Ohio

We were in Ohio last week for my grandfather's funeral. I decided to go because I wanted to be with my mom on the loss of her parent (I missed grandma's funeral about two years ago because we had no money) and also to have that possible one last time to see all the aunts, uncles and cousins.

I can now say that I have performed with my Uncle Tom. He sang a beautiful song called "If you could see me now" and I did sign language for it during the service. I liked this type of funeral since just about every member of the immediate family did some part. It felt special more than just having a service done by a pastor.

I was nervous about flying by myself with two kids. The flight there was perfect. Both boy fell asleep during takeoff and woke up when we landed. The flight back was awful. Ryan cried for 40 minutes straight about a car that didn't exist. He then fell asleep. The guy next to me was really nice, but I wanted so badly to crawl under a rock. I was so embarrassed because it wasn't just crying it was screaming as loud as he could.

I had fun with my aunts, uncles and cousins while in Ohio. My aunt has a new dog named Nessarose and she is so sweet. Ryan was scared of her the first few days (he's been scared of dogs since a pug jumped on him and took his chips), but by the end of our stay he was telling me he liked Nessa and wanted a dog like her. We got home and he was still talking about her and telling me his dog is going to be named Presto. Nessa is a toy poodle and costs about $300... I don't think we're getting one anytime soon. Even Tim liked Nessa, except when she barked at him.

We spent afternoons at a local park and Ryan loved it. It was huge and awesome. I even liked it.

And now we're back and enjoying some warm weather in Maine and wishing to be with family again.

A good Friday

We had a lovely Friday this week. Adam, the boys, my sister-in-law and brother-in-law and niece all went to Old Orchard Beach to enjoy the nice weather we were having. The pizza and pier fries were yummy. I have to admit I was pretty upset when I dropped my Lisa's Pizza on the train tracks and then had to settle for Bills because we were crossing the street. I am a Lisa's fan.

We took the kids for a walk on the beach. Tim wanted badly to get down and explore, but I could only imagine having to take handfuls of sand out of his mouth. Ryan wanted to go home, apparently sand is not his thing, especially when the wind is blowing.

We had an amazing time. The sunshine on my skin and the sand between my toes made me feel at home.

Adam and I then went to dinner at the Steakhouse in Wells. We both had baked stuffed lobster and steak. Oh so yummy! I love the Steakhouse and was so glad we were able to have a date night. Neither of us could really recall a date night since maybe my birthday in January.

We also had to go to the opening night of Big Daddy's ice cream shop. I ended my perfect day with Kahlua brownie ice cream.

Four days

I am really excited for the next four days. Adam is here with us in Manchester. On Saturday, we take Ryan (and Tim, but mostly Ryan) to see the Easter Bunny and do an Easter egg hunt. I think it will be so much fun. Today is supposed to get sunny and warm and we'll play outside and bbq our dinner! It will be nice to go to church together on Sunday. It seems like a long time, but I'm sure those four days will fly by.

It's hard being away from Adam for a week at a time, but being here in Manchester has been so refreshing. The sunshine has been awesome. Change has been good.

Ryan draws and paints for Adam and hangs his artwork up to show daddy. He says, "Daddy be so happy of my work!" He's growing into a boy. He's not my baby from a year or two ago. Since we've been here he's managed to tuck himself into bed. He "reads" his books to his Uncle Vince instead of the other way around. And last night he said, "I have to go potty." Then he went in and did the whole thing himself!

And Tim.... he's just getting into trouble while here. He LOVES the cats, but they hate him. He chases them and they run away. He tortured Princess one day till she swiped at him. He isn't allowed to be near the cats or their food. He teases Ryan by stealing his toys and he fights back when Ryan hits him or takes his toys now.

And me....I've gotten to read books during the afternoon because I have managed to get both boys to nap at the same time every day. I've also been working on my Wii skills. Adam brought a new workout game for me so we can continue to work on those stubborn 20 lbs.

And for the next four days I get t hang out with my husband and the kids and have like a mini vacation here in Manchester.