Back to Arizona and Then Back Home

We drove back to Arizona to spend a couple more days with family before we flew back home. We had spent a lot of time in the car during this trip. The kids did great but at this point, we were all ready to be home. The kids missed the dog, the van, their beds, school, etc. 

 On Friday, the kids spent the morning on a special project for Nana's birthday. Then Derek and I got to hang out together while the kids spent the afternoon at Nana's house. 

On Saturday morning, we threw a surprise party for Nana!

Nana opened her presents -- a stepping stone from each child for her yard.

Happy Birthday Nana!

After the party, we spent some time at the park before we had to get ready for the airport.

Travel was much lighter when we left, but we still didn't get home until past midnight.

The kids were so excited the next morning when I picked up Ryder and brought him home.

Grandparents Day and Pinwheels for Peace

Nana came to visit and be a part of Grandparents and Special Friends day at school. The girls were so excited to have Nana be a part of the day. 

As part of the PTO hospitality committee, I got to help set up and prepare for this big, special day! Nana started off in the cafeteria with a light breakfast and coffee. After a quick message from the principal, she joined the girls in their classrooms. She met the girls' teachers and friends, walked around the school and made her own pinwheel.  

The kids worked on their pinwheels in Art class in the weeks leading up to Peace Day. 

The entire school gathered outside to place their pinwheels in the peace sign. 

It was a fun morning! Thanks Nana for making it special for the girls!

Someone is Turning 5 Next Week!

Since Nana was in town visiting, we had an extra celebration for Makena's birthday. For dinner, we had Makena's favorite dinner -- burritos! She wanted Rice Krispy treats for dessert, so I made her some that looked like a cake. 

She finally received the Dora and Friends charm bracelet she's been wanting!

Nana is ending her week with us and heads back home in the morning. I'm sure she's looking forward to the warmer weather! It was nice having her around during the snow days and for the start of Spring break.

First Time Fishing

We took the kids fishing today at Bass Pro Shop. They provide all the equipment and let you fish in the river in front of the store. It was a great introduction to fishing. Karis was super excited as she's been wanting to fish for a long time

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Kyle wasn't too sure what was going on.

Karis quickly caught her first fish! Makena held the pole but once she saw the fish come out, she lost interest. She was quite squeamish (see her in the photo below). She caught one fish but didn't stick around long enough for me to take a photo.

Kyle tried too. He was more interested in the button and reel. 

Another fish! This one was squirmy!

Kyle didn't want to get near the fish.

Waiting for Daddy to catch a fish.

He caught one!

Since Makena lost interest, Nana took her into the store where she spent most of the time jumping in and out of ATVs. She had a much better time doing that than fishing!

Afterwards, we went to Chik-fil-a for lunch and then Nana had to catch her flight back home.

A Week With Nana

During Nana's visit, the kids spent lots of time outside, blowing bubbles, going on walks and riding their bikes around the neighborhood. That gave me lots of time to run errands and prepare for Kyle's party. It was also nice to get a break from Kyle's clinginess behavior that he's been exhibiting the past few weeks. Nana gladly took care of him, fed him and played with him all day. 

Derek and I went out a couple of times. When we left, the kids cried because they didn't want us to leave. That made us realize that we need to go out more often like we did when we were in California. Since we moved here, we haven't gotten a babysitter and now the kids are so used to having us with them all the time. Hopefully we can find a handful of people we feel comfortable leaving our kids with and we'll go out regularly.