Landscaping

This should be my final "house" update. Throughout the last couple months, we have had visits from the landscapers, pool company, and concrete company. We are now able to enjoy our yard! Here are the pictures:

Minnesota Trip Days 4 thru 5

I have not had time to update during the rest of the trip because I was so exhausted by the end of the day. On Sunday, we went to Maren's graduation and graduation party.


Unfortunately, we were unable to stay for very long because we needed to head back to Ohio. Once the kiddos were fed and asleep we decided to head out. During the drive we had a little trouble with Landon. It seemed that he was constipated and in some pain because of it. Laura tried to give him sugar water, but it was not working. He was up all night (which translates that we were up all night). We had only gotten as far as Minneapolis and were staying near the Mall of America, so we decided to check it out. We arrived when it opened at 10 and left after lunch. It is huge!!!

Abigail loved Lego Land! While Laura and I were in Carter's Mom took her to see it and she just loved all the bright colors and moving things.

Chillin in her umbrella stroller for the first time.


We then hit the road again. We stopped at a Walmart for diapers for Landon and prune juice. Made a couple of stops for the kiddos and spent the night in Rockford, IL. We awoke early the next morning and headed home. We arrived back at Mom's house at 3:30 EST. When we go for Kelsey's graduation it will not be so quick. We spent more time in the car than anything else this weekend. Oh well.

Here are some cute pics taken throughout the weekend (the first one cracks me up):

Minnesota Trip Day Three

At eleven this morning, we finally arrived at Aunt Monique's house. I was very surprised by how far out it was (even though Laura kept telling me that she lived in the middle of nowhere...you know you do Aunt Monique). We had a very nice day visiting with family. I was happy to finally meet Laurel (Aunt Monique's sister) since I have heard so much of her throughout the years. Here are some pictures from our day:

Abigail with her big cousin Maren (she is graduating tomorrow first in her class!)


Aunt Monique and Landon


Landon with his big cousin Kelsey


Aunt Monique and Maren playing with Abigail


We were told that Kelsey is breeding these goats to sell them. We weren't sure what the people who buy them use them for (we assume food).


Abigail and Maren looking at the goats.




Chicken (obviously)


Their backyard. I think it is very pretty.


This is not their road, but their driveway...yes, their driveway.


When we arrived back at the hotel, Abigail had her first bath in a real bathtub. It was difficult for both of us. This is going to take some practice.

Trip to Minnesota Days 1 and 2

It has been a LONG two days. We left Mom's house for Minnesota around 11:30 Thursday morning. The van was full of stuff (mainly for two small babies) and we were wide awake and hoping for a good trip. Everything went fine until we hit Chicago (of course). We hit stop and go traffic and were stuck there for about three hours. Even though we had fed the kids before we left Indiana, they arrived at another feeding while we were just outside the downtown area. Desperate times called for desperate measures, so Laura climbed to the backseat with Mom and they each fed a baby (it was an extreme cry-fest nonetheless).

After escaping Chicago, the rest of the day was uneventful. We stopped at a hotel in DeForest, Wisconsin for the night. After much difficulty, we settled in and went to sleep...but, not for long. Abigail decided that she was going to be up ALL night. Mom spent most of the night with her, but I was up also for most of it.

The next morning, we started off at 9:30/10:00 with a minimum of a 7 hour drive ahead of us. It is now 10:00 p.m. and we have been at our hotel for about an hour. As I said, it has been a LONG two days. Both babies are asleep right now. We hope it stays that way.

The kids asleep in the car.


At a rest area in Minnesota for the kid's lunch time. (or second lunch, I lost count). After they ate, we discovered that further into the rest area were picnic tables along the Mississippi River. Oh well, we'll have to keep that in mind for the return trip.



Don't ask...let's just say it involved A LOT of crying beforehand.



Finally, in the hotel room and happy.

Dart Frog Dash

Lately, Julie and Lee have been running 5Ks and they wanted my mom to join them for the Dart Frog Dash at the Toledo Zoo. Well, we all decided to get involved. Mom, Laura, and I walked the 5K with the kids, while Kelly, Julie, and Lee ran it. Here are some pictures from the day:

Abigail and I on the walk:

I know she is missing a sock. I changed her poopy diaper right before the walk and she stuck her foot in the poo. I felt like I needed a sign. I kept hearing "Maam! Your baby is missing a sock!"

Laura pushing the "big kids." We decided the next time we do this they are walking. It will be good for them. They must have worked hard though since they are drinking water. :)


The Four Cousins:


All of us (minus Lee, he is taking the picture):


Just some cute pictures taken before and after the Dart Frog Dash: