Wet and Whistle

Well, I couldn't think of any cutsie title, so here goes! Last weekend, we took a rare moment to leave the park and go down to the lakehouse to spend the night. It was right after our first babysitting experience for a church meeting that had no childcare. Let's just say the girls somehow had the babysitter get them popcorn and fruit rollups which were not on the instruction list! They did have a good time, and no emergencies, so that's what is important! Now I know why we don't go out more often because you make dinner for the kids, babysitter, get everything ready...go out..then come back and clean up and wait for the kids to calm down before sleep.

It was tough getting everything ready after having a night away to actually go away for a night with everyone. But, definitely worth it! We packed and went away (without my camera) on our adventure! Woody did take a few cell phone pics and one video of Nicole catching a fish that I will have to post later. The girls loved splashing in the water and running around. After dinner, they made a small campfire with the main reason to cook s'mores! The girls were way too wired for sleep, so it was very late when they settled down to sleep. You would think that meant for a late rising, but they were up by 6:30am! So, quick breakfast makings and we were ready to pack up to see their cousins!

Nate & Isabelle were at a surprise visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house, so we went to see them and visited a train museum. The kids liked it and it was interesting to see the different passenger, dining, and sleeper cars of the era. It was a steam engine locomotive, which was also neat to see all the inner workings and design. Definitely neat to the engineer in me!

Sitting in the engineer seat...

Everyone on the end of the car for a picture!

We then swam in Grandma and Grandpa's pool, for the last time this season! It was cold!! Brrr!! I jumped in and definitely didn't want to stay too long. Isabelle didn't jump in, and I didn't blame her either! But, Natalie and Nicole both enjoyed the water, as did Nate.

Jumping in!!

It was a great weekend and special memories! Back to the routine this week!!

BSF This Year

I am glad that we are starting up BSF Bible study this year in Isaiah. My only sadness is that Natalie won't be there as she is in Kindergarten 5 days per week.

Through a strange chain of events (God-ordained!), I have changed from being a group leader to a children's leader. Which is scary in itself to me as I am definitely not the most qualified (I can quickly think of two friends who blog who also homeschool who would be much more so). It is definitely a stretch, but I can already see where I can benefit from the training not only in church situations but also at home. I am kind of excited what will be the result of going through this year. And, glad that Nicole can benefit too.

Picture of the Happy Couple

Thanks to Alisa's FB, here is a picture of the happy couple Doug & Ari!

Crashed it....

I think this video kind of shows the fun time we had at Mimi & Poppa's this weekend as we went to celebrate my cousin Doug's wedding. The trip was kind of a stop and go type of event. We stopped several times on the way for traffic issues and potty breaks. I know we went to at least 4 rest areas on the way (that's how many there are!). It seemed to take a very long time. We were very glad to be at Mimi and Poppa's house, and the girls got out ready for action. So, we put out the slip and slides (2 of them together) to get out some energy. We then ate dinner and went out walking on the street for some more energy out. On the next morning, we went to the park and Woody & I jogged (I didn't jog as far of course) while Poppa watched the girls at the playground area. It was nice to be outside and moving! We then went to the library there which we had never seen before. It was nice for that. After that, lunch and trying to get the girls settled down for a nap before waking up to dress for the wedding.

The girls didn't settle down well and only had about 1 hour of a nap at most. This is very bad for Nicole, as she woke up NOT HAPPY at being woken up. It took coaxing just to get a little snack into her as well as dressed. I wanted to put her hair up but it wasn't worth the battle. We then headed to the church for the wedding. It was a pretty church, although more "decorative" than our normal church. Natalie had many questions about the statues and pictures that were on the wall and the meanings of them. The service was also very traditional but very long. Not the best choice for the first wedding for either of them. But, we were in the back armed with cell phones with video and pictures, candy, cheerios, and whatever else we could think of at the moment. It lasted about 45 minutes, and then we were released to blow bubbles at the bride and groom, which scored a hit with both girls.

Then, on to the reception. We blessedly had some snacks, which definitely were needed since it was past our normal dinner time. And, with some sprite (a treat for the girls) they settled down. We were on the river, so it was nice to go out on the balcony at times. Plus the dance floor, or up to see Poppa at his table. Or, of course, the rest room many times since we are potty training with Nicole. But, it was very slow service and the girls began to get restless. We had one course at a time then a long lag to the next one. Finally, Nicole had been as good as she could be....and reached up to touch the pretty glass votive behind our booth. Before we knew it, there was a crash where EVERYONE looked our way. I could only hope to melt into the booth with embarrassment. After that, Natalie somehow fell off the booth seat onto the floor. Needless to say, we ate our dinner course and chose to skip the cake cutting to escape with as little injury as possible. (Note: Nicole was not burnt on the candle, PTL!).

So, we had an adventure on our adventure, and I never was so happy to head home. On the way home, we did stop at Wendy's for a quick lunch the next day. Somehow in trying to help Nicole on the porta-john in the car, I ended up honking the horn, the door jammed for Woody & Natalie to get in, and I spilled my Sprite on the floor. After that negative spot, the home looked grand when we were finally there...and stayed there as much as possible the rest of the weekend!!

At the reception...Nicole happy now.

Natalie just likes her Sprite...forget about the rest!

Nicole laughing after the shattering of the candle...

Natalie after the fall...okay but ready to go! Of course, I'm past ready...

Potty Train Crashed

Today, the potty training has crashed for the moment. Back to diapers because I couldn't take throwing another pullup in the trash. She was doing so great, then no interest!

Fishing?

I especially like the way Nicole fishes with her pole, as well as Natalie prefers “boating!” I thought about posting the pictures but this is much better in explanation. Mommy is kayaking while Woody is the brave one.

Sympathy

It is so amazing to see the two girls working to have each other share all issues. For example, when Natalie bumped her head and "needed" ice (ice heals anything around here per the girls), Nicole needed some ice in a baggie too...
Of course, Nicole has needed more sympathy lately as she has tripped and scrapped her knee a couple of times during our nightly walks. She also was following her sister as her sister was climbing a magnolia tree. Woody was watching both of them but didn't see the danger hidden. Natalie stepped on a yellow jacket nest as she was going up. However, she was up high by the time they were out and they ended up stinging Nicole almost 4 times in their fury. She wasn't allergic, but I know that they hurt!

Momma needed some sympathy as Natalie wanted her hair cut to shoulder length. The hairdresser saw my squeamishness and cut just below the shoulders. Here it is before it curled up to a little shorter. It took some getting used to as her hair was down her back in ringlets before!