive?" 
"I am positive, dear." 
"Okay."  He trailed his hand down my arm tenderly, and then he grasped my hand, pulling it up to kiss it. 
"I don't think you should ride him, though..." I joked.  "Sorry."
"Oh, I wasn't planning on riding anyhow.  I just wanted to before you, to try and work the sillies out of him.  I still don't trust that creature," he said, staring at me. 
"What?"  I asked, referring to his stare. 
He didn't answer me, he just simply took a stride towards me and pulled me close. 
I could hear his heart pounding, he was holding me so close. 
"W-wh..." I trailed off, and he tightened his arms around me. 
Well...either he'd answer me, or I'd eventually stop breathing from his tight grip.  Whichever came first?  I wasn't sure.

His heartbeat eventually slowed, and only then did he allow me to pull away.  He put his hands on my shoulders and swallowed.  "It just scared me, is all."
"Everything scares you," I chuckled, but I could see in his face that he had indeed been terrified. 
"Everything that includes you or the girls," he corrected. 
I nodded, silently scolding myself for chuckling at his obvious concern.  "Sorry."  I gave him a small, sheepish smile and glanced around, trying to think of something to get his mind off of me falling. 
"Why don't we sit up on the window?"  I suggested, nodding towards the window. 
He wet his lips and nodded, letting go of me.  I took his hand and led the way to the window, thankful for a distraction. 
We hopped up onto the windowsill and I sat down in the one corner, trying to very discreetly rub at my back. 
He saw me, though. 
He quirked a brow, but he sat and didn't say anything. 
Phew. 
Dodged a bullet on that one. 

We sat and watched the outdoors for a good long while.  We just sat in silence and enjoyed one another's presence, which was nice. 
After a good while, though, Flynn got restless.  He stood, and asked how my back was. 
It was pretty sore, but I was fine.  I told him so, and he didn't look very relieved. 
We left the windowsill, and walked around for awhile, just about general whatever, until Tangled Fan came hurrying in.  Great -I could ask her about Alexis! 
"Tangled Fan!  Wait up a sec," I exclaimed, waving my arms so she would see us. 
She stopped abruptly, and bent to look at us.  "Yes?" 
I glanced at Flynn and he gave me a  confused look, but then it clicked.  He gave me a smile and a nod before grasping my hand. 
"Can we adopt Alexis?  I think we're ready." 
She smiled and nodded.  "Awesome!  For sure...I'll just make a note to not toss her up into a box or anything." 
"That'd probabbbly be best," I laughed, even though I was mildly horrified. 
She left, and I turned to Flynn. 
"Well...we just added another to our family."  He gave me a crooked grin and I couldn't help the tingle that went up my spine. 
"I'm just so glad she's warming up to us!"  I continued walking, and he hurried to catch up with me. 
"I almost passed out when she as much as LOOKED at me this morning." 
"I know..I could see it in your face," I grinned as I remembered his expression. 

We walked for awhile, but once darkness crept up on us, we headed back. 
Everything and everyone was quiet, but they were up. 
"Merida!  How were the girls?" I walked over to her and asked.
"They were all good...weren't ye?"  She asked, and Jase and Alexis nodded.  We watched Jase hurry over to Flynn, and I reached to pick Alexis up.  "And Hallie was just a pleasant little girl, like she used to be." 
"Awesome," I exclaimed. 
The two babies were already sleeping, so I didn't bother Hallie. 
"And how did y'two enjoy yer day out?"  She gave me a smirk. 
"It was great, thanks so much for watching the kiddos for us!  I fell off of Maximus, but other than that, it went well.  We also ran into Tangled Fan, and Alexis...you're officially adopted now." 
She gave me a big grin and hug, and then squirmed to get down.  I let her go, and Merida gave me a quick, one-armed hug. 
"So how bad did yer hubby flip when ye fell?" 
"He managed to keep it to a minimum, after I told him to stop obsessing." 
She laughed and rolled her eyes. 
"Hey...you up for a girl's day out tomorrow?"  Merida asked. 
"Well..I dunno.  Flynn, what-"
"Go for it.  I can handle all the kids," he told me.

