The End of the Month

When we returned from Atlanta, we had a snow day.  It was kind of nice since we were gone for the weekend.  It gave us time to be home (Jack really likes the days Kate is home), get laundry done from the trip, and be lazy for the day before a "back to routine" day.  Heck, there is no routine due to sickness and weather, but we try! We got out the tent and tunnel and Jack and Kate had run in the tent.  The bad thing was that Jack thought the top netting was an "out" and kept throwing his basketball while he was IN the tent, trying to get it out.  And then he and Kate would yell because it hurt.  

 Drake was glad we were home, but he also wanted to be in routine -- meaning more nap time.

 The kids caught up on Wii Sports.  Well, Kate did.  Jack thinks he is player 2.

 Kate's babysitter and her friend took Kate to Chuck E. Cheese after school on Wednesday before they headed back to college.  Kate really thinks this is a special deal (it is), and she was so excited that she didn't even tell me her tummy hurt prior to the trip.

 The annual picture from Chuck E. Cheese.

 Lately, Jack lays in front of the vent in the bathroom.  It is nice and toasty in there, and he thinks the hot air in the face is awesome.

 This little dude grew so much this fall and winter that I had to get a new coat for him.  I went two!! sizes bigger and I probably would have been ok going up one more.  I love that he is growing!

 Bugs got some new glasses so that we can leave a pair in her school bag and have one in my purse or at home where she can use them for homework or iPhone playing.  She picked out the metallic and velvet case.

 This week is the 100 day celebration at Kate's school - 100 days of school.  We made her shirt with 100 hearts.  Kate looked at some designs online and we adapted them a little to fit what she wanted.  She helped glue some of the hearts on, but she also used the scraps to create her own masterpieces.  I have a magnet, bookmark, and several pictures.

 Jack spent ten minutes getting his pallet just how he wanted it - he moved it closer to the chair, banked it up, got his snacks and drink, and finally was able to sit for a minute before heading off again to save the world.

 Sunday was a warmer day (minus the wind), so the kids and I threw on clothes and headed outside to get some Vitamin D.  Jack still won't use the pedals, but his legs now reach!

 Jack also had to go through the mud to check out the fields.  He would walk over and head back and then do it again.  Never really knew what was going on in his mind.

 And the John Deere had to come out, too.  Jack thought he could drive it, but his legs are still a little short.  He is ready though!

 And today, I got the best gift in the mail.  Well, my kids did.  Ellen, who we met up with in Atlanta, sent eight CDs of dance and Disney music for the kiddos.  Spoiled!!

Atlanta Part Two

 We met up with some great friends from Owensboro who we had not seen for over ten years.  As soon as they walked through the door at the Mexican restaurant, we picked up right where we had left off.  It was wonderful to dine with them and laugh our rears off.  Thanks, Chuck and Ellen, for coming!

Kate was not sure what to think about this visit.  Nor was Jack.  He was just happy to have chips and cheese.

 We then ventured to some shops with the kiddos.  It was gorgeous outside and we took full advantage of that.

The next morning, we went to Fran's neighborhood park to get the wiggles out before we went to the museum.  Another gorgeous day!

 Fran and Kate played on the seesaw.

 Jack tried to master the rubber hanging "thing."  It has a chain under it, and he sat on it, laid on it, and pushed it.

 

 Kate and I took a selfie outside the aquarium to send to daddy.

 She was super excited about seeing the penguins, so we went there first.

 And then she saw a mascot penguin and had to have a picture with him.

 There was a hula hoop contest that she entered.

 She got tired after a couple of hours, but we had tickets for the dolphin show, so we had to wait.

 After spilling a coke on himself while eating lunch, Jack cashed out for most of the aquarium visit, which was wonderful for everyone!

 The group picture on our way into the aquarium.

 That evening, Jack did mom's hair while Kate did mine.

And this is how wonderfully my group traveled back with me.  They weren't bad at all!  

Atlanta visit

The kids had a long weekend off school plus they had doctor's appointments in Nashville, so we asked Fran if she would like to have visitors.  She was elated, of course, so we headed down.  Mom went, too, so she could enjoy more family time and also bring her SUV back that Fran drive down after Christmas.  After a long day of travel, this group was ready for bed.  Sweet hugs.

 The next day, we went to a place called Catch Air.  An indoor playground that Kate loved.  Jack was in sensory overload, so I am not sure he found it as exciting, but he did love the dance floor that was lit underneath.

 There was also a place that he could put balls in and a vacuum sucked them up and threw them out the top.

 Also in the foam ball area was a cannon, and Kate used the opportunity to nail me with balls when I wasn't looking.  Check out her face of satisfaction.

 Fran helped Jack ride some of the kiddo rides.  He was not sure he wanted to.

 And then there were wrecking balls....