Camping

Camping over Memorial Day weekend is a tradition at our house... it's the start of the summer, the first camping trip of the season and gets everybody excited for the next couple months. With that said, lets remember that Franny wasn't born until Aug last summer, so our camping season got cut short, and we didn't get out much because I was 7, 8 and 9 months pregnant. And Franny isn't the best sleeper, so I had NO idea what to expect of this weekend. Nece on the other hand was just turning/turned two, and she did camp last summer, but how much do kids really remember?

A crazy Friday morning while the girls were at Sue's, we scurried around and got everything ready, from grocery shopping, making 'pass' dishes, getting coolers down and washed, cleaning the truck, getting everybody (don't forget the dogs come too) packed for all four seasons. After close to six hours of running around, off we were to get the girls and begin the weekend with our friends up in Webster!

And how does it begin? Picture this... Marc's truck. Marc driving, Hazel in the middle, me in the passenger seat. Back seat consists of both girls and Reggie, while the entire back was packed with anything and everything you could think of. Yes, it was a sight to behold, and I decided this was the post to figure out pictures for you. Here's what we looked like:










After the 1 1/2 hour drive, we arrived in Webster and ready for a great weekend. The dogs knew EXACTLY where we were and off into the woods they went for essentially 3 straight days. Kailee was excited wondering where 'ederbody' was and Kara didn't have a clue what she was in for.

Friday night brought our friends Amy, Jesse, Avery and their dog Bailey (Reggie's girlfriend). Keith and Nance and their friend Jeff were over on the golf course when we arrived, but it gave us some time to unpack the truck and get situated. Amy and KC hung out for awhile, but were definitely getting geared up for a busy weekend at http://www.foxrungolf.net/.

On Sunday, we had the honor of meeting Mandy and Jonathan's new baby, Sophie... oh she is so sweet, and going to be a great addition next year. Carrie, Todd and their friends Joanie and Mark also came up. It was great to see them before they golfed and after they went to dinner at the casino in Danbury. I think I remember Carrie mentioning she was the only one that donated money to the casino... not too bad, 75% success rate!

Every day we had absolutely picture perfect weather and every evening was perfect for sleeping in the camper. Marc spent lots of time on the golf course Saturday, while I stayed back and enjoyed the kids, relaxing and shooting the shit with our friends that weren't on the golf course.

So, I mentioned sleeping... I can only imagine you guys are all wondering how that went and where we slept. Well lets picture this. We have a pop-up (I don't know the size), but I do know it's essentially like short full size beds on each side, and the table turns into a bed. On one side of the camper is mom and Nece sleeping together with the pack-n-play set up for Franny. On the table bed is Reggie and Hazel and on the other side of the camper is Marc. Yes, tight, once again, but doable. Do I have pictures, ahhh, no. There is NO way that I was going to pull my camera out and risk the flash waking the girls up.

Knowing that Franny is a craptastic sleeper at best, I was very nervous. Should I have been... nope I guess not. She slept like a CHAMP. I think essentially 24 hours of fresh air might have something to do with the fabulous naps and sleeping through the entire night. And Nece, she slept fantastically as well. On Friday night, I woke up to rain. And the rain, work Nece up. She grabbed my lips to get my attention and once I told her it was raining, she turned over and went back to sleep. FANTASTIC! And let me just say, raining outside when sleeping in the camper, absolutely delightful. It's such a peaceful and relaxing sound, I love it (just so it doesn't turn severe).

Highlights:

• Marc spending time on the golf course
• Marc, Jesse, Keith, Jeff and Nece taking the dogs to the lake for a swim. And from my understanding Nece getting in the 'dog lake' and splashing around. And not just getting in the dog lake, but getting in the dog lake naked. Yes, you read correctly, she stripped down
• On the way back, Nece got into burning weed and exposed her legs, no worries she's fine and was by the time her nap was over. Nothing Benedryl cream and Tylenol can't take care of
• Sunday night, Nece played bartender to everybody at the Fox Hole (the bar in the clubhouse at Fox Run GC). We stayed after to help Amy and KC a bit, and have a few drinks after a very BUSY weekend for them. Nece, Quaid (Amy and KC's son) and Franny got to play, and at one point, Nece went behind the bar and asked everybody do you want a beer or water (the 'water' was every hard liquor bottle). A cute sight... and I think Marc and I better start mentally preparing for what's to come many years from now!
• Great food, great conversation, great beer, great times with our friends and perfect weather

A great start to what is expected to be a perfect summer with lots of time spent camping and with our friends. Did Nece enjoy camping... this is how I will sum it up: every morning and every night before bed she tells me she wants to go to Sue's then go camping. Try explaining to an almost 3 year old, that we can't go every day.

Now, all we need to do is get serious about getting a bigger camper and life will be even better. And last but not least, a shout-out to Keith and Nance. Thank you for inviting us to spend so many weekends with your family. We truly do appreciate you treating us as your own and look forward to many more weekends to come.

Success... for the most part!

