And this is how it’s done

The flight this morning was probably the best one I’ve ever had with kids in tow. Having Andy along made it almost breezy. There were no lines and the kids were very well-behaved despite their high-energy and excitement.

We had to bring a LOT of stuff (including several items of baby gear), but most of our carry-ons could be piled high atop the stroller. I use the chest clips to attach the car seats to the stroller handle, a handy little trick:

Although, when we pulled up to the gate Madeline jumped out and the whole thing toppled over backwards, with Adelaide still strapped inside. Yeah, top heavy. No one was hurt except maybe my pride.

I think Drew’s a little excited to go swimmin’, don’t you??

(Pardon my early morning face and hair.)

Being their normal silly selves:

Madeline, can you say “static cling?”

Why I drag carseats onto the plane:

Coloring in the coloring book that our new airplane friends let us use (I had an empty seat next to me and then another mom sat in the third seat and she was so nice. Her two little kids sat in the row across the aisle.):

After we landed, we found all of our checked items save one – Adelaide’s carseat. (It’s supposed to be delivered to our hotel by tonight and they gave us another one to use in the meantime.) Andy went off to get our rental van and the kids and I waited. And waited. And waited.

And waited.

I was starting to think he had ditched us and gone to Disneyworld.

Finally – about an hour and a half later – he pulled up outside the baggage claim doors. He’d taken a wrong turn and ended up having to go across Tampa Bay and back.

So that little, um, setback was the worst part of our day. Not too bad, in the grand scheme of things.

And as soon as we got in the rental van:

(And yes, I realize the straps are in the wrong slots – this was the one we “borrowed” for the drive to the hotel and frankly, I wasn’t about to re-lace the whole thing for such a small window of use.)

Watching TV in our hotel room (because what else are you supposed to do, cooped up in a small space with a half-fridge, desk, two beds, and a tiny bathroom?):

Andy with our stash from Publix:

The kids resting and warming up after a late-afternoon swim:

Looks like it’s going to be a relaxing weekend after all.

Another *boring* day of vacation

This morning I had my coffee, as usual, with French Vanilla, as usual. First time on this trip, though, since my mom only bought it yesterday.

(Sigh of relief.)

After the kids were bathed and dressed and I was also showered and dressed, we took the kids to Focus on the Family – they have this fabulous children’s play area based on Adventures in Odyssey and Whitt’s End or whatever (I’m 28 now, remember? Don’t expect me to remember all the stuff we used to listen to on the radio during family road trips way back when).

The kids had a BLAST and it was FREE. Although unfortunately, they were too short for the big green twirly slide. So we’ll have to do that another year.

And there was even a place for Adelaide’s level of skill and intellect. With a door that latched.

A mother’s dream.

Later my mom and I ran some errands while the kids were down for a nap and I found myself a new best friend, a little pink ipod nano. (Shh! Don’t tell Andy!)

I feel like I’ve finally joined the 21st century.

My sister and I just went through her library list and I snatched all the music I wanted. See? Already saving myself time and money.

My mom even put my older kids to bed and I didn’t even ask her to.

Vacation, indeed.

Happy Wednesday or Whatever Day This Is

Do y’all like hearing about my daily life? Even if it’s boring? Well, I suppose if you didn’t, you wouldn’t be here.

So I’ll just carry on.

Today my mom took the kids on her walk and then over to a playground. Which meant I could spend my morning with coffee and my sister’s laptop. Heaven indeed.

And then during naptime the twins (sorry…I should say ‘Carrissa and Cassandra,’ but that’s kind of hard because I’ve been referring to them as “the twins” their entire lives) and I went shopping.

Which is one of my favorite things to do and if you didn’t know that, you don’t know me very well.

We started at a little boutique in Old Coloardo City, which was surprisingly reasonably priced for being a boutique. And then we went to the mall because that’s where the Old Navy is here. And then I also made a quick run into Steinmart because my aunt wore all these fabulous dresses during the wedding weekend and she gets all her clothes at Steinmart.

I did find one dress and it was even on sale. Happy Late Birthday, To Me.

Or Happy Anniversary, I mean.

Or Mother’s Day.

(Just pick one already.)