We sat up and talked for awhile, planning, but then we all went to bed. 
By the time we got to bed, my back was aching like nobody's business.  I sprawled out on my back, trying to stretch it out.  Flynn flopped down beside me and watched me as I writhed around in odd attempts to relieve the soreness. 
"Your back still hurt, baby?"  I glanced up at his concerned expression. 
I considered doing a quick little white lie, but I didn't.  "Yeah, it hurts." 
"Should I-"
Should he go get Tangled Fan? What was his first thought?  Mine was NO.  And so I said so. 
"I was going to ask if you wanted me to rub your back." 
"Oh.  No, it's-" I broke off as he did so anyway.  "Well..that does make it feel pretty good." 
He chuckled to himself and continued for a few minutes, until I suppose his hands got tired.  When he was done, I turned to my side and pulled him into a quick kiss. 
"Thanks,"
"Anytime..I'll do anything to please my girl," he joked, giving me a wink. 
I rolled my eyes and then they crossed as he gave me a peck on the nose.  I grinned and then flopped onto my back, trying to find a comfortable spot.
"Thanks for letting me go with Merida on a girl's day out tomorrow," I told him. 
"Excited?" 
"Kind of..." I smiled. 
"Just stay safe." 
Gosh...well, I do suppose one of the last times we'd gone on a girl's day out, I'd ended up hurting my arm, so he did have a point.  "I will," I laughed, and then he leaned over so we could share a sweet goodnight kiss.  When he started to pull away, I leaned into him and kissed him back, and when I pulled away, he gave me a big smile.  He told me good night and I returned it, and then I was out. 

Monday confessions

Monday morning, I woke up at 6, pretty early compared to our late night up because Flynn had a migraine , which is pretty rare amongst dolls.  

I was laying with my head on his shoulder, and his chin was propped up on my head.  I didn't want to move, but my arm was also falling asleep. I carefully moved my arm, and his head lifted from mine.  

"Morning, gorgeous."  His voice was a bit gravelly still, and he cleared his throat.  

This morning, I didn't chide him for calling me 'gorgeous'.  I was just glad to be with him - usually, dolls that ended up feeling like he did last night, end up mashed in a Dumpster by morning.  Umm, no.  

I took a deep breath in and raised my head up to smile at him.  "Morning!  Feel any better?"  

"Right now I feel pretty great," he joked, giving me a squeeze with his arm.  I rolled my eyes, and he said, "No, really; I feel a lot better than I did last night, that's for sure."  

I leaned over and gave him a relieved kiss.  "I'm so glad."  

He gave me a small grin, which faded and it seemed as though he was thinking about something.

I sat up, and he did too.  "What?  I know you're thinking about something."  I gave him an encouraging smile and put an arm around his waist, and he did the same to me, holding me tightly. 

He stood restlessly, and I followed him out to the 'deck'.  

"There's a chance I'll have them chronically.  Migraines, I mean.  I know how upset and scared you were last night, and I don't want to put you through that again, if they are chronic.  If you don't want to, I understand fully."  

My eyes teared up.  "Oh, Flynn...no way, never, ever, in a gazillion trillion years, am I leaving you just because you might have a bad headache once in awhile!  Now I know it's not as bad as I thought it was originally."  I grabbed his arm and rubbed my hand up and down his sleeve.  "In case I've not told you, I love you so much.  And if you ever end up in the Dumpster, I hope I go at the same time, cause I could never live without you.  And if you think I don't want to be your wife anymore because of some piddly headaches, you've got another thing coming, mister.  Regardless, she said it was from sleep deprivation, not just because."  

A relieved look washed across his face, and he took my hand gently into his.  I marveled at how gentle he could be, and grabbed him into a hug. 

He kissed my hair and stroked it a few times, but then just put his arms around me as well and we just stood there for I don't know how long.  "You get some idea like that into your head again, and I'll swat you one," I joked, in an attempt to lighten the mood, pulling away a tiny bit and winking at him.  He smiled at me, and I left to go brush and braid my hair.  When I was done braiding, I realized my ribbon was knotted, and I was growling at it, holding my thick braid in one hand and picking at the knot with my teeth, grumbling at it.  

Flynn took one look at me and laughed. "Spit it out and let me get that for ya."  He chuckled the whole time he was picking the knot out.  Within seconds, it was out and he'd tied it in a neat bow around my hair.  

"Thanks," I laughed. He nodded, and we both turned to the now-familiar sound of the babies waking up.  We went over and picked them up before they started to cry.  

"We're getting to be old pros at this," I laughed when the babies silenced immediately.  

He slung his free arm around my shoulders and nodded.  I noticed Allie was studying me intently with her icy blue eyes.  

I leaned across Flynn to smile at Allie.  "Tell Daddy he's silly, huh!"  Whilst I was leaning across him, he plopped a kiss on my hair.  Allie smiled, and my heart squeezed.    

