Family Visit Day 1

Dad, Mom, Lacey and Cole finally arrived Thursday morning! Technically they were supposed to come Wednesday night, but there were some bad storms here because of Hurricane Dolly. We were having some pretty intense lightening, so their flight was postponed in Chicago for about 5 hours. That gave me plenty of time to do some grocery shopping beforehand. By the time I got back with them from the airport it was 3am. Of course we were way to excited to go to bed right away so we didn’t end up going to sleep until 4:30. The only hard thing was explaining to Jacob & Caleb why they couldn’t go play with everyone right away when they woke up at 6:30. Luckily they were entertained in their room with a bowl of cereal & the dvd player. They managed to wait until 8 before pouncing on everyone. It was so fun to have everyone together again. They boys immediately started a pillow fight with uncle Cole and they did their best to wake up Aunt Lacey. Matthew loved playing in everyone's luggage and got lots of loves from Grandma & Grandpa. We had a yummy breakfast and just enjoyed the morning together. Mom & Dad even brought the boys some gifts from Great Grandma & Grandpa Tanner who are on their mission in Mexico- some shirts & well-used whistles! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa- they love them! It was a bummer that Jeff wasn’t able to get time off during their stay- he worked everyday except Saturday & Sunday; we did get to do some fun things with him in the evenings though. And luckily Dad got pretty much everything we did on tape- so we'll all be able to enjoy it for a long time!

Thursday, needless to say, we spent most of the day around the house just enjoying each other, catching up with naps, visiting, and of course playing! Jacob and Caleb were in heaven having Grandma, Grandpa, Cole & Lacey here. They played nonstop, and also kept everyone pretty entertained with all the funny little things they would say and do.

Thursday afternoon, Dad and I went to go pick up the rental car. Dad followed me home and I was pretty impressed with his driving skills-he adapted pretty quick to city driving here. We were able to find a mini van for an ok deal. We didn’t want to have to take two cars everywhere we went. I’m glad we did, it was so much fun to be able to be together-even as squished as we were. If Jeff was at work, then only two of us had to share a seat; if Jeff was with us, then Mom, Lacey, Cole & I all shared the two middle seats. Good thing we love each other so much!

When we got back from picking up the rental car, we all went to go get some water ice at Rita’s. It was everyone’s first experience and they all loved it. We went to a nearby park to enjoy it, and play at the playground. The pictures say it all, we had a fun afternoon! We didn’t get to stay too long before we headed home for dinner and to get ready.

Thursday night, Jeff and I took Mom & Dad to Les Miserables as part of their anniversary gift. They celebrated their 25^th anniversary on the 27^th of this month! Matthew, Caleb & Jacob had the best babysitters ever- Cole & Lacey. They had a great time and did a fabulous job. Dad, Mom, Jeff and I had a great evening too! Les Miserables was playing at the Walnut Street Theatre- the oldest theatre in the US. It was a little tricky to find parking- it was pretty crowded downtown; but eventually we all made it to the theatre. Jeff had gotten great seats and we loved the musical. The actors were incredible- I liked most of them better than the Broadway ones. The music was amazing, I was singing the songs for the entire week afterwards. Mostly it was fun to be with Dad and Mom- we had such a fun night together. When we got home, the boys were in bed and we stayed up visiting with Lacey and Cole. It was definitely a busy, fun-filled day! I feel so spoiled having family here with us. It’s actually the first time that we’ve had my family (other than Mom) out to visit, and I love it! We’re pretty cozy here in our small 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 800 sq ft apartment with 9 people, but we’re so happy & wouldn’t have it any other way!