After dinner we’re going to go precinct-walking and also the twins (there I go again) and I are planning a run to Wal-Mart which may or may not involve a new mascara and a box of haircolor.

I’ll keep you posted.

Vacation, Part II

Yesterday and today the kids and I drove back with my mom and grandparents to their homes in Colorado. (Andy flew home last night from Phoenix. Someone’s got to make the money, afterall.)

We broke the trip up into two days and stayed in Albuquerque last night. It was fine because we had two cars and each one had a dvd player. I’m not really sure what the agenda is for the next week except, well, relax and play with the kids. So nothing out of the ordinary for me!

Drew just said to me, “Mommy? Please get out, Mommy. I won’t touch this…” (Pointing to my sister’s guitar.)

Yeah, right.

I wonder what I’m in for.

Vacation!

***This was actually written yesterday.***

Two of my mom’s sisters live here in Phoenix, one of which we’ve been staying with this weekend. It’s sort of like a little bit of heaven. I wish you could see their backyard! Oh, wait, I’ll run down and snap a few pictures (hang on)…

See? Told you.

Here are some fun photos of our afternoon yesterday:

Madeline and my mom:

Drew attempting to get on the floatie:

Madeline in the “hospital.” (She somehow got it in her head that the hot tub is called the “hospital,” and has been asking “can I go in the hospital?” ever since.):

Here’s a few from this morning:

How do you expect us to ever go home?

Wedding Pictures and Highlights

My cousin Renee, The Bride:

Hats at the Rehearsal Dinner (a Western theme, as we are here in the Southwest):

The Wedding Clowns:

Me, being Mommy:

Aunt Erin making Madeline beautiful:

Flower Girl (wearing her Plan B dress):

My Aunt Becki (Mother of the Bride), Renee, and her sister Leah (Maid of Honor):

The Bridesmaids (and Bride):

Yes, she’s very tall:

Me and Ne Ne:

Drew being Drew (look closely):

That’s better:

My immediate family:

Wedding Cake:

How Drew spent his time at the wedding:

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Thomas:

And they lived happily ever after.

Wedding Drama

Yeah, so the flower girl dress I’d ordered for Madeline apparently got lost in the mail. Another bridesmaid and I ran all over town this afternoon trying to find a Plan B dress. We found an acceptable one at Sear’s, but the smallest they had was a size 4. I just finished taking off the pink bows and hemming it by 4 inches.

Pictures and a longer update tomorrow afternoon, post-wedding.

Help!

I found out last night that the wedding tomorrow is at 9:30 a.m.

9:30!!!

A.M.!!!

That should be interesting.

Here Safe.

My oh my. We’re here, that’s something!

I knew I was in for it when the pilot announced the flight was 5 hours and 15 minutes. I had no idea.

I suppose it went as well as could be expected. We didn’t have time to stop and breathe from the security check point until we boarded, and the next thing I knew the doors were closed and we were waiting in line to depart. It was then that I realized I hadn’t taken either Drew or Madeline to the potty, and they’d been napping when we woke them up to put them in the car. I was sure they were going to tell me they had to go, right at the most inconvenient time ever.

Which Madeline did, but thankfully I had a pull-up stashed for her. She was very concerned about me allowing her to go pee-pee right there in her carseat. She even looked at me like I’d lost my head.

And perhaps I have.

Anyway, I had made it through security, homemade battery and all, and so as soon as we were at cruising altitude, I put Mary Poppins on for them. The battery died soon after it was over. It was supposed to last both there and back. So we’ll have to see about that.

After the movies were no longer an option, I had to be the world-class-entertainer mama. I’m SO glad I brought two carseats on the flight with me (even though it was a logistical nightmare); I could keep two kids buckled in while I took the other one to the bathroom. Also, Adelaide fell asleep in Madeline’s car seat while I held Madeline and even read her several books. She’s much less squirmy than Adelaide and everyone was much happier with that situation.

The seat-buckle light was off for a good portion of the trip, so I also let the older kids sit on the floor and play. All in all, the flight went mostly okay. But really loooooooooooong.