And then Jase came running out.  I shifted Hallie to my other arm and scooped Jase up into my lap.  "Aren't you sleepy yet?"

"Nope!"  She smiled at me, complete with dimples.  

"Okay," I grinned at her.  

Then Janet came hurrying over.  "I just woke up.  Want me to take the babies?"

"No, that's fine, honey; thank you, though!"  I turned to smile at her.  She grinned in relief and collapsed back into her chair.  

Soon, an idea formed in my mind.  

Turning to Flynn, I said, "Could I take Jase and Janet out for awhile today?  Would you be alright with the babies?  If you aren't, that's fine too, I can-"

He grinned at me.  "I can take care of them.  You go have a girl's day out."  

I smiled at him, then I handed Hallie over to him.

I asked Jase to go brush her hair and get ready, and Janet to climb up onto the printer to ask Merida if she wanted to come, too.  When they both left, I leaned over and kissed him goodbye.  

"See you later," I smiled.  He shifted both the babies to his one arm and brushed the hair from my face, cupping my cheek in his hand once he was done.  I put my hand up to his and gave it a squeeze, and then I noticed Jase was coming back over, so I stood up and turned towards her.  

Janet came over, too, and said Merida would be down in a second.  When Merida was here, we were ready to go.  

I suggested that we go visit the 18 inchers, and Merida nodded excitedly.  

"Exactly what I was wantin' to do!"  she beamed.  

It didn't take too awful long to get over to the dresser where the 18 inchers resided. 

As soon as we got there, Merida climbed up onto Angus and held her hands out for Jase.  I held her up and Merida set her down onto her lap and talked with her.  

As for Janet, she went over and found Samantha and Nell, and sat to chat with them.  I scooped up Julie when she came hurrying over, and talked with Elizabeth and Christy.  

We all stayed for a good while, but eventually, Merida said we should probably get back to see if Flynn had survived.  :P

She handed Jase back down to me, and leaned down to give Angus a kiss in his mane, wrapped her arms around his satiny neck for a few seconds, and then climbed off.  Janet came hurrying over, and talked excitedly about her visit with the mini dolls.  She also mentioned how Kailey wasn't very friendly with her, and I said it wasn't with just her.  

When we got back to the shelf, I put Jase down and she scampered over to the corner to play her game she liked to much.  Janet thanked us and then went over to play with Jase.  

Merida linked her arm with mine and cocked her head, turning towards Flynn.  

"Annd here's your lovely wife," she giggled.  

"Oh, quit," I laughed.  

Suddenly (and completely randomly), I remembered that I needed to thank Rayne for orchestrating our day yesterday.  

"Wait a sec," I said, before racing over and scrabbling up the shelf.  

I said a quick "Hello" to Blondie, and then raced over and grabbed Rayne up into a big hug.  I must've surprised her, cause her arms flew out and her eyes bugged.  

"Have a nice day yesterday?"  

"Oh, it was wonderful!  Thank you so, so, sooo much!"  I gave her another squeeze and then stepped back.  "I don't know how to repay you, ever!" 

"You can bring those little youngsters up tomorrow, and I'll watch them.  I've been wanting to meet them!"  She said.  

"Okay, it's a deal!" I smiled.  

"Now go have some fun," she winked, and I left.  

When I came back down, Merida turned towards me.  "Don't need to worry about coming back quick - I can watch these gals for any amount of time.  It's boring up on that shelf!"  

I smiled in thanks.  

"Now, go enjoy your hubby and smooch while you're not interrupted by the kiddos," she teased.  

I put my hand over my eyes in embarrassment.  "We don't....well...we talk, a-and...walk, and..."

Flynn came over behind me and gave me a peck on the forehead.  "And smooch." he grinned, and I gave him a push.  

"Shush," I laughed.  "It's not all we do.  I take it you're feeling fine now, cause you're back to your usual self."  

"Just go," Merida said, who was laughing pretty hard at our awkward antics.  

"Thanks," I laughed, waving at her as I let Flynn lead me down to the floor.

Since it was sooo muggy and hot, I just took Flynn by the hand, swinging my arm back and forth, and told him about how our girls' day out.  

When I was finally through with my chatter, I glanced back at him, because he'd stopped.  "What?"

He pulled my arm, and swung me in towards him.

I put my arms comfortably around his waist.  "What?" I repeated.  

