My apologies to begin with....We did many activities and were so busy that I literally forgot to take pictures of all the friends we saw, a fact which I am now kicking myself for. But we did manage to capture quite a few moments of the boys in some new experiences. I will admit, though, that the majority of pictures taken were either first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening because that is usually when I had a hand free to handle the camera (ie not carrying two small children to and fro).
November is notoriously busy for Marc. Last year it worked well for both of us when I just took a mini vacation at this time. So, we decided to do it again, although, it was a touch more challenging to go on a vacation with two little boys vs just one. =) I'll spare you the details of how it happened but a friend of mine here in Wyoming decided to come along with us, something I am grateful for as I would not have been able to go without her. Despite needing someone to help divert little boys' attention on a long car ride, I can't imagine using a public restroom on the 15 hour (plus) drive with two little boys in tow! =)
We left here at bedtime and made our way to the great Midwest. We immediately went to our (still unsold) house and made camp. Boys went down for naps as did the two adults. We then dropped off my friend at her destination so that she could continue her travels and visits with other friends. The boys and I settled right in and they loved the wide open spaces to run free and wild, not many rules to follow in an empty house! =) We owe MANY thanks to friends that provided us with the necessary baby and kitchen items to maintain essential functions!
Our first night saw Scott and Tressa at their house for supper and then to bed very early to start recovery from my overnight drive. I was continually amazed, yet not surprised, at how it still felt like home. I felt as though I had never left, even seeing friends that I had not seen for over two years didn't feel like I had been gone from them for more than a day or so.
Thursday (our first full day in Iowa) we had a great time with Great Grandma Marilyn who brought books (and her own chair to sit in as she knew we didn't have any furnishings!). The boys showcased all their talents and then we headed to the grocery store to buy food for our week. Great Grandma then gave us an exceptional treat and took us to Panera for lunch which was *awesome*. I have missed it so much! =) Great Grandma said good-bye at nap time.
When the boys woke up we headed to a friend's (Sharon) playgroup and said hello to a literal room FULL of kiddos and moms. Desmond and Jaxter both love company so they had a good time. Sharon was gracious and let us invite ourselves for dinner where Jaxter regaled little Elise with tales of his adventures in the first steps of winning her heart. We had another early bed night to catch up on some more sleep.
Friday the boys and I visited the retail world: I had forgotten how great the mall is there and thoroughly enjoyed our little stroll window shopping. We also packed a lunch and ate while people watching. Well, Jax and I people watched, Desmond spent the time jumping up and down on the booth bench in between bites of yogurt, fruit and bagels.
Friday night we got to spend with Bob and Andrea. The boys took to them well and Desmond, especially, had a great time showing off (is this what all 2 year old boys do for all company? Show off?). We had Papa Murphy's pizza (again another treat that I had forgotten exactly how wonderful it was), cherry Dr.Pepper and good conversation. Its true what they say about good friends: you always can just pick up where you left off. I was also impressed to learn that Bob has a budding career as a hand model.
"Black" Saturday dawned with the departure of Scott to Africa and the beginning of our Tressa time. Tressa and I sat with brewed coffee (from Java House, again another midwest treat that I have greatly missed) and chatted and laughed and basically settled into what is our friendship: a comfortable conversation that seems to have no end (or boundaries). Desmond took to Tressa right off and repeatedly requested her to sing to him. Even now he sings the "Tressa songs" just out of the blue and Jax perks up and does the hand motions with us. Yes, Tressa, you have made a lasting impression on my boys. =)
During their nap I took advantage of the babysitter and visited the PICU for a short while. I got to see a few former coworkers and it was nice to visit the unit. Made me miss work all the more although I would not miss this time with my boys for the world.
When the boys woke up in the afternoon we took them to the carousel at the mall - the very brightly lit, colorful, full of exotic animals carousel. Desmond was enamored all day by the fact that he was going to get to ride a horse and while Mama here was worried that he would be disappointed by the lack of a real live, hay eating, hoof stomping horse the opposite was true: He was delighted in the horse that went up and down and talked about it for days after. Even now he will look at me and say: " Horse, hang on?" Jax, while liking the mall in general for the lights, noise and people, was really unconvinced that the carousel held any more appeal than just wandering the shops.
