Bye, Grandma

Today we had to say good bye to Grandma, but thankfully not until the afternoon! Alan and I had a chance to go out one more time together without the kiddoes to the graduation party of one of Alan’s high schoolers. It was our first exposure to the spectacular event that is a high school graduation celebration out here! So different from the way we did things in California. It was pretty fun.

We all piled in the car to take Grandma to the airport. What a wonderful visit we had together!

Today’s fun did not end there, however. We went over to our friends’ house for brats and s’mores tonight. Adeline and her friend Hannah got to play together for a while and spend lots of time in the backyard running around. So fun!

Last Night with Grandma

Grandma gave us some more couple time today. During Adeline’s nap in the afternoon we went out to get some errands done and enjoyed an ever-so romantic lunch over McDonald’s :).

Our last night with Grandma she took us out to eat at Red Robin. Adeline of course makes friends with everyone she sees - “Hi!” An interesting little note about tonight -- Alan and I noticed a Hebrew tattoo on our server’s arm. We asked him about it and he said it meant “God preserves life,” from the passage in the OT where God preserves the life of Moses when he is a baby. It turns out he used to be a youth pastor nearby. Thanks for dinner, Grandma!

Date Night

Grandma babysat the kiddoes tonight so that Alan and I could have some time out together. When we only had Adeline I never understood the idea of just needing to get away together. As a result, Alan and I never took anyone up on their offers to babysit so we could go out alone. When we were not occupied with other things, I actually always wanted to go out as a family - all three of us. Now that I have two, I understand needing to get away!

We went to a place called Bar Louie in the West Oaks center across from Twelve Oaks mall in Novi. They had this great dinner and a movie deal with the theater next door. For only $34 we got two entrees, including salad, and two tickets to the movies, good anytime before December 31, 2010! We ended up not going to the movies but saved the tickets for another time for a free date :).

Instead of the movie we went across the street to the mall to go to Ann Taylor LOFT since I had some merchandise credit there. We showed up about 15 minutes before closing, but they told me to take my time because they had to be there for another hour after closing anyway. I bet they’re glad they let me stay because I ended up getting two pairs of pants and two shirts. The good part for me is that it was all 60% off! :) It was such a fun night and it was nice to spend time with Alan for the first time in what felt like forever, especially after such a long stressful year. Thanks, Grandma!

When we got home we enjoyed some delicious strawberry pie - I think my best ever!

Grandmas!

Today Amma came over so I could take her to the airport and borrow the car for the 10 days she’s out of town. It’s always nice to have a second car for a little more freedom to get out and about :). We got some cute pictures of the grandmas and I got some time away when I took Amma to the airport by myself and then went to the grocery store. Tonight, I’m making strawberry pie!


Earlier today Adeline, Evelyn, Daddy and Grandma all took a trip to the park (Mommie stayed home to enjoy some peace and quiet :).


And later at home Adeline decided she'd take a few pictures. This one turned out pretty well!


And this last picture is of our Cookin' Cutie! :)

Klean Kiddoes!

Today we tried our first Tummy Tub bath! What’s a Tummy Tub, you ask??? Why, I’ll tell you!

Our friend from church, Janis McKellar, sells these things called Tummy Tubs. You may have seen her recently on the Today show or Fox and Friends. She is the sole US distributor for these fun little, eco-friendly, baby-loving bath tubs from Germany. She gifted us with one on the occasion of Evelyn’s birth. It’s pink and sparkly and fun :). Check out her website, www.bathedwithlove.com!

So I was really excited to give it a try and Evelyn was in need of a bath :). Janis had warned me to do the first bath in the TT when Alan was home, and I figured with Grandma’s added support this was a good night to give it a try. Well, I’m glad we were all home. It was quite an ordeal! Evelyn wasn’t exactly enjoying herself, but I think she was hungry and I also had no idea what I was doing. So we’ll give it a try again soon. We did manage to get this adorable picture, though :).

And Grandma gave Adeline a bath, too...

First Day with Grandma

Grandma came to church with us this morning and then took us all out to lunch at Chili’s -- one of our favorite spots! She got a taste of what it is like to dine out with a toddler :).

Later in the afternoon Aunt Beckie and her friend Aaron came over. While Adeline napped we hung out at home. After Adeline’s snooze we all went out for a short walk – till the mosquitoes began to attack! Grandma went out to dinner with Beckie and Aaron while Alan and I stayed home, got the kids to bed and enjoyed a candlelit taco dinner for two. It was nice.

We’ve discovered that our unfinished basement makes a decent “guest room” (term used very loosely!) during the summer. In fact, it’s even nicer than the upstairs because it stays cool! After one night on our air bed, however, Grandma needed something with more support. Thankfully our pastor had a spare twin bed he wasn’t in need of --complete mattress set with frame and everything -- and he brought it over. So we now have a single guest bed in our basement for a while. Come on over for a visit!

Welcome to Michigan, Grandma!

Today we went shopping at Toys-R-Us for Adeline’s birthday present. I think this is the last time we’ll be able to shop for a gift for her with her coming along :). We were successful, but you'll have to wait till her birthday to find out what it is!

Grandma arrived tonight for her visit! Alan picked her up from the airport. She’s staying with us for the week to help out, spend time with Adeline and of course meet her newest granddaughter. We’re looking forward to having many adventures together!