We rented "The Abyss" to watch, as Justin hadn't seen it yet. The first half of the movie we were all very distracted by the girls, who had no intention of sitting quietly to let us watch. However, about 3/4 of the way through the movie, we realized that the house had become verrrry quiet ... any parent knows that this is a sure sign of trouble. We stopped the movie and listened ... nothing. As one, we all jumped off the sofa and split up to search the apartment. It didn't take long for K to realize that both doors leading into the bathroom were locked. He called me over as he was unlocking the door. Taking a deep breath, we stepped inside. Well ... slid inside. My new bottle of baby oil was apparently emptied onto Layla's head. What didn't stay in her hair was soaking the carpet, pooling on the tiles, and making everything she had taken from the bathroom cabinet (nothing dangerous Mom, don't panic) very slippery. An entire roll of toilet paper had been flushed, along with poor Po (one of the Teletubbies.) Mina assured us that they only flushed a bit at a time, so it wouldn't overflow, and I wasn't to worry. Meanwhile the potty was currently filled to the brim with colorful floating bath toys. Needless to say, it was at least an hour before we got back to the movie, after putting the girls to bed and making mental notes not to get engrossed in movies while they were awake in the future.

Justin and I went to play Putt-Putt, and I must say that Justin played the best game I've ever seen him play. Beat me in fact, with a score that might just be lower than my lowest! He scored 43 on a par 36 game, with two holes in one. I decided to reward him with dessert at Denny's, but after parking our car and heading into the restaurant we were headed off by a rather disgruntled group of overaccessorized, overpierced young 20-somethings who had been asked to leave due to their appearance. Aside from being called "dude," I also thought it might be a good idea to heed their request rather than leave my beloved Honda Civic out there with them unattended.

The whole family went to see "Chicken Run" today to reward Mina for (drum roll, please ...) pooping on the potty!! I wasn't much looking forward to the movie, but it was wonderful! I'd go see it again, and you should go too!! I've been quoting chickens ever since.

K took us all out to dinner tonight, then Justin and I went to see "The Kid." If you haven't seen "Sixth Sense," you may not realize how fantastic Bruce Willis is when working with children. I thought this was a charming movie. Bring your tissues.

Back to the Toledo Zoo today, but this time we spent most of the day in the aquarium. My favorite part was the life-sized replica of a great white shark hanging from the ceiling. All too easy to imagine being eaten by one, if you ask me. Justin liked the exhibit of flashlight fish. Mina and Layla also befriended a deer in the petting zoo, who was perfectly content to lick the girls and be petted.

We had to send Mom home today. It's always so hard saying goodbye. We love you, Mom!!

My grandfather's barbershop chorus, The Virginians, represented the Mid-Atlantic district in the International Convention in Kansas City today. My mom flew down there from here for the competition, and several other family members also went to show their support. They were disappointed that they didn't place higher, (The Vocal Majority won, as always,) but I think 17th in the world is pretty terrific!

Mom and Justin and I went to see Mission Impossible 2 today. The critics didn't think much of it, but as usual, I disagreed with them completely. In the evening, we went to the Lower Huron Metropark for fireworks and tons of mosquito bites.

Note to self: remember the insect repellent next year. It's been so much fun having Mom here ... we've been out to eat, and she's even done some babysitting so that K and I could go out alone!

Mom took me around Ann Arbor yesterday and showed me the dorms where she and Dad lived while attending the University of Michigan and the first apartment I ever lived in. We drove around the campus a bit while Mom reminisced, and I felt really close to her. It was nice. Today we went to a Barnes & Noble in Livonia to meet my Mom's college roommate, who still lives in the area. After an afternoon tea in the cafe and a bit of socializing, Justin and I wandered off to browse, and I finally bought the first Harry Potter book. I'm hooked!!

Mom flew in just past midnight this morning. Oh, how we love those red-eye flights. We were all wide awake though, and so happy to see her!!