Day Ten - Last Day

Today we got up and going early because we had to go to the other end of town to take family pictures. Jason's sister, Michelle, is a photographer...so we met at her studio and she worked really hard to get all the family members, including 12 grandchildren, to take pictures. We hope we got some good shots. Then we headed to the lunch to meet Uncle Junior, Nannie and Michelle and the kids for lunch....thanks Uncle Junior!! We took some pics there of the kids with Nannie and Uncle Junior and said our goodbyes. This evening all the family came over to have a cookout (ended up being indoors because of rain) and birthday celebration for Angel since her birthday is Wednesday. The food was all yummy (got more recipes) and Angel loved her cake. She was overwhelmed with all the cousins to play with and looked like the queen bee opening her presents with all her cousins eagerly watching and wanting to help. Thanks to everyone for making it so special. Then we got some pics of Jason with his sisters and brother and of him with all the nieces and nephews. It was a fun night and sad to say goodbye to all of them. Angel will miss her play buddies!! Then the packing began....ugh....we are going to have to mail a box back...so off to bed and hopefully we will have a successful and easy flight experience tomorrow....will keep you "posted"...hehe. (a lot more good pics in slide show)

Day Nine

Today the girls are still not doing well with the allergy issues...poor babies. We had a leisurely morning and Grammy made breakfast of cheese eggs, toast and sausage. Then Ann and the girls came over and Grandpa brought Miranda (Mike's daughter) over. We got to see Mike (Jason's brother) finally as well. Miranda and Lexi had fun singing and playing music with Angel up in the play room. Then everyone left to go to a little fundraiser carnival for the Police Department but I stayed home with Emma so that she could nap and not be out in the hot weather!! The carnival ended up not being too much and the kids were afraid of the clowns....so after some popcorn and root beer floats they headed to Daniel's (Mike's son) soccer game and to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. I will sure miss that when I am gone. We went to mass tonight at mom and dad's church and met some of their friends. Then after mass we went to eat at a local Seafood place, I believe called the Riptides. Ann and Jason and the girls met us there. When we came home, Angel helped Grammy make goodies for tomorrow's dinner and birthday celebration. Then she called Poppy and we went to bed.

Day Eight

This morning we got up and "Aunt" Joanie made a yummy breakfast...Angel was still being funny about eating, but the teething has a lot to do with it I think. So far my kids have had a hard time with the teething issues. Emma crashed for a nap and we just hung out and visited with Joanie. They took Angel in the backyard to the water to find ducks and pick flowers. Then she enjoyed helping Joanie get the air out of the mattress and play with the beautiful and fun doll house Joanie has. We had some lunch and then stopped by her office to say goodbye to her daddy, PopPop. Speaking of PopPop....my PopPop (maternal grandfather) turned 87 today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY POPPOP...we love you!! Then we were on the road again. (Thanks Joanie for the girls beautiful outfits too!!) Angel was tired but every time she would fall asleep her poor little head would come crashing forward and wake her up because she was uncomfortable. So...mommy had an idea and thinking I should market it...maybe call it the Napper Wrap? The pictures of it are hilarious....but it worked....kept her head upright and allowed her to sleep!! I found a fleece scarf in the car, and tied it around the car seat and put it over her forehead!! It scrunched up her nose so much, she looked like a little piggy...we laughed so hard....but a desperate mother with another baby fussing will try anything to get the kids to sleep!!! So don't be surprised if we make millions one day....hehe. We made it back to Richmond and headed over to Jason's sister Michelle's house for dinner. We had pizza and visited with Grandmaw, Aunt Kimmy and Tyler and Lauren, and Aunt Chelle-Chelle and September and Connor and Jacob. Angel had a blast playing in the backyard with all the cousins and fun toys!! We definitely need to get some outside toys this summer! So far we are having a very ROUGH night getting the kids to sleep....we are playing tag team, but because both of them aren't feeling good with the teething and allergies, all they want is mommy. AAHHH. We were going to play some cards with Dad and Mom, but on my third trip back downstairs with another child, I saw Mom putting away the treats we had gotten out....oh well, so much for good intentions. And hopefully I am off to sleep......

Day Seven

Well, Wednesday night was our first difficult night. Poor Emma has gotten some allergies since she has been here and had trouble breathing while sleeping because her nose was draining so much. Even with nose drops and suctioning it, we had to keep her upright to sleep. I have been having a rough time with the allergies since I got to VA, as has Jason. But we got going Thursday morning packing for our overnight trip to Norfolk. Jason and Angelica went to September's school and surprised her for lunch. When they got back we loaded up the car and were on our way. We arrived to Norfolk around 4ish (after remembering how much I hate the traffic and the bridge-tunnel!) and Joanie had made a delicious Italian dinner. She opened up her house to anyone that wanted to stop by....it was so good to see Colleen and her hubby and new baby, Dave & Mary, Ginnie & Becky, Carol and the twins (loved Alyssa's pigtails and Sean gave Angel her first kiss!), Wendi, Melissa & Chris and the 4 kiddies, and John Domingo!! John - I feel like I caught up with everyone thru you!!...and I am serious about organizing a youth group reunion!! I wish I could have had more time but it was good to at least get hugs and catch up a bit and have people meet Angel and Emma. Angel crashed sometime during the busy talking and poor Emma finally got to sleep, again upright and with daddy on the couch....hoping her nose and allergies get better soon!! Thanks so much Joanie for letting us stay with you and visit. The air mattress was great! We love you so much!!! (I think both the kiddies are teething as well...Angel's first two year molar came in today!)

Day Six

Today Mom took off, so we had a nice breakfast together. She and Angel cooked bacon and pancakes!!! Then we went to a couple stores she wanted to show me, and of course found some fun things to get! We then stopped at a STARBUCKS and got our coffee fix for the day. Angel was having fun wearing her sunglasses and hat and saying "Cool!" When she does it, she points her finger in the air....so cute! Then we met Ann, Lexi and Olivia at the Richmond Metro Zoo. It was very nice and we saw LOTS of animals. Luckily, Angel wasn't scared and really liked the monkeys and the ducks. There was a giraffe there that you could feed and it puts its tongue all over you....but she was scared about that. Mom and Lexi and Olivia fed it though. It was about 80 degrees or more, so it was hot walking around (especially when you are carrying a baby in a front pack). I think the pollen here is really getting to me too, because ever since we landed in Richmond my throat and nose have been bothering me a lot!! Grammy bought treats and toys for the girls when we were done and we headed home, all a little tired and hot. For dinner tonight Mom just got this neat cooking grill rack that you put in the middle of a table and cook the food in front of you. We did red pepper, shrimp, beef, scallops, asparagus and mushrooms.....very yummy. She seasoned them and such the night before. Underneath it you melt different cheeses to put on potatoes....fun and different to do....we were all STUFFED!! Angel of course played outside some and in the boat with Grandpa and Mom and I went to Kohls so she could get some birthday gifts for Angel. Now we all hope we have a good night sleep!! (Check out the slide show for some neat pics of the animals....we got some good ones!! And too many good ones of the day to show here)