A Mid-May Visit

Last month, the kids and I trekked up to NY for a brief visit with my in-laws. As eager as I was to make the trip, I was a bit nervous, too. After all, this was the first time we'd be making the trip without Scott, AND I had never undertaken a solo trip of that distance before with the kids. (I know, all of you who have done that countless times are just laughing at my trepidation.) I had no reason to be anxious (thankfully); the kids traveled remarkably well, and we only had to make two stops. (Channeling all my anxiety into thorough planning helped; instead of stopping for lunch at a restaurant, we picnicked at a rest stop. The only downside to that was NOT anticipating the VERY chilly -- make that downright COLD-- temps. I pulled up the picnic blanket around Leah and Hunter to diminish the wind chill.)

Because of the visit's brevity (arrived on Monday, left on Thursday), we hadn't planned much. After all, the main purpose of the visit was visiting Grandma and Papa, whom the kids hadn't seen since Leah's birthday in March and probably wouldn't see again until late June/ early July (for Hunter's birthday). Really, I just wanted the kids to have plenty of time with their grandparents. Still, that didn't mean we couldn't do anything; it just meant we had downtime, too.

So... Tuesday morning we went to Frog Pond, which is like a permanent farmer's market. In addition to produce, they sell animals, so the kids had a chance to pet the goats and pigs, look at the chicks/ ducks/geese/roosters, and admire the bunnies. After they tired of that, they played in the corn box, before we picked out some honey sticks to purchase.

That night, the kids had a chance to play with their cousins, which involved plenty of running around the house (at least on the part of the girls; the boys entertained themselves with a small keyboard.). The next morning, Leah and Hunter had a chance to play with two of their cousins (Kate was at school) at Mila's gymnastics class followed by open gym. Granted, Leah and Mila didn't play together much until the end of the open gym hour, but considering the variety of equipment, I'm not surprised. Leah divided her time between the foam block pit and the trampolines. Hunter had as much fun as Leah; he tried the foam pit and the trampolines, but he also liked playing with the balls and hula hoops that were available. (Side note: Cam and Hunter didn't play together much, but that's primarily due to their ages. They did haved some bonding time at the start of open gym; Hunter kept feeding "Ham" Goldfish.) Leah thoroughly enjoyed herself, and at one point asked, "Momma, is this my first day at gymnastics?" Hmmm, guess that's something I'll need to look into now that we're home.

After gymnastics, we headed over to Grandma Teddy's (Great Grandma) for lunch. My two very tired kids devoured their pizza and fruit, and then snuggled/ cuddled with Mel (Grandma) and Grandma Teddy for a story or two before we left for Mel's. Considering how hard they had played, I thought for certain that they'd both nap. Silly me! Hunter did fall asleep on the way home, but only slept for about an hour. As for Leah, she absolutely refused to even consider napping. (She did rest, but she didn't want to settle and sleep, even though she needed it.) Her resistance certainly didn't deter ME from resting; and while I napped, Mel took the kids up to play outside with their cousins. Needless to say, by the time they got back, the kids were exhausted.

Looking back, I see that maybe we did cram a lot in two days, but it certainly didn't feel like it at the time. Maybe that's because we did have some downtime for us to relax and visit with Mel and Roger. And since the trip (travel) was so successful, I suppose we could try it again sometime.

Going for a wagon ride at Frog Pond. They didn't sit in the wagon for long.

Shushing the geese.

Leah's favorite: Pigs!They came right over to us, and just stood there patiently, apparently waiting for a special treat.

These porkers didn't disappoint. We nicknamed them "the three little pigs" even though there wasn't anything little about them.

This one took a liking to Hunter.

Digging in the corn bin. I think Leah enjoyed this more than Hunter did.

Hunter and Leah with Grandma Mel

Hunter and Cam cheese it up for the camera.

Hunter feeding "Ham" (his nickname for Cam).

Crawling in the foam block pit. Leah also tried the rope swing that swung over the pit, but I couldn't get a good action shot.

No fear sliding into the pit; it was getting out that caused the problem!

Bouncing along.

Hunter had to try out the balance beam after seeing Leah do it.

The beam didn't hold Leah's interest, especially when there were trampolines to jump on.

Rolling a foam block.

Veggie Tales Live

A couple months ago, I received a mailer advertising Veggie Tales Live here at Hylton Chapel. Of course, buying tickets to the show was a no-brainer: Leah loves VT, and something like this would be a special (and memorable) experience for both of us. The only catch was that I didn't want her to know about it.

Keeping the secret was easy the first month, but as show time drew closer, it was harder not to mention it in front of Leah. Finally, the day arrived, and we could reveal part of the surprise:

Me: "Leah, we have a special surprise for you today!"
Leah: "What is it?"
Me: "I'm not telling you. It's a surprise! Get in the car so we can go."
L: "Is it ice cream? Is it a pet? Is it the library?" (Those were just a few of several "surprises" that would have made her day.)

When we arrived at the venue, people were lined up outside the door. I could hardly keep the secret any longer, so I scanned the crowd for a clue for Leah. Finally, I spotted a man in a Bob the Tomato shirt.

Me: "Leah, who's that? On that man's shirt?"
Leah, squinting, trying to figure out which man: "Bob?"
Me: "Yup. So guess who we might see inside?"
Leah: "Veggie Tales!"

She was actually pretty subdued (surprisingly), but I guess that was to be expected considering 1) it was her rest time, and 2) large groups tend to overwhelm her. No matter. I reaped the benefits: instead of sitting next to me on the pew (though, it would have been hard for her to see over the person in front of us) or dancing in the aisle, she snuggled in my lap for most of the show. Every so often she'd dance in the aisle, but most of the time she wanted to watch the show from the comfort of Momma's lap. (Like I was going to refuse a chance to cuddle with my little girl!)

