Easter Saturday and Sunday

Thankfully everyone slept through the night in their new surroundings! Saturday was nice and low key. We hung out in the morning and then Drew's brother Mike and his family came over to play. It was a beautiful day so everyone played and played in the yard. We had a pizza lunch and naps and then played some more. Then we grilled some burgers and enjoyed being with family. The cousins got along great. Ellie Kate really seemed to enjoy being around the kids too and enjoyed having another girl cousin around. Everyone slept great after a busy day of playing.


Easter Sunday we woke up and the Easter bunny had stopped by overnight. The kids had baskets waiting and the boys hunted for eggs. Matthew was absolutely in heaven. The eggs had candy in them and all he wanted to do was line up the candy, pour it out, put it back in, carrying it around. It was pretty cute until the chocolate began to melt on his Easter outfit. Andrew was really excited about the Lego Police helicopter the Easter bunny brought him AND that he could eat chocolate again. After the hunt we got everyone is their Easter attire and headed to Drew's parents' church. After church we came home and took some family pictures. Drew's sister Jenny drove up from Dallas so the whole clan was reunited!




The rest of the day was spent eating and playing. The kids also had some down time and watched Meet the Robinsons. Everyone headed home about 7 and the boys had an early bath and bedtime since they missed naps with all the excitement and fun of the day. Once they were in bed I enjoyed a nice glass of red wine and chocolate!

Spring Break Part 1

Well we began our journey Friday morning. It was the prefect way to spend Good Friday, offering up a long car ride with a 4 year old, 2 year old, 4 month old and dog. Poor Molly could not get comfortable because she is used to sleeping on her belly. So she spent a lot of the time crying until she would get worn out enough to take a little cat nap. I ended up spending most of the ride on the floor between Molly and Matthew keeping them calm. Andrew was awesome. Of course it's much easier to entertain a 4 year old in the car. He had his Leapster (with a new game), a new Lego sticker book, and special car surprises I would give him every hour or so, he was set. We made one stop between St. Louis and Tulsa for lunch and gas. As soon as we got back on the road from lunch it started raining. It rained pretty hard for about an hour and then lighter for another hour. The good thing about the rain is that it put Andrew and Matthew right to sleep.

We got to Tulsa about 3:30 and headed over to Drew's grandparents' house. We had a great time visiting with them. They got to meet Molly for the first time, the boys went with Great Paw Paw on a walk with his dog, and Drew's aunt and uncle visited as well. It was a great visit. Next, we went to my friend Dani's house. Andrew and Matthew played with her kids Jace and Keely while the girls chatted over a (much needed) glass of wine. Drew's other grandmother met us there so we were able to visit with her as well. Of course Molly was a big hit because it was her first time meeting all these new people.

We ended up leaving Tulsa about 8. It was later than we had expected but it was hard to convince everyone to get back in the car for 2 more hours. Thankfully, Molly wore herself out enough that she slept most of the way to Norman. Andrew asked for his bunny and wanted to sleep but never did and Matthew fell asleep with about 20 min left. I knew it was not good for him to fall asleep with so little time left in our trip but I also knew he would scream the rest of the way if I didn't let him sleep. We opted for a peaceful ride in and figured we'd deal when we got there. We arrived in Norman about 10:15 and boy were we right about Matthew. He was not a happy camper. It didn't help that we still had to get the bags unloaded, kids in their pjs, beds set up and all the night time music etc set up. But thankfully everyone was asleep by about 11.

Day 1: Day of Travel....Complete

Spring has Sprung!

It's been a while since I've posted. We've had another blast of colder weather but are now enjoying the nicer weather. Nothing too exciting has been going on which is great with me. I had a night out with some good friends last Wednesday for my friend Mo's birthday at a grown up restaurant:) Drew has been putting in some LONG hours but it's because he's doing an awesome job and had some big meetings last week. I am so proud of him. He has already gotten a promotion and he's only been at his new job 6 months!

Our big projects around the house have been: looking for patio furniture, stripping the deck, and soon Drew will stain it. I got away for a few hours on Saturday too to have lunch with my high school friends. I came home so relaxed and ready to enjoy the evening with the fam. Unfortunately Andrew was having a hard day and the evening was less than fun but we survived and that's part of having kids. Drew went to the Michigan State/ Tennessee game on Sunday with my brother John, who went to Michigan State and they brought home a winner...Go State! Then the kids and I met them at Sunday dinner and had a special guest, my aunt Missy from Chicago. The kids were as crazy as ever and Missy got the full experience but she loved it.