A friend who I’ve known my entire life (literally) picked me up from the airport with her third baby in tow. I’m sure we looked a sight lugging all my stuff around with so many kids (got some interesting looks; I tried not to notice). We also got offered skycap help several times but we’re both too cheap for that. And we somehow managed to squeeze everything and everyone into her van even though her hubby forgot to take her big stroller out of the trunk. There were carseats and strollers stashed pretty much everywhere.

My parents and grandparents came in today, and Andy comes in tonight. The kids and I made the switch from my friend’s mom’s house over to my aunt’s house this morning and we even did a little swimming and Target shopping this afternoon.

I need to get ready for dinner (we’re going out for fancy Mexican, just the bridesmaids and the bride); I just felt this compulsive need to post a quick trip update. I’ll catch y’all later.

How does one

pack for a trip where half of it will be spent in a place upwards of 90 degrees, and the other half in a place that very well might receive snow – in bags under 50 pounds for four people and a wedding?

Recent Happenings

Yesterday afternoon Andy and I drove up to New York City to go to my cousin Evangeline’s (“Vangie”) organ recital for her master’s degree. The kids got to have a little slumber party at Grandmom’s house. And we got to have an evening free of them.

Also in attendance were my aunt and uncle (which I believe I haven’t seen in a year and a half) and Vangie’s sister, Bryonie, recently moved back to the States from Scotland. And, naturally, I haven’t seen much of her lately either. I mean, it’s not like you can just take a day trip to Scotland every week.

The recital was wonderful! (As if we had any doubt it would be.) And very fun to catch up with everyone. Fun not to have to put anyone to bed for once. Do adult things like sip champagne and eat cake and talk to other people taller than, say, three feet.

Here’s a little proof. (Not that it’s a terribly good picture, but, well, oh well.)

Cousins (gotta love ‘em):

And then this morning, we woke up to torrential rain. And my cupboards were still woefully bare. But since the kids were over at the in-law’s, I took full advantage of my solitude and stopped at the store before I picked them up. [You know what? There's an Aldi right around the corner practically. I can't believe I'm just now getting around to shopping there. *hanging head in shame* Well. It's the beginning of a very lovely relationship.]

When I walked into their kitchen, Madeline was sitting on a stool at the counter, sticking her fingers into the sugar bowl, licking them, and then repeating the whole process. Lick, dip. Lick, dip.

The words “sugar, spice, and everything nice” immediately came to mind.

Lick, dip.

We’ll work on manners later.

Flying South, Part III

Sunday was everything I hoped for. It’s really convenient being on vacation during Daylight Savings Time in the fall; it’s also really convenient to be on vacation when a Fellowship Supper is planned to follow morning worship. You get to visit with everyone at once.

Plus, I just really miss the RP service.

Sunday evening we met some friends and family for pizza at Aunt Collyn’s. The kids managed to collectively do a number on her house. She tells us she doesn’t mind, so I believe her. (And made myself feel better by the fact that the one thing that got broken originally came from my family via Nanny. And it will be easily fixed with a dab of pottery glue.)

Monday, Monday, what was Monday? Oh, yes. I actually got to carry on a half-decent conversation with Nicky while my mom watched our three older kids at the St. Elmo playground. So we had coffee and muffins. And pretended it was just like old times. I mean, pretended we were IN old times. (At least, I did.)

For lunch on Monday I went out to tea with the Girlfriends, my mom and Aunt Collyn. We’ll just try to forget some parts of that for now. Monday night the kids and I transferred lodging over to some sweet friends we were just getting acquainted with before we moved. And Drew had some boys to play with after staying with a houseful of girls (minus the newborn boy who isn’t much good for playing yet.)

We ate dinner over there and then my girls and I went over to say hi to some other church friends I’d been long planning to see. Tuesday, being my last full day, my mom and I ran some errands and stopped in at another house to see more friends and another new baby (picking up on a pattern here?).

When the kids went down for their nap, Jordan (my future cousin-in-law) and I went to Starbucks and since she’d been in Japan the whole week before, it was the first time I’d gotten to see her. And thankfully she could stay awhile, even amidst the post-naptime chaos of all those kids (and visiting Mays) crammed into one house. It was a jolly good time.

