Week 10: Full of love!

March 6:Readathon continues! Grace read for 70 minutes, Kailee read for 60! My little bookie monsters love to read. They especially love the library of books that we have in order to fulfill their minutes with pleasure. While you both love a good chapter book but no one writes a good book like Mercer Meyer or Laura Numeroff. My girls you are still my innocent babies at heart! I'll take it for as long as you'll let me have it that's for darn tootin' sure! You both wanted to enjoy the sunshine. You soaked it up and let it kiss your cheeks! You came in feeling refreshed; almost as if the sun baptized you again!

March 7: The sunshine is gone. It's G-O-N-E gone...what the weather people predicted at the beginning of the week took a turn I guess and now it's soggy, foggy, coldish, no sunshine weather. It's no fun to go out in because everything is icy and not nicy! You went to school in the daylight though; which is nice! We love that the mornings are light and it makes pulling ourselves (okay just mommy) away from the warmth of the cozy bed so hard. All I need to hear is your laughter radiating through the house though and it makes pulling myself away from my dreams much easier. I woke this morning to happy girls -- the kind of happy that makes you feel like we're doing a good job being your mommy & daddy.

When you came home from school Kk read to Gg.

Daddy had to do a fun little experiment with you tonight.

Readathon update: G read for 60 minutes, K read for 80 minutes.

Kailee got to see my 7th grade teacher, Mrs. Leach. She was at Ottawa again this week to expose all the children to what Raven Hill has to offer to families. You both wanted to go there this coming weekend because it's a "free" weekend but we have other fun plans -- going to a hotel with Grampa Lou & Gramma Deb to see Great Auntie Roxanne, Great Uncle Terry, Teresa & Allie!!! Once you were told that; you understand with a smile and even more excitement! Maybe we can hit the "second" week free day next month though!!


March 8: We didn't do a movie night tonight -- after you were done with readathon'ing you were ready for bed at 7 p.m. You both read again tonight for 60 minutes! After the reading you went into your room and made a "Girls Club" complete with bean bags, books, a creating area and naturally a singing and dancing area (however that was closed off to the mama-arazzi!) Daddy was feeling a wee bit left out so, Gg ended up writing the sweetest letter to daddy.

March 9: Up early and ready to go; hi ho hi ho -- it's off to Boyne Falls we go to meet Grampa & Gramma and be on our way to start the fun we will have today -- hi ho hi ho hi ho! We left Boyne Falls with some light banter between Grampa & Gramma and that quickly involved mommy and Grampa! He was in quite a mood I say! Teasing like all get out! You both read for a half hour in the beginning of the ride but the excitement was building on what we were going to do! You loved having Gramma & Grampa's undivided attention. (They spoil you rotten not only with attention but love!) You both love being the center of their attention but not only that -- you are given a little more "lee way" with other things; like having a treat before dinner.

We arrived at the Super 8 at about noon, then checked into our room. You both were so excited; we hadn't been in the room 2 seconds and you had off your boots & coats and were getting out your cozy blankets and deciding where you'd sleep. I have to say; it totally warmed my heart and even made me giddy to see that exuberance! The girlies got into the room and immediately wanted to play cards.

 After we received the call from Aunt Roxanne they were there; we met them outside and went to lunch at Burger King. You were very excited to see Allie; hugs were exchanged and plans were being made on what you were going to do together. It was fun to watch you talk with Allie about school, about being ready to go swimming and sleeping at a hotel. 

After your chicken tender delicacy your bellies were "full and happy" so we rant to Walmart to get a few necessities... circus peanuts and pop for Gramma and apparently a Zoobles D.S. game for Grampa. Yeah that sounded just as suspicious to me.

 After arguing and Grampa trying to steal my check out items (which made Gg say, "please don't fight Grampa, it makes me sad." Gg had to be explained that we aren't really fighting we are playing silly); we went back to the hotel and went SWIMMING! You were ready to go in no time flat! So, Grampa & Gramma got on their suits and off in search of a pool we went; it was a quite a show -- water wings, towels, "inner tubes", my bulky camera around my neck and find my gimpy self with crutch in hand... we were quite the Motley Crew. You swam and swam and swam! The water in the bigger pool was a bit chilly but Grampa braved it with you both and Gramma "braved" the hot tub! After an hour and a half of swimming; you three little ones were getting water logged so off to more adventures.

 While you were dressing there was some adult discussion about what to do next. So we starting "googling" things to do in the West Branch area -- turns out there isn't much. Their movie theater had only 3 movies all of which were a little on the suspenseful side for three wee girls so, Uncle Terry thought of bowling! Oh that was the best thing ever! We went over to the bowling alley at about 4 p.m., we had to wait for a lane to open up so we ventured off into their game room; which wasn't much a game room as it was a pool table with a basket ball game and 3 working video games, but "game room" was far more entertaining for you three than the five adults. Kk played the basketball game and Allie tried the car driving game... Gg wasn't interested in much that was there; I don't blame her -- there wasn't much to write home about.

Then we were called; mommy "raced away" to pay for it; because that Grampa and I were going rounds about who was paying for what. We got the "fancy" shoes from the ever so detailed attendant in charge of the shoes. When I handed them to G she said, "wow these smell like a doctors office" - turns out she's right. But better that than stinky feet. There was so much laughter, joy and leaning to get that ball to roll just where you wanted it... all was priceless and perfection. I'll let the pictures tell the story.

 All that bowling made bellies growl... you think it was the smell of the fried cheese sticks and popcorn making you think you were starving so instead of splurging on that we decided to go to dinner at the Lumber Jack Diner. On our way out -- someones got a little distracted by the quarter machines. Quite distracted in fact and Gramma Deb made the distraction fun -- quarters were had by all.