We had a great weekend in Chicago with the family. Cindy's shower was a success, and everybody seemed to enjoy it. Nece and Franny enjoyed spending the last four days with grandma and grandpa. I think they were exhausted when we left... and Boone too.

Highlights of the trip:

• Nece and the babyhouse. She loves her dollhouse, but calls it the babyhouse.
• Franny HATES baths at grandma and grandpas. Not sure why, but the minute grandma takes her upstairs inthe evening and starts to get her ready, all hell breaks loose. She screams, not just wimpers, but screams the entire time. It's kind of funny (for me, who stays far away from the bathroom), but the plus side... she sleeps like a CHAMP!
• Tim and Cindy took Franny and Nece to the zoo. From what I've heard, they had a blast.
• Great-grandma brought the dresses that she made for the girls for the wedding. LOVE them, and what an awesome keepsake for us! They are going to be the best dressed ones on July 18... except for Auntie Cindy, of course.
• Franny is crawling around more and more every day. She looked so little as she crawled from room to room getting into this, that and the other.
• Nece and uncle Tim. What kind of games do they come up with? I don't even remember exactly what they were playing on Friday night, except something about 'save me' and falling to the floor or on the couch or something. I didn't pay much attention until I heard the giggling.
• How fabulous to spend time with all of our family and get to see everybody!

And from the title... for the most part. So, after 5 flights in 3 1/2 weeks, one would think that we'd have the airport/plane thing down pat. I should have known it wasn't going to be smooth when it took 45 minutes to get through security (at 10A on a Monday, why?), got to our gate and as soon as we got on the plane, the doors closed. Whoa! That was a bit too close for comfort, but we made it.

And as we walk through the plane, you have everybody staring at you, like 'oh god, please don't let them sit by us.' Typically, I throw it right out there, 'I bet you guys are glad there are no open seats near you.' or 'you're the lucky recipients of us today.' I like to just acknowledge the kids versus sneak on quietly, and hope for full cooperation.

Well Monday morning... I will say, I do feel sorry for the poor souls that had to sit by us. Franny was LESS than stellar on the flight. Let's just say, she needed a nap but refused. Which in turn led to, whining, screeching (think high pitched, and you want to move to another room in your house) and full blown crying. Nece didn't even have much luck keeping her content.

Nece- travels like a champ. She knows how to go through security, she LOVES the moving walkways, loves the airplane and knows she gets lots of treats. Except for the occasional kicking of the seat in front of us, and the 'are we done yet'... can't ask for anything more from a 2 1/2 year old.

About 5 minutes after getting into the car- out cold. Just our luck. So, sorry for you poor souls that had to sit next to us. Better luck next time. We're now done with airplane travel for awhile (don't mind it, but this month was a bit much).

We now have fun family camping trips and our busy summer routine coming up! What will this weekend bring with 2 kids, 2 adults and 2 big dogs in the camper. Not to mention, this is Franny's first camping trip and she's a light sleeper. Oh well, take it in stride and think of the memories being created!

Packing

Do you ever feel like you live out of a suitcase? Well that's our life these days. Three trips to Chi-town in 3 1/2 weeks. And a busy summer of fun ahead for us!

Tomorrow afternoon, we're back to Chicago for Cindy's shower! Nece knows we're going back to grandma's because she likes to "help" pack. And Franny, she likes to "help" pack too.

I think I might have a little packrat on my hands. Like I mentioned before, we have to hug and kiss all the plastic animals every night. But, as I put her to bed tonight I looked around and am AMAZED she has a place to sleep in her bed. There are Little Pony's everywhere, dolls, dolls and more dolls, can't forget the books and my favorite of all... her makeup. Yes, she has my old makeup to play with... and there it was tonight, within the covers. And, how could I forget the pacifiers. 7 tonight. Yes, ridiculous. (she only gets them at night, and it's no longer a battle I feel like fighting... everybody assures me she'll give them up by the time she goes to kindergarten.)

So, back to packing. Next to impossible to pack with the help of the girls. Everything that is laid out, that's Franny's cue to pull it apart and I find myself refolding non-stop. Now, mind you I am NOT complaining at all. This is something Franny enjoys doing, and if it means she isn't wanting to be held or whining... I'm ALL OVER that! BTW- she is MUCH happier now that she's crawling all over the place.

And Nece- she has definite opinions about what she likes to wear. When we travel, I have more say about her choice of outfits, but I do let her "help" me. She gets to pick her PJ's, undies and socks. Sometimes, I even let her pick her t-shirts... I know, nice mom! Thanks. Back to the reason I digressed earlier about the packrat... not only do we have to pack our clothes, we have to bring random stuff, and I find myself going through the suitcase after bed to see what else I might find. Tonight- fruit snack wrappers (aka- garbage), a crumpled up picture and a dolls diaper. That stuff isn't traveling with us.

And tomorrow afternoon we're off to the airport. Let's all pray we have a good flight again. And then grandma and grandpa's for a long weekend to celebrate Marc and Cindy's upcoming wedding with our family! Should be a good time, and I'm sure we'll have something to talk about over the next four days!