"Just...I dunno.  Just 'cause your my wife, and I love you to plastic bits and pieces," he joked.  

"Oh, you."  I giggled.  "You're bad.  But I love you too.  And I'm glad you're back to your self."    

He took one of my arms from his waist and took my hand, smoothing his thumb back and forth on the back of it.  I leaned my head on my shoulder, in no big rush to keep going.  But there was something I'd been wondering.  I gently slipped my hand away from him and looked up.

"Why're you so..like, affectionate with me?  I mean, it's not like I don't like or appreciate it.  But I was just curious why."  

He took a deep breath and glanced down at me.  "Well....I'd read in lots of places how marriages were wrecked because the couple rushed into things and didn't know each other, or anything.  And I don't want that to happen-" he broke off and grabbed my hand up again.  "I just so don't want to lose you because I rushed you.  I dunno what I'd do."  He mumbled that last part.  But then he went on.  "I'm awful with words, but I've been wantin' to tell you something."

"Before you go on," I stopped him, "I want to say this:  Don't you ever, EVER, think our marriage'll be wrecked cause we moved quickly.  Or because of injuries or headaches.  It was just as much my fault as it was yours that we moved fast...and mine that you got that headache.  And truth is?  I'm glad we got married so soon.  I can enjoy you as my hubby for longer, now!"  

His face split into a huge smile, and I smiled back, my heart leaping.  

We climbed up onto the chair, and he seemed to have lost his nerve about what he wanted to say to me.  

"Whatever it is you wanted to say, I won't laugh or anything.  Just say it," I said, still smiling.  

He repositioned himself, slid an arm around me, cleared his throat...twice...turned to look at me..and then he finally spoke. 

"I'm not good with words, but I've been wanting to say something." He was talking so quietly that I had to lean into him to hear him.  "You're...well..don't feel, like, weird because of this.  Okay?" 

"Okay, I promise," I said quietly, but didn't prod him.  

He squeezed his eyes shut and spilled his guts.  "I know, I know.  You know I love you, I tell you every chance I get, because I do.  But...well, you probably think I'm pathetic."  

When he paused, waiting for an answer, I said, "No...My guess was that you were just as crazy about me as I am you."  I wanted to kiss him but I didn't want to cut him off.  

"Here goes.  Every time I see you, my stomach feels funny - in a good way.  I-I love you so much it hurts.  I can't ever imagine not having you.  I hope you didn't have any hard feelings about rushing" - I shook my head-"A-and, well...I...I hope nothing ever comes between us, cause I don't think I could live without you.  And I'll never, ever give you up if you get hurt or something.  As Flynn from the movie would say, you are my new dream...only I'm not just taking a line from the movie.  You're perfection and you're so beautiful, and you're so sweet...and I don't know what I ever did to deserve you...and I just...thanks for loving me too.  I just hope you're not weirded out or whatever, from me acting so...uh..twitterpated.  So there.  That's what I've been wanting to say."  

By the time he stopped, I was crying.  

Flynn looked alarmed.  "I told you I wasn't good with words...I'm so sorr-"

"Noo!"  I yelped.  "You...you were perfect!"  

He smiled tenderly at me, and wiped my cheeks with such a gentle hand that I grabbed it and held it up against my cheek after he was done, while I gathered my thoughts.  "You gave such a gorgeous speech. For a guy who supposedly is awful with words...I don't think you give yourself enough credit.  I feel the same way about you..." Well, I won't include my whole spiel, as you readers are probably tired of reading about how much I love him, and he loves me, and this and that and whatnot.  But when I was done, he actually had a single tear streaming down HIS cheek, which I wiped carefully, my heart thundering.  

He leaned in to me till our foreheads bumped together.  He and I stared at one another for a few seconds, but then I shut my eyes, because they were getting unfocused.   

And suddenly, I remembered that we were right by the shelf.  I felt soo self-conscious that I pulled away abruptly, although I hated to.  

"What?"  Flynn asked me.  

"They can probably see us from here," I said, glancing up at the shelves.  "And...I dunno.  I just feel a bit awkward being so open in our affection.  But, you know what?"

"There's no other place around here that we CAN be that dolls aren't gonna see us."  he said.  

"Exactly."  

"So why feel awkward?  If it makes you feel weird, I'll-" he started to take his arm from my shoulders, but I stopped him.  

"No.  You know what?  I'm gonna stop holding back and feeling awkward about it. If some doll has an issue with me loving you, they can keep it to themselves." 

