April Showers Bring Flowers in JULY!

While March was our busiest month, April proved to be just as busy with just as many celebrations!  We went to Oklahoma to celebrate my sister's and our two kiddles' birthdays.  We love our time there.  Lots of eating and laughing.  

Our Little Man had his 7th birthday...Oh my goodness!  I cannot believe that he once was my little baby!    This year, he wanted to do something different than a party by momma.  Kind of broke my heart,  but also was a bit of a relief because I didn't know if I would be able to pull off another party just 2 weeks from the last.  Who am I kidding?  I already had his planned since January!  I am hoping I can use it next  year because it is a good one!  Perfect for him!

Did I mention that my baby Daddy had his birthday in March?  We got him a waffle maker because he is so obsessed with waffles at various hotel continental breakfasts!  That was a mouth full!  Literally!  He made his first batch for us in April!  A great treat and tradition that the kids will love!
 

Easter!  We went to church and then out for Brunch.  Had some fun taking photos with the family!  It was great having Jill here with us!  I miss that girl so much!  She was my live in friend!

Little Man's teeth were falling out right and left!  He lost a tooth at school and Brian had to pull one.  This last one was pretty awful to get out.  Apparently, the skin had grown back into the center of the tooth.  Twist not once, but three or five times!  Ugh!  Gross!
 

Indianapolis Trip

Do you remember this photo from a while back? I am finally getting around to share these photos from the Basketball trip to Indianapolis.

Every year, Brian takes his team to play on the Indianapolis basketball court and to watch the Pacers play. This trip is really a great time for the players, but for our family too. Our friends and family, including the Baldridge family, make the trip with us. These are a few photos highlighting our little road trip. Totally reminds me of my college trips with friends to see Brian play basketball.

FRIDAY NIGHT GAME:

VIEW FROM OUR HOTEL...AWESOME ROOM:

OUR PLAYERS' GAME ON SATURDAY

We ended up staying another night and got to have some amazing hot chocolate from South Bend in the circle. It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. If you don't have one near by, I usually make my own version that ranks pretty high on the "AMAZING" scale. This isn't a calorie free drink by no means, but warms you inside and out and is super simple.

JAYME's HOT CHOCOLATE
1 cup of Fat Free Half and Half

(fat free makes me feel better about the calories)

5 or 6 squares of favorite chocolate...finely chopped

(you can use Hershey kisses too)

Whip Cream

Marciano Cherries

Heat half and half until it is really hot. I usually do it in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Add the chocolate and mix thoroughly. Sometimes I decide I need WAY more chocolate, so I am not afraid to add some. Top with whipping cream and a cherry. Promise it is pure heaven in a cup.

TRAVEL MAYHEM

Traveling with kids, my kids, is never dull or easy!  Keeping the troops entertained is one way to avoid too many, "are we there yet" questions.  We averaged that question about 2 times every hour...our trip was about 13 hours...you do the math!  This was with the kids actually being entertained with crafts, presents, movies, and whatnots!  

Oh, can you see the excitement?  We are on our way to Oklahoma to see our family and Santa is on his way!  Presents already!  Awesome!

My own DVD to watch?  I don't have to share?  Enough delight to curl my toes...

Starting to get stir crazy...take your shirt off and grab a couple of "drumcels!" 

Play with some passion, people...

I must finish this chocolate, I must sleep, I must finish this chocolate...sleep and chocolate it will be...

Look, I dressed myself up as "The Grinch" using my gum...don't be mad...

Are you kidding me?  ARE WE THERE YET?  IF NOT, I MAY USE THIS "DRUMCEL" TO POKE MY EYES OUT...

Traveling with Kids

Not too long ago, a friend ask for some traveling tips for flying with small children. I am no expert, but have been traveling with the kids since they were super small. Let's see, LM was 8 weeks old on his first plane trip. Miss Peanut was 4 weeks old when we made a 15 hour road trip. Since I just got back from a trip to see my family in Oklahoma, I thought I could relay some of those tips.

1. Create little goodie bag or presents for kids to open up. This last trip, I had little Halloween bags filled with little trinkets (necklace, flip bracelet, tattoos, gummy Lifesavers, etc.).
2. Bring lots of snacks/drinks and when you think you have enough...add some more. You can NEVER have enough! Security lets you bring small drinks through if they are for kids.
3. Have Clorox wipes and antibacterial wipes handy. I'd wipe everything down!
4. Bring activities and books that revolve around a theme.
5. Blankets are a necessity, so the kids don't get cold!
6. Extra clothing/socks for YOU and kids! Trust me...you may need them for yourself. Miss P threw up one time all over herself, Brian, me, and the man sitting near us! We didn't have extra clothes for Brian. YUCK!
7. Make sure the shoes you and kids are wearing are comfortable and easy to get on and off quickly. Security check requires everyone take shoes off and it is awful when people are rushing you to hurry up. You may also want to make sure you all are wearing socks...just seems gross for everyone's bare feet germs to be everywhere.
8. Take a stroller...even if your kids are bigger. Most airports I have flown out of have a special line for this! IT IS SHORTER and helps you avoid standing in a long line with small children. The stroller also makes it easier to keep track of kids because getting distracted will happen in an airport filled with chaos!
9. Take pics of the people you are going to see...builds excitement for kids.
10. DO NOT take any liquids that are more than 2 ounces. You must have liquids in a plastic bag too!
11. Have gum, pacifier, bottle, or chewy candy ready for landing and take off. This helps release tension in their little ears when the air pressure changes.
12. This was my first time on a plane with a DVD player and it would have worked out great if I had charged it! :)
13. Minimize your bags into 1. That means no purse...put important stuff in the big bag and pack purse in suitcase. You can switch it over when you get there!
14. Be prepared to deal with flight personnel and passengers that don't love kids. I hate this, but it is so true! Smile, but remember to protect your kids!

***Couple of funny things that happened on this trip...

• While working with Little Man, Miss Thing spilled a tiny bit of water. She was taking her clothes off when I turned around to check on her! Nothing like a streaker on a plane!
• LM accidentally spilled his drink all over the man sitting next to him. Keep in mind that he was asleep! Ha! What a way to wake up. The guy was totally awesome about it, but I was super mortified!
• The above weren't so bad! I have been on a 12 passenger plane's restroom with two kids. LM was using the restroom while I had Miss Peanut on my hip. She began vomiting all over the lavatory door. That was a mess! Never a dull moment!

HAPPY TRAVELING!