And dad gets a free weekend, except they are ridiculously busy and he has to work ALL weekend again.

Stall-masters

So, like I've mentioned I contemplated long and hard about starting a blog because I 'thought' we had so many funny things/stories to share on a regular basis. Well, now that the pressure is on, I don't have a ton to share... just my luck!

Mom, I wanna watch Mickey (7:30P).
Okay, which one? (we TIVO Mickey, so we've always got options, even though we choose the same one what seems like ALL the time)

Fast forward 25 minutes later...
Nece, it's bedtime.
Okay. (into the bedroom we go).

Mom, I need some water.
Okay. (off to fill the Little Mermaid cup)
Here you go, Nece... get into bed, it's bedtime.

Mom, I want to change my music.
Okay. What do you want to listen to tonight?
(is it going to be the McDonalds kids CD, or the bible music, or Mickey, or Strawberry Shortcake... one can only guess on a nightly basis.)
Nece, hurry up it's bedtime.

We're now in bed...

Mom, I want two books tonight.
No, Nece. it's late... only one. Which book do you want to read?
If You Give a Cat a Cupcake, Butterflies and Go Dog Go!

We now read If You Give a Cat a Cupcake.
And then Go Dog Go (so much for sticking to my guns and only reading one book.

Okay, Nece... its bedtime. Time to put your covers on and hugs and kisses.
Okay. Mom, I have to say goodnight to my animals. (mind you these are the plastic dog, cat, horse, cow, pig and something else).

Both mom and Nece have to now hug each one separately and say 'I Love You!'
Nece, it's bedtime, LAY DOWN.

Hugs, kisses. More hugs, kisses. I love you. Sweet dreams, see you in the morning!
And... we're done. Now it's off to Franny.

And Franny, that's a whole different story.
Let's play, let's talk, let's take a sip of the bottle, and let's play, let's talk and let's take another sip of bottle. It's a good night, if Franny is in bed at 8:30. And what do we do when it is bedtime...

Mom puts Franny to bed, and we listen to her scream bloody murder for about 5 minutes before she settles down, and falls asleep because she's so dead-dog tired since she's not taken much in the form of naps all day!

And where's dad?!?! Sometimes, he participates in the nightly ritual of stalling. But, more times than not... he's headed off to bed about 7:30 or so, because he's up around the 4A hour every day!

And that, my friends is the art stalling by the two little ones! Gotta love 'em, even though, it's seriously BEDTIME.

Why?!?!

After thinking long and hard, I've decided to give blogging a try, I mean a real try, for about a month. If I like it, I will continue, if I decide it's just another to-do and I don't enjoy it, I will stop.

What am I going to write about? Well... the girls. Why? Because all of our family lives at least two hours away. There are stories and tidbits on a daily basis that I mean to tell each of you when we talk, and I can never remember them or at least I don't remember them until after we hang up the phone. We also have lots of family members that we aren't able to connect with on the phone on a regular basis, and this will give you a little snip-it into what the girls are doing. And our friends, if you want to follow... the more the merrier!

And quite honestly, it seems that it's too difficult to keep up with the baby books... why, I don't know, but I can't seem to keep up with them. As most of you know, I'd much rather sit and putz on the computer. I hope at this point, I enjoy creating a blog, and that someday this will be my way of capturing all the little stories of what's happened, when its happened, and the funny things that come out little kids mouths.

Now, at this point, I do not believe this blog will go any further than our family and friends... but I have thought about the 'just in case'. (you all know me and my planning). I'll be using Nece (knee-see) and Franny at all times when chatting about the girls.

So, what's new?!?!

Franny, Well... since April 24th, alot. She has gone from barely crawling backwards, to cruising forward, to pulling herself up on furniture and just this weekend she showed us that she can climb the stairs. And where did she show off this new-found talent?!?! Of course, outside on the cement stairs going up to the housse. Franny is happy as a clam that she's now found freedom, and Nece is gonna be ticked that she's gonna have to keep her stuff away from her sister.

And Nece... well, anybody that has/had a little one knows that you never know what's going to come out of the mouth and how everything is so exciting. When landing in the windy city, we walked past the Blues Brothers, and there was my little Nece dancing her way through the airport. Or when we get to baggage claim, and she sees her sister's carseat and our suitcase on the conveyer belt and starts clapping and screaming "Yeah Airplane". Or when she follows her uncle's lead and hollars out, F 'em (but using the full word). Or when she asks her mom if she needs a toe-pan. Yes, you read correctly, toe-pan (that would be tampon for those of you who don't know her 2 year old language).

Or those sweet moments that she loves up her sister, and you can see the bond forming between the two of them right in front of your eyes. She is such a little protector and is such a good big sister.

How long are the posts going to be? Some days, short. Some days, maybe long. Next to-do is to figure out how to post pictures! I hope you guys like this idea, and find that it's going to be something to help you feel more connected, even though we're not a hop, skip and jump away from you physically.