For SUPPER Tuesday night (let’s get that clear… it’s breakfast, dinner, and supper – apparently), we finally got some quality time with all things Chandler. Macy and Madeline were even wearing the same outfit. Good bread, good food, good pumpkin cheesecake – what more could a person ask for?

Then, even though it was getting late I decided since I was already practically next to Rock City to just ‘swing’ by the restaurant for some things from our renter and then also decided, since then I was practically next to St. Elmo, ‘swing’ by another friend’s house. So we sat in my car and talked for a half an hour. I felt totally irresponsible but, I’m the mom so I make the decisions. And, afterall, the kids were all in bed by 10:30. Which is not too terrible.

And, my last morning I spent at Bible Study, naturally. It was a fitting and bittersweet end to my week.

The whole time we were there we had gorgeous, perfect weather and the leaves atop Lookout Mountain were outdoing themselves with their bright fall colors. (It’s probably my favorite time of year.) And, while I really didn’t have any life-altering conversations or experiences, it was just good to be home. Fresh breath of Southern air, so to speak; good for my very soul.

The drive home lasted about 13 hours and while it didn’t go quite as smoothly as the ride down, all things considered it went fairly well. My loving mother stayed an extra day and helped us get unpacked and settled. Otherwise my bags just might have sat at the door for another week.

Flying South, Part II

The trip down was surprisingly pleasant. My mom and I were almost shocked at how well it went. It makes a huge difference that the kids can now talk. Before they were just strapped into their carseats with no explanation for the torture. This time they were excited to be going to Ch@ttanooga! And staying at Lily’s house! And seeing James and Cooper!

I thought they’d sleep during the morning since we pulled out at 7:15 but all those exciting prospects kept them awake. We hit Baltimore morning traffic and stopped for breakfast. Perfect timing, because when we got back on the highway the traffic was gone. Also, the deer was gone.

(The poor beast had been hit by a car and was lying in the middle of a lane, causing all sorts of traffic delay. We first heard about it on the radio and then saw it while inching through the bumper-to-bumper madness. Talk about a ‘deer-in-headlights’ look, this was the real thing.)

The rest of the drive went more quickly, and we didn’t even have to stop for lunch until past 3 when the kids woke up from a nap. After that I was armed with some brand new toys that lasted for about an hour, and we didn’t even have to turn the movies on until late afternoon.

Yes, movies. Sweet, sweet movies. No, we did not pay $950 to replace the unit in the van. We used early Christmas money and bought the little portable kind that you can strap the screens to the headrests. Thank you, Andy’s parents. Thank you.

Pulled into Sarah’s grand ole home a little after 10. Not too bad, really. I went to my old wonderful Wednesday morning Bible study the next morning. (Okay, we were a little late. I really just wanted it to be like old times.)

I’ve had this gift certificate for a massage at the local mountain spa for the last almost year that I never had a chance to use before we moved. You better believe I brought that valuable coupon with me in the hopes I might be able to squeeze it in while I was down there. So Wednesday afternoon I called to see about any appointment openings. The receptionist looked and could I get there in fifteen minutes?

Why yes, yes I can.

I dropped everything and drove over there for an hour of childless, peaceful bliss. It was shaping up to be a wonderful week indeed.

Wednesday evening we had planned our annual kiddie costume/candy party. I still am amazed at my friends’ abilities to throw together stunning costumes in less than an afternoon. Maybe I’ll get onto that creative wavelength and attempt a costume for next year.

And then again, maybe not.

[Also, this sums up my thoughts and feelings about the whole Halloween business remarkably well. In case you're interested.]

Thursday and Friday can only be termed Shopping Days. I’m sure the North has home decorating stores but I have yet to find the good ones. So, this trip was also convenient for a Hobby Lobby and Homegoods run in the hope of finding treasure.

And, along with the treasure theme, I figuratively struck it rich. The North really doesn’t know what it’s missing without the Homegoods and Hobby Lobby goodness that’s to be had. I found two or three area rugs for a steal, a couple of paintings/wallhangings and a mirror for a steal, and several fun nick-nacky things also for a steal. My mom even picked up three cute little wooden rocking chairs for the kids (early Christmas) – another total steal. (Even if they made re-packing the van to go home a little awkward. Those and the giant rug down the center of the aisle.)