At one point, a little girl in the same pew asked Leah to play and dance. I tried getting a photo of Leah and her new "friend", but they were moving too fast for a good photo. I didn't mind, though. Leah was dancing with abandon and singing Veggie Tales songs. Before we knew it, the show was over, and it was time to head home... but not before stopping to view the merchandise.

We had managed to avoid that area before the show and during intermission (thanks to the crowd), but we exited the sanctuary early enough that nobody was at the merchandise table yet. They must have been emitting some child-sensing beacon because Leah walked right over there to view the wares for sale. Considering the special occasion (and the rarity of it), I caved and bought a toy for Leah and Hunter to share. (They LOVE it, too; it's a VT bath toy. Now bath time is even wetter than before!)

All in all, I loved making that memory with my baby girl, all the while filling her love tank and mine. Thanks, Veggie Tales!

Momma and Daughter

Junior Asparagus, Leah's fave VT

"Pizza Angel" one of Leah's fave songs

"The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything"

Try as I might, I couldn't get a good photo of Leah dancing in the aisle, so this will have to suffice.

Hmmm, Bob's missing something (a pupil). As soon as the performers were aware of the wardrobe malfunction, Bob turned away from the audience until someone could deftly re-apply his eye.

Ahhh, THAT'S better!

Hunter might have missed the show, but at least he, too, got to enjoy something from it: the VT bath toy Leah picked out for the two of them to share.

April Photos

Now that both kids are getting older, they're playing together more. Though they don't get along perfectly all the time, for the most part, they play together well.

Cheese!

Have I mentioned that Hunter's a mimic? Leah was screaming, so Hunter had to, too.

Two items of note: 1. The hair. Doesn't get better than bed-head. 2. The outfit. Hunter picked it out himself. Funny thing is I saw a grown man at the library wearing the same thing.

Another view of that hair. Love it!

Guess who's been sniffing dandelions? (Look closely under her nose.)

Some of our best friends were in town for a short visit. Despite seeing them about every day they were here, this is the ONLY picture I took. What was I thinking? Leah loved having Laura around to play with, probably because Laura was Leah's permanent shadow.

Since Leah loves pigs, we made a pig mask for school when we completed our farm animal unit.

Do you like our hats? Christine and I had to try on the party hats while waiting on the rest of the crew. It was just the four of us for a girls' weekend away, but it was a much needed break.

We might not have slept much (we were up until 1 AM! What?!), but we had a great time away at Ruth & Jay's house in Luray. Pictured: Me, Adrienne, Christine, Nanette, & Ruth

"No pictures, please." The elusive construction fairy.

April was the month for time with friends. Megan (my BF from college) was in town for a race, so she and her parents came by for dinner. Leah LOVED spending time with Miss Megan.

Leah, Miss Megan, and Hunter

Wacky photos with my wacky NC family: Norma, Megan, and Bob

March Photo Highlights

Ahhh, where a boy's curiosity will lead him.

Notice the fat lip. Hunter had given me a heart attack just days before this when he fell and bit his lip. Blood gushed everywhere, and I wasn't sure if he'd need stitches or not. I managed to stop the bleeding, but when he woke up from his nap, he looked like Hannibal Lecter! Not an encouraging sight for this Momma!

I'll have to remember this photo for when that day comes.  For now, though, I don't want to think about it!

Bucket head!

Daddy's helpers. Washing the dishes (with two helpers) can get a bit messy, but boy, is it fun! (Equally amusing were the comments from Scott: "No, don't drink that, Hunter!" "Wait! I haven't washed that yet.")

Their new "hiding place". Ahh, the things Daddy's do with their kids.

Children's Museum

A couple weeks ago, the kids and I accompanied some friends to the Children's Museum in Richmond. I had heard great things about this museum, but had never ventured that way simply because I didn't know how to get there. (I know, I could find directions online, but I just feel more comfortable driving someplace new if I'm following someone who has been there before.) I am so glad she invited us!

Though we didn't have a chance to visit much (because our kids were going in different directions), the visit was well worth the trip. You'll notice that there aren't very many photos despite spending the entire morning there; I was so busy keeping an eye on Leah and Hunter that I didn't have many chance to take pictures. I guess that's how it should be, though, right?
 

A new take on puppet theatre: dress up the little brother and have him fill in for a puppet. (He repeats what big sis says anyway.)

"Everybody, get ready for the show!" The "show" didn't last long; Leah announced it, and then we headed off for another part of the museum.

Exploring the caves. This was a favorite exhibit for both kids.

Enjoying the outdoor clubhouse.

Look at the ape hangers on that chopper! He's ready to ride (motorcycles) with Daddy!

"Cheese!" He certainly didn't mind posing on the turtle. Playing outside might have been the highlight for Hunter (have I mentioned how much he LOVES being outside?). Well, that and the indoor apple tree where he could pick "apples". (Wasn't quick enough to catch a photo of him doing that.)

And this was one of Leah's favorite activities: digging in the sand. There's an archaeological dig in the museum, and Leah spent most of her time there (only because she could ride the carousel only once). With the variety of interactive and imaginative play exhibits, I was a bit surprised (pleasantly so) that she stayed at the dig site most of the time. (It certainly made it easier for me to keep tabs on her and Hunter.)

 

Before we left, Leah climbed aboard the triceratops for a "ride". (Way in the background on the left you can see the dig site where she spent most of the morning looking for dinosaur bones.)