Gift-o's from India

Daddy returned from his travels to India with gifts for the girls.  The picture does not do Elizabeth's justice.  The detail work and the fabric are really beautiful. Elizabeth was so excited about her new "pink dress."  She even declared, "Mommy you can't wash it, the sparkles will come off!"

 

Back to Reality

Good thing Brandon has long arms to take pictures of us together!

After some rest and relaxation, we are back to the real world with the holidays rapidly approaching!  The laundry is sorted (not all put away) and the cupboards are no longer bare! Brandon and I try to take a trip each year, just the two of us.  It gives us a chance to recharge our batteries and remember what it is like to have adult conversation without being interrupted or having to spell words to talk code! We both read the new Steve Jobs book and I also read the new Grisham book.  We soaked up the sun and just dialed back. The kids enjoyed special time with both sets of grandparents.  Grant's eyes lit up when he saw me walk through the door.  Elizabeth started crying, "I don't want to leave, I want to play with play-doh!" Once she realized we weren't taking her home right away I think she was glad to see us.  We brought her back a snow globe.  And don't judge us, but we didn't get anything for Grant, because we didn't see anything that we thought he would really enjoy.  Plus, he puts everything in his mouth and I don't trust their paint to not have lead in it.  So we brought him back extra hugs and kisses!

Coping

Elizabeth asked me on this very cloudy, rainy, dreary day, "When is it going to sun up?"  Good question! In the back of my mind I wanted to answer, "when daddy comes home!"  I have been sick the last two days and that has just made his time away longer.  I was actually "face-timing" with him when I started vomiting...TMI?  (sorry). Actually besides a dead car battery and having to swap car seats in the rain we have been doing just fine.  Elizabeth loves the video that daddy made for her and was actually talking to the iPad as she watched it saying "hi daddy hi daddy!"  She said she just doesn't know how that video got there!  If you reading our blog daddy - hugs and kisses to you!

Grant's First Time with Play-doh

It seemed liked a good idea.  How easy do you think play-doh comes out of hair? Elizabeth just said "it looks like Grant has a little bow in his hair!" And yes that is ink on his cheek from when I let him draw earlier!  Baths tonight!!

Preparation

We found out a few weeks ago that Brandon would be traveling for a week with work.  Normally, this would not be a big deal, although he hasn't been away on business for this long since the kids were born.  The bummer is that his week of travel backs up to our mommy and daddy get away.  He leaves tomorrow and will return the following Friday and then we leave bright and early Saturday morning. 

We went to get steaks for dinner tonight and on the way home Elizabeth starting crying that she didn't want her daddy to leave.  I feel bad for her.  We have had to try to explain daddy's trip and our trip at the same time and I know she is just a little confused and probably overwhelmed with information. Because she speaks so well I think I in turn overshare details that don't really matter to a 3 year old.  She is trying to break my heart though, she asked Brandon, "if you love me why are you leaving us?" Brandon explained it is because we love you that we are going away!  (so true!)

In order to prepare her for daddy's absence and then both of us I have some ideas.  First I am going to make a video of daddy reading the "Tickle Monster." It is their favorite book to have daddy read.  I am going to have us make videos together for them to watch each day that we are gone.  Elizabeth loves to watch our home movies on the iPad, so I think she will enjoy it.  I am also going to make an envelope for her to open each day. I am not sure what is going in the envelope yet, but I will figure it out!   She completed a picture for daddy to take with him and we have looked at the globe several times.  I am hoping for an opportunity to Skype with him, but don't want to promise that. 

I know she will do fine as long as she is occupied!  Grant is so easy going that I know as long as he is healthy he will be a happy camper!

Halloween 2011 - The Official Day!

After several pre-halloweens, the real day finally arrived!  The weather was a little chilly, but no rain and we were able to layer the costumes so I guess it was ok.  I wore hat and gloves!  We went trick or treating with the neighbors.  Grant rode in the wagon most of the time, but then decided he wanted to get in the game too!  Elizabeth and Lauren did a great job going to the doors (and with some prompting) saying "trick or treat" and "thank you."  Thanks for a great Halloween Mickey and Minnie!  I can't wait to see what next year will bring!

Minnie's ears got sewn back on to the stocking cap

"Daddy, what kind of hat are you wearing?"

Look his hat was on at one time!

OMG Halloween Party

My mom's group (Our Moms' Group) had our annual Halloween party this past Saturday.  I didn't help plan it this year, but my friends that did, did a fantastic job.  They had a really cute spider craft (cup and pipe cleaners) and played Pass the Pumpkin, Ring Toss around pumpkin stems and bean bags into a giant cardboard jack-o-lantern. Very clever all around!  Everyone brings food and we eat, play games and then have trunk or treating (that is trick or treating out in the parking lot!).

Mickey wasn't happy about sitting in the truck I guess!