This week I have been preparing for our big SPRING BREAK 2010!!! Well not exactly like the good ole days but it's going to be fun (if we survive the car ride). We are going to Oklahoma to visit Drew's family. We're leaving Good Friday and going to stop in Tulsa to visit some friends then on to Norman where Drew's parents live. I'm sure I'll have many interesting stories about our road trip so stay tuned!

Matthewisms: We were taking Andrew to school on Tuesday and Matthew has to point out EVERY truck we see which is pretty cute.
Matthew: What's that truck?
Mom: I think it's a bucket truck.
Matthew: Actually it's a crane.
I love that he said "actually". He's also obsessed with this truck that has been working by our house. I have no idea what the truck does or what kind it is. So I've been telling him it's a funny looking truck. But then one day I read the side and it says Ditch Witch. So I told him that and ever since he is constantly asking to see the ditch witch, and I do mean constantly.
He has recently started the "why" stage which is both cute and annoying...he's growing up!
And finally he can count to 14. It is so cute. I think he learned from our hundreds of games of hide and seek this winter.

Andrewisms: Sunday was Palm Sunday so we got palms at church. The boys were pretty entertained and Drew made one of the palms into a cross for Andrew to give to grandma. We were getting ready to head to Sunday dinner and Andrew asked, "Mom, do grandmas in Hawaii get palms on Palm Sunday like we do?" Very random but I guess that's what was on his mind.

Then on the way to my parent's house the boys were watching Shrek and Andrew said, "Mom you know there aren't really ogres, they were just trying it out for this movie and it worked out really well." I'm sure it was much funnier in person because of his inflection but again, it's what was on his mind.

Molly is still our sweet little girl. She's so happy and go with the flow, and still a great sleeper. I'm praying she continues this during and after our trip. She tolerates the car pretty well for short distances but I am a little worried about 8 hours. I mean I know I would go crazy sitting backwards staring at the back of a seat. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted! Oh, and she had her first ride in the jogging stroller and fell right to sleep, I have a new jogging partner.

I have a few pictures to post but need to do some packing, I'll get them on eventually.

4 Months, Already!

Last weekend it was cloudy and chilly, quite a difference from the weekend before. So the play set construction was put on hold for the weekend. BUT I had a very nice treat. Saturday, my friend Tracy and I went to get our nails done and to a nice adult lunch. I had a great time, thanks Tracy!


Not much else has been going on which is fine with me. I had a fun St. Patrick's Day with the boys on Wednesday. We did all kinds of Irish crafts. The sun finally came out Wednesday afternoon and we were able to enjoy the outdoors again.

Thursday Molly turned 4 months old! I can't believe it! She is definitely out of the newborn stage which is sad but of course I am thankful that she is growing and thriving. I already miss the fall asleep anywhere and everywhere stage. Like I keep saying she is such a good baby. She absolutely loves Andrew, her face lights up and she gives him the biggest smile every time he talks to her. She has also started really laughing. When she starts laughing I start laughing and it just makes my day. I dusted off the exersaucer and Bumbo this week. She's starting to like the excersaucer but the Bumbo may be a little too old. She only sits up for a couple of minutes before she slumps over. She'll get the hang of it eventually.


Her check up went very well (minus the shots). Dr. Bob said she looks great. Her weight has slowed down a little bit which is fine considering she gained 5 pounds the first 2 months. Here are her latest stats:

Weight: 13lbs 13 oz (55%)
Length: 25 1/4 in (85%)
Head: 40cm (25%)

She ran a fever last night after her shots and has slept pretty much the entire day today. It makes me sad knowing she isn't feeling great but she's a trooper.

Since we have cold weather and rain/snow moving in this weekend. Drew decided to take a half day today and is going to go in and work a half day tomorrow. SO this morning he finished most of the play set and the boys are LOVING it! (I am too.) Of course we'd rather Drew not go in to work tomorrow but it was nice having him around this morning since it was so beautiful.

And finally, Our good friend Anthony and his wife JoLynn welcomed a beautiful baby girl on St. Patrick's Day, Zaiah Joy Haskins. We are so happy for them and they are so in love!