I saw a mischievous gleam in Flynn's eyes.  "So you won't mind if I do this?"

"Do what?" And then he started tickling me, of all things.  I yelped, and elbowed him.  When he fell backwards, I collapsed with him, still giggling.

He laid there with a grin, and then slid his arm around my shoulders.  I rested my head on his chest and smiled.  I laid a hand on his chest and we stayed there.  

We must've both dozed off, because next thing I knew, I could feel Flynn pick me up.  It was dark.   I, for one, knew I was exhausted from not sleeping much last night and then my full day today.

"Flynn."

"What?"

"Put me down."

He started to refuse, and I repeated my request, adding a please.  

He sighed, but he did let go of my legs and carefully lowered me down.  I reached up to kiss his cheek. "Thank you."  

We went home, and were greeted by Merida.

"The kids are all asleep.  They were all really good.  See you tomorrow!"

"I'll probably bring them up to you tomorrow, if we do anything tomorrow.  Rayne wants to see them." I smiled.  "Thank you soo much, again."

"Whaddaya mean, 'IF we do anything tomorrow'?"

"You need a break sometimes," I said. 

"And it ain't tomorrow!  I really enjoy babysitting them, truth be told.  Gets my mind off of my legs!" 

I gave her a quick hug and she was on her way up to her shelf.  

I turned back to my hubby as I unbraided my hair.  "And thank you for this wonderful day, again."  I went to lay down behind the lamp; he followed me and sat down in his usual spot.  He leaned down and we kissed goodnight.  But this night, he didn't sit up and sleep.  He laid down beside me.  I laid on my back, felt around until I found his hand beside me, and held it until I fell asleep.  He stroked my hair with gentle caresses for a little bit, and whispered something I didn't quite catch, because I was out cold within minutes.  (I've noticed that he puts most of his monologue on his blog posts..when he creates a post for this day from his perspective, I'll have to sneak over and check out what he said :P)  I was ecstatic to start tomorrow!!!

I've really grown to like and enjoy our evenings alone.  I wanted to enjoy this time for as long as possible, and hoped so much that we keep this tradition forever.  (:  

The 18 inchers and a date!!

Hi everyone!  Well, it's been nasty and rainy for the past week or so.  (That also is why some of the pictures are so dark - even with a light on, it's not that bright .)  So all of us dolls have basically just been hanging around on our own shelves, disgusted with the weather.  You know that feeling like what you humans have when it's a rainy morning and you just want to roll over and go back to sleep, all day long?  That's what we felt like.  

But regardless, Saturday, I decided enough was enough.  Sure, it's nasty OUTSIDE, but we're inside. 

"Want to go for a walk or something?"  I asked Flynn.  

Flynn, who was still somewhat stiff from his rather unspectacular fall from Maximus Wednesday, said he was just going to go sit on the windowsill and watch the rain outside.  

"Okay, if you're sure."  I said, beginning to climb up the shelf to go see if Merida or Rayne would go on a walk with me.

"Wait," Flynn said. 

"What?"  I asked, turning to look at him over my shoulder.

"C'mere," he said, and with a sigh, I started my descent.  

"Yes?" I asked. 

"Just be careful, okay?  Last time I declined going out somewhere with you, your arm had to be replaced!"  

I laughed. "I'll be fine."

I jumped up onto the shelf (he was on the 'deck'), bent down a bit and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. 

Then I went back up the shelf, pausing only to turn to wave at him.  

I turned to the other shelf, and said hello to everyone up there.  

"Anyone want to go for a walk?"

Rayne and Blondie shook their heads, but Merida was up and ready to go.  Although her legs usually bothered her during rain, she was restless and wanted to go.  

She and I quickly made the descent to a chair that was up against the shelf.  

"Why don't we go to see the 18 inchers?  I want to go see Angus, and that's where he's displayed at.  Tangled Fan has to have her displayed with Elizabeth because Angus is from that same doll collection.  Actually, Angus' name is really Patriot."  Merida rattled on.  We went from the chair onto a trunk, which was at the foot of the bed.  

The walk on the bed was kind of hard, because it's not a hard surface (naturally!) and Merida was having a really hard time walking across it.  Finally, we got to the head of the bed, and Merida climbed onto a pillow, jumped onto a dresser, and knelt down to help me up.  Once I was up, though, she ran for Angus.

She started petting and talking eagerly to Angus, and her gleeful grin made me remember that she was modeled to be a 16 year old, two years younger than me.  

