After 2 1/2 weeks of fun and adventures with Grandpa, Grandma, and Mammaw, we said goodbye to the gang, and put them back on an airplane headed for the chilly Midwest. We all had so much fun having our family here this winter, and we are hoping that next year when most Ohioans start migrating to Florida to seek warmth during the winter, maybe our gang will head to the middle of the Pacific to find a warm escape!
My pictures forthis post are all scrambled up, and after getting up at least 6 times last night (3 with Jude, and 3 for on-call issues at work) and then heading in to the hospital at 4 a.m. for a delivery, I am too tired to mess with rearranging the photos...so please try to keep up with my scattered train of thought tonight.
Jude has been enjoying his bath-time in the sink. Nova has been totally itno her "mommy" role, and has asked me to teach a "Mommy Class" so she can learn every thing she needs to know. She actually set up a little area in the living room, and sat on the carpet with her dolly, and wanted lessons on things from changing diapers to applying baby lotion. She's such a little sweetheart!
The day before the gang headed back to Ohio we braved some serious-looking rain clouds and headed out into the bay on the Pontoon boat. We had a brief episode of rain, but for the most part the weather cooperated (aside from some big wind gusts!)
The Stickley Boys! A Handsome looking threesome if I do say so myself!
Having some extra pairs of hands around the house was incredibly helpful over the last few weeks. We had quite the little system going on for our morning routine. Grandpa and Grandma would get up early and take the girls in to school. Then Mammaw would rock and feed Jude his morning bottle, and help him settle down for a little nap while I got ready for work...Oh, the luxury of a quiet shower and time to actually blow-dry my hair without worrying about a fussy baby! Jude seemed to really love his special time with Mammaw, and I always came upstairs to find him snuggled up and fast asleep! What a special time!
More bath-time fun wtih my little helpers
Some pictures back on the boat. Snuggle-buddies Jude and Mammaw cuddled up under a big blanket, and Jude slept for most of the trip!
Our resident Gilligan-look-alike was fully prepared for his "3 hour tour"
Grandma and her little buddy
I braved the wind (and cold water!) for my first try at stand up paddle-boarding. I have to admit (especially since it was witnessed by a boat full of people) that my first time wasn't exactly "graceful". I am definitely attributing some of my problems to the wind and choppy water, but eventually I did get the hang of it, and although I nearly drifted off to see at one point (The current was rather strong!) I had a great time on the paddle board, and I'm looking forward to perfecting my skills!
It was overcast and chilly, but that didn't keep Cris, Juneau, and Nova out of the water!
Juneau was super brave, and was actually really good at trying the Stand Up Paddleboard all by herself! Thankfully her first attempt wasn't quite as dramatic as her mom's :)
After swimming, all the kids were ready to snuggle up with Mammaw under the big blanket, and enjoy the ride back to the Marina
We were able to cram all of us into the minivan....unfortunately for Grandma the little girls all had to squeeze into the way back (including Grandma!)
We were so thankful that Mammaw made the long trip to Hawaii to spend this special time with us. The memories the girls were able to have with their Great-Grandma are priceless. As Mammaw was sure to remind us, it is all by the grace of God she is in good health, and was able to make the big trip to Hawaii. We thank God for this blessing!
It's a rarity to have an extra set of hands around to take a family photo of all 5 of us :)
Next post will be Jude's SIX MONTH UPDATE!!!! Can you believe it?
0 comments:
Post a Comment