For the Birds

Well, both kids have runny noses and the signs of a cold. We spent all day yesterday in our home so today we needed some fresh air. Little errands in the morning always make our days go by faster and are better for the kids. They love to get out and about. So after Landon's morning nap, we met up with Daddy at Hot Bagel for a yummy lunch.

The ladies at Hot Bagel always enjoy when we bring the kids in. And they always give Taylor a chocolate chip bagel which she never eats. So instead of throwing it away, I took the kids to a nearby park and we fed the ducks. Taylor squealed with delight until about 80 birds flocked to us and then she just hung tight to my legs. At one point, I had Landon in a front pack on my chest and I was holding Taylor on one hip and trying to feed the birds at the same time. It was really fun though. We'll have to go more often and bring a stroller for the kids to sit in.

After feeding the birds, we went to the park across the street which was perfect for toddlers to play on. It's so fun to see what Taylor likes and dislikes. For instance, she hates the swing, but enjoys climbing on monkey bars. She'll be fun to figure out. And Landon is still my happy boy who prefers to be held and cuddled by Mommy as much as possible. I'm so in love!

In Sickness & In Health

Two words to sum up our night away: kidney stone. Around 9:30 last night, Hank starting showing signs of passing a kidney stone. This will be stone #5. The poor guy was in so much pain, he threw up most of the evening. Finally around 1:00 am, we decided to go home and leave our beautiful hotel room. I knew we had some good pain medicine at home left over from my hernia repair surgery several months ago.

It was a good decision that we headed home. After several hot showers and lots of throwing up, Hank finally settled into bed around 2:30 am. We could not have made it this morning with the kids at home. Hank and I slept in real late and then headed to brunch before getting the kids. Even though we didn't have the "ideal" night away, we still had a good time and I was able to take care of my best friend.

Hyatt, Here We Come

Tomorrow Hank and I are taking off for 24 hours of wedded bliss. Ha! Guess what we'll be doing...sleeping through the night with no interuptions, getting up at the last minute to enjoy the free breakfast, and then back to sleep for another morning nap. We can't wait! Hank's parents gave us a certificate for a one-night stay and we are super excited. So our little honeymoon starts tomorrow.

Here's my wish list for the 24 hours away:
1. Sleeping in
2. Enjoy a dinner together where we can actually focus
3. Taking in a couple of movies

Here is Hank's wish list for the 24 hours away:
1. Sleeping in
2. Catching up with each other
3. Taking in a couple of movies

Well, it looks like we are in total agreement. This will be Landon's first sleepover at grandma and grandpa's house. It's very hard for me to let go of them even for a day, but Hank and I really need a break. We'll come back to them on Sunday refueled and ready to take on another week.

Let There Be Christmas Lights

First, I just have to say thanks to Hank for stringing the Christmas lights this year. It was his first time ever, and he did a fantastic job. Every year since we have been married and living in a house, I've asked him to decorate with lights. He always said no. Well last year he said no too, but he couldn't get out of it so easily this year. It is so important, to me, to decorate for Christmas. I knew once we had children, Hank would be all over it. And indeed he was!

The poor guy had to run several times to various stores as everyone seemed to be sold out of clips or docking stations or cords. He even had to restring the lights today because he realized after he stapled them up there the first time, some of the strands were backwards and we need the power plugs to be on specific sides of the house. Anyway, Hank easily spent over 10 hours preparing and stringing the lights. So honey, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

We had our own lighting ceremony tonight. We invited Hank's parents over and a few neighbors stopped by. We pulled out the good ol' fire pit and made several cups of hot chocolate. Although I can't say it was relaxing due to chasing Taylor around, it was definitely fun and festive.

Here are a few pics. Sorry they are a little blury.

Celebration of Lights

Tonight we took the kids to the Community Church of Joy light parade. Although the line was long and slow (since it was a free event), it took us an hour from beginning to end, it was a great way to spend the evening as a family. I let Taylor and Landon sit on my lap so they could have a good view. Of course Taylor wanted to climb out the window and reach toward the "lights", a word she kept on repeating over and over and over. But I had a good hold on her so she didn't get away. And Landon was mesmerized by the whole thing. We just snuggled with a blanket and made the most of it. All we were missing was hot chocolate.