The kids and I had a picnic with a friend Thursday and Drew was just sure the tractor (Brite can tell you the specific name) driving down the road was going to ‘get him.’ That and the horse behind the fence at least a football field away. Maybe we should work on depth perception.

I can’t remember what we did Thursday night but I’m sure it was fun.

Oh wait, I went to the book club which met at the local Starbucks. Starbucks and Lookout Mountain – a brilliant combination.

Also, I’m not really part of this book club. I just know all the ladies who are. So I crashed their party, so to speak. And I never even read the book. But the way they talked about it, I just might pick it up soon.

Friday morning the mother and boy Lewins came over and our conversation centered around “stop touching that,” “don’t hit him,” “give that back,” and “come back inside.” As you can see, it was a terribly profound discussion.

Friday night several close friends and I hit the Meeting Place. It was a happy reunion.

My mom and I took the kids to Creative Discovery on Saturday morning, and met Nicky and Co. there. I’m sure she’ll always appreciate how I stood in the middle of the street shooing mad drivers onward while she hurried to get to that premium parking spot I was saving for her. It was an act of love.

And convenience. Who wants to wait for their friend while they walk 12 blocks with two small boys and only one in a stroller?

True to style, we crammed the rest of the afternoon with lunch, a nap, a St. Elmo late-afternoon playdate, and then another dear friend picked me up for dinner and my dear mom took my kids for the evening.

It sure is handy traveling with your babysitter. I think I’ll do it from now on.

Since I’d just been to MP the night before, we decided to check out the new Southside, which is now also called Niko’s. It was good, even if we had to salt just about everything.

I take my salt seriously, as you know.

And then we spent the rest of the evening enjoying her quiet apartment and on-demand movies. And a liberal dose of chocolate.

[to be continued...]

Flying South for Winter

(I know it’s really fall, but ‘winter’ sounds better.)

We, if you hadn’t guessed, have come down South and are having a grand ole time. I’ll update again when I am home and get unpacked and have clean laundry.

And write out all the stories about all the fun we’re having.

Coming Soon, to a Ch@ttanooga Near You

Sewage Disaster Update: the mess is gone, the smell remains. (In the bathroom, at least.) I need to go buy some bleach. I will save you the trauma of posting any pictures. You can thank me anytime.

Moving right along.

Now what was it I was going to blog about?

Oh yes, that’s right. My mom is flying here to help me (and the kids) drive down to Ch@ttanooga. for a Grand Ole Visit, otherwise known as a Big Week o’ Nothing But Fun. If you happen to be a friend who lives in that Wonderful Town, er, City – send me an e-mail or give me a ring and I’ll add you to the Calendar o’ Fun.

I first need to get my brakes checked and the van dvd player fixed, obviously. Because I don’t think I could survive the trip without my friends Buzz and Lightning. Oh, and Benedryl, he’s my friend, too.

At any rate, I don’t think I need to tell you that I CAN HARDLY WAIT.

Beach Fun

Sometimes I think I should rename this blog “The Laundry That Never Ends.”

Anyway. Saturdays are lookin’ good here. Last Saturday we went up to New York… today we went to the beach! Andy had to prep the servers on his wine before the dinner shift at one of his accounts, which is a fancy pants restaurant in Atlantic City. So Drew and Madeline and I went and waited for him and then we hit the beach. It was right as most people were packing up and leaving, so it wasn’t too crowded at all.

It was interesting because Madeline went running straight for the waves, while Drew held back. He said “that boat is scary,” and pointed to this sailboat like fifty million miles out. No sense reasoning with a 3-year-old though. They both really loved playing in the sand and knocking each other’s (and Daddy’s) sand castles over. I’ll add a few pics and then it’s g’night.

NYC At Long Last

We finally got up to see Vangie and John. It was good for my very soul. The in-laws kept the older two for the night, which is a really great perk of living with them.

Driving to the city from our van window:

On a walk waiting for the pizza dough to rise.

Discussing the world situation.

Bee-utiful city sunset.


Picking fresh basil outta Linnea’s garden (shh, they’re in Europe!)

Vange making us a yummy dinner.


Over the bridge into Manhattan (Sunday).



Very Important Store.


On Broadway.

funny sign