But as I stopped watching Merida, I realized I was being watched.  By six HUGE dolls that made me feel dwarfed.  I put one hand to my stomach to urge my sudden nausea to go away, and gave a nervous, shy wave.  

Two dolls responded to my wave.  

"I'm Elizabeth," the one in the front said, "and this is my twin sister, Christy." 

"Hi," I said.  

"Glad to meet you! We love to see new faces."

"Same here," I smiled.  

Suddenly, I felt a tug at my skirt.  I looked down, and saw a tiny doll, who looked exactly like the 18 inchers, only smaller.  

"Hold me!" she exclaimed.  She sounded really young.  

I obliged, and held her on my hip.  

Then, Elizabeth began with introducing the other four 18 inchers.  

"This is Josefina.  The one sitting beside her is Nellie; the one beside Nellie is Kailey, and the doll wayyy up there on top of Butter, the horse, is Kailey's sister, Hailey."  

I nodded a greeting to all of them, and everyone except Kailey smiled at me.  I get the feeling that Kailey didn't exactly enjoy new faces, but I didn't say anything.  After all, I had thought that Merida hated me, when in reality, her legs just ached.  

Each of us talked for awhile  - except Kailey and I.  When I went to talk to Kailey, she just mumbled something and turned away.  I realized there were two other dolls like the one I was holding - Hailey told me that they were called 'Mini dolls'.  Their names were Julie, Samantha, and Nells.  

Finally, we ended up leaving.  Merida said her legs were really starting to ache, and  she wanted to go back home before they hurt too bad to walk.  

When I left, I almost wanted to bring Julie with me - she was the 'mini doll' I had been holding - because when I left, she clung onto my skirt and pleaded with me to come back soon.

I don't think I'd have much trouble coming back again - although I was a bit intimidated, because their FEET are about as big as my HEAD!  

Once we got back home, Merida propped her one leg up, and the four of us chatted for awhile - just about general stuff.  

However, after a good long while of talking, Flynn popped his head in.  

With a wave, he asked if he could 'steal' me.  

"Ye could steal her, but come to think of it, stealin' is bad."  Merida teased. 

Flynn chuckled. "Sure."   

I stood, said bye to the others, and then followed Flynn.

"I thought you didn't want to go walk," I said.  

He shrugged, and I didn't question him further.

Instead, I took him by the hand and surged forward, chatting about basically anything.  He had a grin pasted on his face, as if every word I spoke enchanted him.

Finally, he spoke.  "When do you want to have the wedding?"

"Oh, I dunno.  Sometime this summer would be nice.  I was thinking on some holiday, but I don't think that would work.  What do you think?  Any specific time?"

He took me by the other hand as well, and said, "Why not July 4th?  It's a holiday, and it's in the summer!"  

I stood, speechless.  I mean, July 4th was only in a handful of days!  I thought we'd be engaged for a good while before getting married.  But you know me with decisions.  Especially important ones like this!

"I already asked everyone, and they all agreed that they could come that day.  If you decide to have it then, of course."  

I turned my head away.  "I-I don't know, Flynn.  I mean, really - we've only known each other for a few WEEKS, and been engaged for one of those weeks, already!  Don't you think we're going too fast?" 

He shrugged.  "In all those Disney movies, the characters get married to total strangers two days after meeting them!"  

"But this is not a movie," I countered.  

He nodded.

"I'd just be afraid we'd get judged for going that quickly."  

I took my hands from him and wrapped them around my torso, thinking hard.  

"It doesn't really matter - I just thought it would be an option."  Flynn said, trying to catch my eye.  

Goodness, what if even you readers thought we're going too fast?!  I don't want to lose any readers just because of that.  But at the same time, I didn't want to disappoint my fiance.  And really, I WAS about as ready as I could probably ever be.  Good grief, it would make living on a shelf with just him a lot more comfortable - since Tangled Fan moved us, I've been feeling horribly awkward.  Come on, really!  Wouldn't you?!  

So I looked slyly at him.  "It's an excellent option.  July 4th it is."

Then I turned around on my heel and grabbed him up into a hug, suddenly quite excited for July 4th.  

And really, that's not that far away.  

It's only four days away, really.  Wow.  I really need to get off here and start planning!  Like now!  I'll try to pop in and let you guys know how everything's going, but you might not hear as much out of me till the wedding post!  Goodness gracious, I didn't know you could be excited and terrified at the same time.  And I STILL need to figure out who's going to be my maid of honor!  Oh boy.