Where are the keys?

Well it was a quick trip and busy to boot, but absolutely wonderful none-the-less! I won't post a lot here since both the Denja and Redmond blog chronicle the weekend's festivities, but I have added a few additional pictures and will take this opportunity to post some fun tid-bits of the trip to Michigan.

First off for weeks Kendall has been talking about visiting Michigan. She did okay on the flight there with just a minor meltdown. Once we arrived we had a slam packed few days of fun and festivities. We celebrated Kendall's bday. Here she is opening some presents.

Kendall bowled for the first time.

We watched movies, hung out with cousins, ate, and did crafts.

We watched fireworks - not for the first time - but, this time Kendall will remember. In fact, as we were landing back in Charlotte I was pointing out the lights on the run way and Kendall kept saying "fireworks, boom" I guess any and all lights at night constitute fireworks now. So cute!

Avery was baptized. Here she is with Gma Rosie before hand.

Many of you may have already heard that our return trip home was a little more adventurous. We survived the ordeal, but I wanted to elaborate a bit here since this blog is fun to look back on and chronicles our life so well.

So we land in Charlotte on time at 7:05 and make our way to the bathrooms to change diapers and into pjs since we still have a 1.5 hour drive home. We crab our checked baggage and head on our way out to the long term parking lot. On the way on the shuttle we begin to discuss the location of the car keys. It is important to remember that Aaron drove us to Charlotte some 5 days prior. I empty the contents of my purse - no keys. I ask Aaron where he put them to which he replies, "that was 5 days ago, I don't know." I ask him to think. All the while I know we are in trouble. I begin to freak out - even start to cry.

We arrive at the shelter in the parking lot and proceed to tear apart the bags - still no keys. I am really freaking out now. I call my parents to see if, as feared, the keys are still in Michigan. Dad confirms my fears. We get back on the shuttle to which the driver questions where we are going. We tell him car rentals, for now we have to rent a car and two car seats to get home. He sees me crying and hears me blaming Aaron for what has transpired. He tells Aaron he might have an alternative to rental and gives him the number of a locksmith who can get in your car and make a key. Long story short we go with option 2 and get the car unlocked and a new key made. We arrive safely home at 11:30 and put the kids in bed. Many people of since informed me that I will look back at this some day and laugh. I don't think so, but I will never forget this trip and never, ever again forget the keys!

Changes

Well a lot has taken place this past few weeks it seems. Where do I begin? We had a nice Valentines Day - with lots of folks sending cards and things for the girls (lucky ducks to have such thoughtful family and friends). Aaron and I were a little less romantic this year than in years past. I bought him some rather boring essentials. He didn't buy me anything, but instead offered to take both the girls...you heard right, BOTH the girls for a whole day so that I could have some me time. We'll see if this transpires, either way it was a very nice gesture and I am at least looking forward to a few hours to myself that might well include a pedicure!

Avery had her 2 month check up this week and is doing great! She had three shots - ouch! She ran a slight fever (which explains the oh so nice picture below....Kendall taking Marna's temperature) the next day and slept a lot. She is 11 pounds 9 ounces and is 22.5 inches long. Everything else checks out fine. Both the doctor and the nurse were very impressed with her ability to hold her head up - even saying it was more in line with what a 4 month old can do. As always, I am not surprised to know that both my kids are advanced.

Kendall celebrated her birthday at school with cupcakes. She has further enjoyed the barrage of packages that have either been left or have arrived in the mail. Below are some pictures. By the way, thanks to whoever bought the shopping cart - she loves it!

This very cute apron came from Great Gma/Gpa Mason. As you can see she has plenty of spots for her crayons!

Also from Great Gma/Gpa Mason (and always a favorite) are these two new books. She loves her an eye spy!

We went to the zoo this past Sunday as the temps down here are great - 80 degrees today!

For the first time we shelled out the $2 for the train ride. She liked it.

Saying "hello" to the duck and catching a ride on the lion.

Here she is showing off her Valentines cards decorated with all the stickers she got.

More presents from Great Gma/Gpa Mason - cool little dolphins that sing in the tub.

And, a sleep sheep for Avery that makes white noise - just like the one her big sister has.

Kind of in reverse order, here is Kendall opening the presents.