 Let's begin with the best part of the Lumber Jack Diner; the gift shop that you just happen to walk into when you enter the restaurant. There were toys... toys...toys all within reach. I think mommy said, "look with your eyes" more times than I said, "what's that magic word?" Of course it wasn't said a ton but it was said enough because it turns out you were saying it without being in my ear shot...or so I'm told very grumpily by Grampa. For dinner Kk had chicken strips with fries and a Root Beer in the bottle and Gg had a quesidilla with fruit and a lemonade. Everything on both of your plates was gone! Such good little eaters!

 

 

 When your bellies were full again you were all ready to swim! At 6:30 we made our way back to the hotel, put on the cold wet swim suits and you hoolies had a ball! First in the hot tub to warm up and then into the big pool with the Grampas -- where you were invited to play a little volley ball. You spent a good hour or more playing, swimming, spending quality time, while I watched from the side lines all smiles loving the joy that blessed your faces.

Once we seeing yawns and sleepy eyes; we knew it was time to go. With eager anticipation of what the night will entail you both hopped out of the pool and into your towels without a hesitation. We went back to the room and you got your showers complete and your cozies on for the night. You snuggled into the beds without a second though. While Allie and Kailee played cards.

Gg was fast asleep in a matter of minutes after finding her place between Grampa & Gramma -- this is where she slept for a few hours then when Aunt Roxanne, Uncle Terry and Allie went back to their room; Grampa & Gramma moved into the other bed with Kk since she called dibs on them. Gg didn't mind though; she loves a good mama night time snuggle. Kk didn't go to sleep though until well after 9:30 because Grampa was explaining how the card game he was playing on the iPad worked. 


March 10: Spring Forward... it has to be the hardest part of Spring -- because everything else we love! But, early morning with no daylight to make it worth while is really hard to motivate us to get out of bed. It wasn't until Grampa said to Gramma, what time is it? That G picked up her sleepy head, looked around and climbed out our comfy bed into bed with Gramma, Kailee & Grampa. It was quite a sight... just picture it; all 4 of them squished into a queen size bed. If I hadn't been so tired from all the snoring I would have taken a picture but laying there with my eyes closed for a few more minutes sounded much better. Then Aunt Roxanne came over to wake us up at 7 (which was actually 6 - yawn). We all got ready but only the 4 of you went down for waffles and cinnamon rolls -- mommy stayed in the room and packed up our things and I rested my achy knee. You came back to the room one by one; first Grampa brought G back; then Grampa brought K back and here's what we did:

Taken by Mommy

 

Taken by Kk

We sent this to daddy because we missed him. G looks so somber. Silly!

By 9 a.m. we were on our way back to Gramma & Grampas house. It was a quieter ride home... tired hoolies perhaps?

We got to see Abby & Jordy for a brief half hour before we left; they had to come and do some little cleaning in the old house and get their Auntie Ria snuggles of course. We then made our way home just after lunch... we all snuggled on the couch for a bit before you both made your way into your play room where you got out your Lala's and were playing sweetly. Then it was reading, then bubbly baths and bedtime by 7. I think you were both relieved when we said it was bedtime. You were so tired; but so happy. When I asked if you had a great time; you said "YES" without hesitation. Your favorites from the weekend; Gg - swimming with Gramma in the hot pool and Grampa in the cold pool. Kk said that bowling and getting the high score was her favorite.

March 11: *Yawn* *stretch* *eye rub* Monday already?

Today I was watching a tv show and it was mom who was a minister... and she spoke some words that had me a little intrigued and cheering "right on!" in our living room. My job is to be your advocate and your meter for right and wrong until you are able to make those decisions yourself... which is why this made sense.
"I'm giving you permission to hate me at times growing up; I'm your mommy - I have big shoulders and the ability to know you will love me unconditionally." To me it really made sense... (because this is how I felt about Gramma & Grampa at one time or another throughout my childhood) one day you'll grow up and thank me for letting you hate me for not letting you do things (and this is so true!) But me not letting you do things will be (note: I didn't say 'could') the reason for you growing into respectable, brilliant, kind hearted young women. My only goal as your mommy to do right by you for your future. My goal for you is to respect adults, do respectful actions for yourself and be a respectful individual in society. You goals in life will reflect this; I know it because you already do it. I know that you will change the world; I feel it in my bones.

Guess who hit another milestone of sorts... Kk!!!! Look what she did!!

 

Last night long after you were fast asleep it rained! It poured! It was some maj cats & dogs raining goin on...in fact I thought someone was knocking at the door a few times because the rain was hitting the door so hard.  I am praying this is a sign that Spring is on it's way as that goofy little rodent promised way back at the beginning of February! 

March 12: The Tooth Fairy Came! THE TOOTH FAIRY CAME! *holding dollar in hand as though it was a letter from Yale* She left me a DOLLAR!! *Big hugs for mommy*.  This is the phrase of the morning! Kk was SO excited that the tooth fairy gave her a dollar for her tooth! She is so proud of herself for pulling out her tooth all by herself. She is so proud of herself that she wasn't afraid of the pain. Daddy and I are so proud of you and your bravery!

So... guess what what we noticed this morning? Not green grass. Not buds on trees. Not even a beautiful rainbow or sunshine from all that rain last night. Some how... at some point during the night... the rain turned to SNOW! Can you believe that?! What the heck? What in the world? I mean really?!? All that rain was melting all the snow. I could see green grass last night and it was a sign of hope. Then I wake up to this Winter Wonderland once again this morning. It's pretty... but it would be prettier if this was December; not March.

Yep that's tonight! Daddy is going to your conferences again in place of mommy but I will be there via speaker phone. I will update tomorrow!