Another hair cut???!!??

Today was our (Martin, Mason, Coen, and myself) day to spend with Tim. Mom had a wedding reception to cater, and Andrew and Dad would be assisting. Naturally, I hopped on the opportunity, and went to get Tim. I felt kind of bad, because usually, when we do these type things, we take Tim, AND Andrew. But, Andrew was getting paid to work, and his girlfriend, Cassie would be working, too, so I think he was probably happier where he was.

Tim had planned to sleep in, and I guess in the Marine world, he did. He said he woke Andrew up at 5am, and they went for a run. Sounds like fun. Maybe if he was living at my house, I'd be a little thinner.

Anyway, we picked him up, and decided we were going to head over to Concord Mills (our huge outlet mall, right outside of Charlotte). I thought it might be a good place because there's games, and a movie theater, AND shopping, so I knew he wouldn't be bored. Even a trip to the mall is not simple with 2 kids, so after loading both strollers, and a very packed diaper bag, we headed over.

Tim said he wanted to be back home by 8, so he could catch the season premiere of his favorite show. We asked him if there was anything he wanted to do, and he said he wanted to get a hair cut. Go figure. There's hardly any hair left to begin with. He asked if we minded, and I said, "Well, it's not like it's going to take that long.... there's not much there to cut." He said he felt better afterwards. Okay.

We had some very yummy burgers at Backyard Burger, and then finally after the drive, unloading the car, and one stop at the bathroom, we were ready to check out the mall. I joked that the neon lights, sounds, and asthetic overload might be too much for him. He seemed to handle it well, and one of the first stores we stopped in at was a knife/sword store. Tim was in heaven. Apparently, he LOVES cutlery. Not really, just swords. Anyway, he bought some Asian sword display thingy with two swords and a dagger. I've never seen a smile so big on his face. He wasn't really interested in the mall much after that.

Tim seems different, but the same. It seemed like it took a while for him to fall back into his old self, but by the end of the day, he was joking around again. We had good quality time. I needed that.

We also grilled steaks on the grill before I had to take him home. Martin pulled off perfect steaks and pasta. I slaved over a couple of pieces of store-bought frozen lemon pie, that Tim requested.

My poor husband is probably feeling a little neglected with all this fuss over my little brother. Actually, I know he's not. He said he knows Tim's only here for 10 days, and he's okay with me spending as much time as possible with him.

Thanks everyone for your nice words for me, and Tim. A girl's pretty lucky to have such a great family as I do, AND good friends, to boot.