Excuses, Excuses

So I haven't been good about keeping up with the blog. I have my reasons - there wasn't a lot going on, and then we took a vacation. Of course once we got back I had catching up to do, and then I got sick with a cold and the flu. But the excuses shall end now - as long as the girls nap lasts at least another ten more minutes.

As I mentioned, Brian and I took a vacation a few weeks ago. This was a belated trip for our 5 year anniversary. Allison and Amelia stayed at "Camp Nana and Papa's." They had a blast and didn't miss us a bit. Not once did they get whiney or ask when we were coming back. Who needs Mom and Dad when you have Nana and Papa and nine cousins to spoil you rotten?  A huge thank you goes to my family for watching the girls! Amelia was under the weather when we left and my Mom took great care of her. Even though I was a bit stressed about her being sick, I wasn't stressed about leaving her with my Mom.

So about our trip. Brian and I flew to San Antonio and drove down to South Padre Island for a couple of days.  The gentleman at the rental agency gave us a few different color options for our car and I picked yellow. I figured we would never lose it in a parking lot. I think after having a tan car for the last nine years, I might just pick a bright color for my next car. We lovingly named the car "the yellow bee."

We arrived in South Padre on Wednesday night to gorgeous weather. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, where I was most looking forward to sitting on the balcony and listening to the waves at night.  Well, we were able to sit on the balcony; we just didn't get to listen to the waves because a) our room faced the parking lot and Bay, rather than the ocean, and b) even if our room faced the ocean, the peaceful sounds would have been interrupted with the beep-beep-beep of bulldozers backing up. The city was dredging the beach that week and had crews working late into the evening.  It was still a nice view from our room.

On Thursday and Friday, we relaxed and didn't do much other than lay out or go to the beach. I read two books on the trip.  Both the mornings and evenings were very foggy so even if we wanted to go on a boat tour, we wouldn't have seen much.  On Thursday, I insisted on sitting outdoors to eat lunch even though it was super windy.  I think one of the things I most looked forward to on this trip was being able to go out and eat in peace.

On Saturday, Brian and I drove to San Antonio and met our friends Rick and Tina, who drove down from Austin. We hit up the Riverwalk for dinner and drinks. I also made a great discovery at our hotel. Drury Inns offer a free reception every evening with food and drinks (wine, beer, and mixed drinks). I think I will be searching for Drury Inn when we travel from now on.

On Sunday, we strolled around the Rivewalk and hung out by the pool enjoying the 90 degree temps. Later that night we took a tour boat ride. The weather was perfect - low 70s with a slight breeze. As we walked back to our hotel, I dragged my feet and was dreading going back to the room. I knew it was going to be a long time before I enjoy those temperatures. I kept asking Brian if we could sit down for a bit.

The next day we arrived safely back in Michigan and headed to my parents to pick up the girls. They were very excited to see us; the girls weren't going to let Brian put them down for a long time. Overall it was a great trip. I am very happy that Brian and I had this opportunity to spend some quality time together. 

Random Cuteness

Sunshine and Bubbles

A few days ago, it was sunny outside, so we jumped at the chance to go outdoors. The girls had fun playing with the bubbles that Nana and Papa sent them.

Valentine's Day Party

 

Snow Day

Last Wednesday we received almost 16 inches of snow, keeping us at home. The girls were very curious about the big piles of snow that were out there. We left their snow gear at daycare, so we could only take them outside for a few minutes to take pictures, which was enough for me.

 It took Brian over two hours to clear the driveway. The girls would peek outside to watch him. If it snows much more before we have a warm up, I'm not sure where we are going to put the snow from the driveway.

We spent the rest of the day inside keeping the kids entertained and enjoying some snuggle time.



Source of Inspiration

Allison and Amelia were playing dress up and Allison asked me for a purse. As she put the purse over her shoulder, all dolled up in high heals and fake jewelry, she said to me "I'm a mom!"  I'm not delusional....I knew she wasn't getting that from me, however I wasn't prepared to maintain a straight face when she "I'm a mom, just like that" and pointed to the Mrs. Potato Head on her table. Maybe I should start getting some fashion advice from Mrs. Potato Head.

The next day, she put my robe on and said "I'm a mom!.  There you go kid, that is more like it. With the super cold temperatures we have been having lately, she has been seeing me in a robe much more lately.

Allison Claire

Age:  3.5 Years Old

Personality: Serious at first, however once she has checked you out or has become familiar with the situation she is silly and goofy.  Really cares for and about others.

Favorite Food: Candy (i.e. her treat bag).  Yogurt, especially when mixed into a Smoothie. Chicken Nuggets with plenty of ranch dressing. Churros at Costco. Everything else can be hit or miss.

Likes: Building towers with blocks, playing dress-up, doing workbooks, playing games, doing puzzles, and watching TV. She is a bit of a homebody and would much rather stay home and veg.

Dislikes: Cleaning up her room, being told it is bed time and Mia hitting her with either her hands or innumerable thrown projectiles.

Relaxes by:  Having her back rubbed at bed time and snuggling with her Mom (and watching TV is high up there too.)  Also likes rubbing soft fabrics (like blankets or her pajamas) over her lips.

Allison is really into helping out in the kitchen when we are preparing meals. Once the meal is ready, she will announce to everyone that it is "Eating Time."