Step By Step

I can't even begin to count the number of pieces our play set came in but Drew was super dad and started putting it together this weekend. About 2 hours into the project he said, "Finished Step 1". So I asked how many steps there were and he said 36. So maybe the play set will be ready this fall:). NO, he actually did an amazing job and by the end of the weekend it really began to take shape. Monday after work he came home and put the slide on. The boys were super excited because they could finally get on it! Thankfully it was a our first beautiful weekend of the year and we were all able to play outside while the carpenter was hard at work.

Hopefully in the next week or two I'll be able to post a picture of the finished product!

In other news, Matthew is stuck in a rut of waking up in the middle of the night and then waking up about 5:30 for the day. We've also tried every method imaginable to get Andrew to stay in his room until his clock says 6 but everything has failed! I'm hoping daylight savings is a cure to all of our sleep problems:) Wishful thinking I know! Molly continues to be our superstar sleeper(knock on wood). She has even dropped her 10:00/11:00 feeding and sleeps from about 8-6!

USA!

It was so fun watching the winter Olympics! Our whole family got into the hockey game on Sunday...we were bummed with the loss in overtime but proud of the USA. Molly earned a gold medal in rolling. She is all over the place. I try laying a blanket out but we are constantly having to put her back on because she just rolls and rolls. She is also starting to grab toys. Such a big girl.



Thankfully our life is pretty low key right now. Drew is having to work some longer hours but with the kids healthy (knock on wood) I can handle it. Of course we are so ready for winter to be over so we can spend time outside but it looks like we may get up to 40 today and 50 by the weekend!!! We are loving the bounce house and got a lot of use out of it last week. I am also thankful that I didn't have to cook on Friday and Christina prepared a delicious Lenten dinner of stuffed shells. Thanks for having us over John, Christina, and Josie.


The latest on the boys:
Andrew is really getting into Legos and building the little car and truck sets. He got two new sets over the weekend and has really impressed me with his building ability. I have to admit it's kind of fun.

Thursday he got in the car from school and said, "MOM, CHUCKY CAME TO SCHOOL!!" WHAT? It took me a second but I figure out that the animal from Chucky Cheese came to his school to promote their fundraiser. Not what I was expecting him to get in the car and say.

Today on the way home from school out of the blue he said, "Mom can we google to see how Ellen gets those really big gift cards?"

Matthew is really into watching The Elf (yes, with Will Farrell, don't judge:)). He quotes the movie all the time. So the other night he said, "Watch the Elf?"
Me: Maybe after dinner
Matthew: Love the Elf
Andrew: Matthew the Elf isn't real.
Matthew: Love the Elf
Andrew: Mom, Matthew thinks the Elf is a live, action movie.
I think he was trying to say that it's not real and you can't love someone who isn't real. But honestly I'm not sure.

Matthew's sayings of the week:
"Like me's" instead of, that's like mine. I started correcting him and he says it the right way a lot of the time now but the other way is much cuter.
Shrugging shoulders saying, "don't care"
Whenever someone sneezes, without skipping a beat, "Bless you (insert name here)"
He is really a funny kid. They make me laugh all the time. I'm so thankful I am able to be at home with them and hear the funny things they have to say and receive all their hugs and kisses. Sounds cheesy but it's true. Now don't get me wrong getting away every once in a while is a must!

I forgot

My previous post was so long, I forgot to mention our busy weekend. My grandmother's house sold so everything had to be moved out. Saturday, Drew headed over there to help out and graciously took Andrew with him. I hung out with Matthew and Molly and then picked Andrew up about 11 for lunch and naps. The weather was miraculous. It was supposed to be rainy/snowy and cold. It ended up being sunny and 50! Thank you grandma! Drew got home just in time for everyone to get ready for Kaitlyn's first birthday party.



Pete and Jill had a great party. The kids and adults had a great time. My mom said she looked over at one point and Andrew was running in place. He was so excited he couldn't contain his excitement! I told my mom we don't get out much:) Kaitlyn was a little over whelmed but once she figured out how delicious her cake was she was very happy. Jill made Kaitlyn her own special cake and then she made individual cakes for everyone else. Amazing!





Sunday was a really rainy so after church we hung out. Then Drew ran a few errands and we grocery shopped after naps. Then we headed back to my grandma's so Drew could break down a few shelves. I didn't know what to expect this weekend with Drew being gone most of the day Saturday after a L.O.N.G week but it worked out perfectly. It's amazing what a little sunshine can do!