Wednesday, November 23, 2016

cousins!


 The cousins get to meet for the first time, they were super excited to meet the cousins and get to know them. They have had a blast hanging out and getting to know each other. fun times!




 We went up Sanatorium Hill, great view but you can see the rain coming, and yes we got wet... but all good fun!


It will be a fun summer with the family.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

The flight to NZ


 Its October 4th and we are off to the airport, I could not believe how much luggage we brought - its crazy.


So here we are waiting for the airport - my goodness we added a few extra stories lol,
Once we made it through security we had to go down the escalator and Jaylee decided it was too scary and did not get on with me, I could not stop as I had all the hand luggage I could carry. standing at the bottom there was no getting her to come down on her own or with Kate. so after the other 2 made it down I ran up the double story escalator - took about 2 min to get to her - I was sweating! Just what you want to do right before you get on a plane...
I  then went down with her, just dumped her on the second escalator and came after with the luggage, she was not happy.  I admit I could laugh at the situation at the time, though Erik later telling me that the security guards were probably watching and laughing while it was happening did not help...



 I sat with Jaylee for the first part of the flight, Kate and Anna sat together, so we that worked out well. They were supper excited for their first flight ever.



They managed to keep themselves busy on the flight, so we did well bringing all we did for them to do - though next time we will try and travel much lighter... too much...



 On the train from the national terminal to international.


Our second and final plane - This time the kids had their own tv screens, we got food, I was on the other side of the isle from the 3 so it was trickier, but they were fine. Also the elderly Indian gentleman next to Anna helped her out where he could.  But I did not get much sleep is an understatement. The girls did pretty well and got about 5 - 6 hours sleep.


We made it in one piece - well all except one bag, which was in another plastic bag and I did not see it until Kate said "hey that is my dress" We were all tired. With every line we had to wait at Anna would cry a little more, I had to try and convince her that Oma was waiting right on the other side of the wall. Kate was my champion with helping with pushing the second cart, and being a real big help with a positive attitude, I could not have done it without her. Jaylee was her happy go lucky self who seems to need less sleep then any of us. As soon as we saw Oma and uncle Erik, Anna stopped crying and was happy and I started - lol. for a moment anyway. They slept in the car, also they got over the jet lag instantly, It did take me a few more days... but we made it :)

Monday, November 14, 2016

Camping and Cedar Point

Right before we left to NZ we went camping on lake Erie and went to Cedar point.
We really had so much fun.

On Friday night we spent the night at a camping half way to the lake, it was really funny seeing our camping spot on the road as we kept driving the next day.


Caleb surprised us with going to Cedar point amusement park for the day on Saturday. It was so much fun and the girls really enjoyed themselves.



The Ferris wheel was awesome because we really got to see the whole park and the lake. Though it was also pretty chilly :)







Anna and Jaylee on some smaller rides while Caleb and Kate got to go on a bigger ride.





 We went back to the car for some food and rest, Jaylee took a good hour nap - She really needed it and then was totally able to go strong the rest of the day and keep her energy up.



 Jaylee and I took a nice long ride on the train, in the picture below the lake is behind us, with the light you can't see it...




I took a turn on a roller coaster with Kate and Anna.




 love these photos.
Caleb and the girls on one last ride at night with the girls.


 A great end to an awesome day!



 We woke up at the second camping spot. beautiful sunrise on the lake...





 Jaylee got a Frisbee to the face - was kinda funny as I just told Kate - don't hit her in the face, and what happens with the next throw? 


 Lunch!

What a great weekend!

September


Chilling by the river at Greenville falls.
We managed to catch the equinox and balance an egg up on its end.


 We celbrated Kate's birthday early this year due to our trip to NZ. So that involved brownies...

 

Kate got her present early (also her Christmas present)
A laptop, now she can play Dota with Papa on the other side of the world...


 or in the other room...



 Caleb fixing the roof, he has done major work on the house. He is all things amazing!
We also got to go out to Buffalo Wild Wings - Thank you Auntie Kirsten!



We had fun with the girls hair
 

Anna was unwell one of the school days, Herbie came and lay with her on the couch and kept flicking his tail onto her feet, that is enough to make anyone smile.