Tressa camped with us at the house since we were already set up and didn't want to change the boys' surroundings any more than we had to during our long adventure. We stayed up late wrestling with a hair dryer and an air mattress but had fun none-the-less and truly enjoyed each other's company. Since Tressa was staying with us, her trusty side kick, Tex the Cat, also joined our little soire in the empty house much to Desmond's (and Jaxter's) delight. That cat was a good sport being chased non stop for hours by two little boys.
Sunday we went to church, had a luncheon with some old Home Group folk and hung out with Tressa. Monday we revisited the mall and had lunch with Angie, a friend an former coworker. We raced home for naps and then I realized that I needed to do laundry so we headed to Sharon's house (again) to use her washer and we ended up staying for dinner. When Desmond had woken up that afternoon he had been crabby and clingy and I attributed it to too much activity on our trip but he started a fever and refused to leave my arms the whole time we were at Sharon's. After coaxing him to sleep I headed to have dessert with some PICU gals and Tressa stayed and did some work while listening for the boys.
Tuesday was to be our day of departure, but as I checked over the house to leave it uninhabited once again, I found a broken water meter under the house. I was distraught to say the least. We were already packed and ready to go and now I had to find a plumber? I am blessed to say that I don't usually deal with these things, relying heavily on my husband for such matters. My husband, though, was not with us. Fortunately an able bodied substitute was available. I called Bob, who not only helped me through my ordeal but had his Dad come over to aid. His dad was able to stop the leak and he found a plumber to come and fix it within the hour! I am so thankful for both of them and their willingness to help me! I am also thanking God for the fact that I was there to catch the leak and get it repaired, can you imagine what would have happened if it had gone unnoticed? Once the plumber had the meter replaced it fell to me to re-insulate the pipes. Sharon came over to babysit while I went to Menard's (yet another thing I miss about the Midwest) to get supplies. Sharon also brought the infamous Sugar Daddy latte from Java House - this is "my" latte and I was ecstatic to drink one! What anxiety was lingering melted with those first sips of sugary coffee (that I was in good hands with all my friends coming to help!). Then Tressa came home from work to take over little boy duty while I started the process of insulating the pipes. Bob and Andrea showed up to "help." Unfortunately (for them) the "help" turned into "doing." Desmond was still sick and, the way events unfolded, had me starting the project right at dinner/bedtime. So Bob and Andrea tackled the bulk of the project with me running back and forth putting boys to bed and rocking a sick and clingy Desmond. Again, I am so thankful for good friends! I am indebted to everyone that helped me, especially Bob, Andrea and Denny (Bob's dad). While we were disappointed not to be headed home (to Marc) I was excited to get one more night with my friends. Once the pipes were done we all sat down to dinner and had some good laughs. =)
Wednesday we tried leaving again after picking up our friend, with success this time. We arrived home at about 8am Thursday morning and I am glad to say that we have no travel plans for the immediate future. I am also glad to say that after some creative re-hydration Desmond was fever free by the time we got home and Jaxter stayed fever free throughout Desmond's illness.
Whew! That's that story (actually, believe or not, its the abridged version). I just today (with Marc's help) have caught up on the laundry. The dishes are one load away to being caught up and sleep is a slow and steady process to reclaim the "rested" status. There is more to tell about life since we got back but I'll leave it at that for now. Enjoy a few pictures and take care.
Our little setup.
From empty to messy in 2 minutes flat! =)
"Listen, Mister, I don't kiss on a first date!"Despite her parents encouragement Miss Elise would not "give kisses". =)
Jax and Andrea.
Desmond and Bob talkin' boy stuff.
Reading books with Bob and Andrea.
Desmond showing Tressa "TV".
Traveling in style - a loaner stroller big enough to fit two bodies in! =)
Riding the carousel.
Tex and Desmond hanging out.
Both boys loved all the windows!
Tex braving Elise AND Jax at the same time.
Some friends. Sharon with Elise and Tressa with Jax.