She hugged the packing bubbles.

Aaron has had a late couple of nights past. But, the JV team won their first scrimmage 15 to 1! I think it has everything to do with their great coach. The girls and I are still trying to figure out a routine and Kendall is still testing the limits. Just the other day she nudged a glass bowl off her dinner tray (after me telling her to put it back down and giving me a sly little look of 'I know better, but am going to do it anyway') and it shattered all over the floor. I guess that is what I get for giving her a glass bowl and expecting her to behave while I nurse Avery. She got a good talking to after and was told that momma was 'mad' at Kendall for being 'naughty.' *Don't worry Mrs. Coakley I wasn't too rough on her - although she did cry for quite awhile, I think more because she realized and 'saw' the result of her actions.

We are super excited to head home tomorrow to Michigan to celebrate Kendall's Bday with the Gma Rosie and Gpa Bob and the Denja crew. Kendall has been talking about 'flying on the plane, up in the sky' for weeks now. Let's hope the new DVD player that we bought her does the trick on the plane and during the layovers.

Let the Sunshine

Hello from beautiful SC. The sun is shining and the temps are on the rise. It is suppose to be near 70 by Thursday! Had to get this shot...looks like we might have another thumb sucker on our hands.

Gpa Bob came back to SC for a visit. He arrived earlier than scheduled on Thursday afternoon and will be with us till Saturday. Here he is with Kendall reading the book he brought about St. Valentines. Loved the look on Kendall's face.

"Wow, what's that?"

And lastly, the little champ - holding her head up like a big girl.

If at first you don't succeed...

So we tried it again...Church that is. Kendall, Avery and I packed up at went to church this Sunday. This time we tried the evening mass (which I like better anyway). We were one of only 3 families in the cry room and church itself was pretty sparse given the Super Bowl. I packed the snack and toys and prepared Ms. Kendall for a bribe - if she was good she would get a piece of licorice. We made it through the entire mass and Kendall did remarkable well. It got a bit dicey at the end, but all in all it was a success!

In other news Aaron started baseball practice yesterday. It was suppose to start Monday, but rain delayed in a day. The girls and I did well if I do say so. The schedule includes several Saturday games and Aaron will not get home till about 7 every night, but I guess it is a sign of Spring to come.

Avery's two month visit is coming up - can't wait to see how much she weighs. Our home scales say between 10-12 pounds. She is doing well. She coos more and more and holds her head up like a champ. I think she is also finally falling into a schedule of sorts with two reliable naps a day instead of intermittent. Still a little iffy with the bottle which we have to conquer and quick! She takes about 2-3 ounces and then refuses any more. We had planned on taking her to daycare with Kendall, however a friend (Ms. Cindy who is a retired colleague of Aaron's) offered to take care of Avery. After much back and forth and consternation on whether mom could handle the extra drive (which only ended up adding about 10 minutes to the daily commute), we've decided to take her up on her offer to care for Avery in her house. This will give Avery some one-on-one time (as opposed to being one of 5-6 at daycare) until Daddy can take care of her and Kendall this summer. The bottom line, we delay daycare till Avery is about 9 months old and save a little dough in the process.

Beyond that we are looking forward to our trip home the end of this month for Kendall's b-day and Avery's baptism. In the meantime I am trying to relish my last remaining days home with Avery. If only my maternity leave were longer...

Sick of being sick!

Well we are all on the mend here in the Mason house. Gma and Gpa came down to SC to visit. They spent 5 LONG days looking for a condo/house, they successfully avoided the blizzard of 2011, and we succeeded in passing around the stomach bug the invaded our house (thanks to daycare). As always though, it was a great visit. Gma changes Avery. I am so sick of my kiddos being sick!

Gpa teaches Kendall to throw like a girl.

Gma and the girls enjoy a story.

Everyone enjoyed the nice couple of days in the high 60's.

Avery enjoys her new toyShe's growing fast....

Along with learning how to smile.

Well, after a couple of rough nights, I think we are all getting a bit better. Kendall went back to daycare today and Gma and Gpa headed back to Michigan. We'll see if Daddy/Gpa get hit with the bug. Thanks to Gma and Gpa for all their help with the girls. We love you!