We Survived!

I know the title seems very dramatic, but Kevin survived being in FL during the tropical storm Fay, and I survived practically the whole week with just me and the kids.  While Kevin was battling high winds and flooding on the coast, I was battling colds, fevers, potty training, getting out of the house, and a mind numbing headache.  You pick which one you would have rather faced.  Kevin was supposed to be home by Thursday afternoon, but didn't arrive back until Saturday night.  But we survived, and I think by the end of the week, I didn't break down totally and had some fun with the kids.  We also found a new indoor playground, some good outdoor playgrounds, and I learned to be out of the house during certain parts of the day that were harder.  I visited some friends in NH, and my neighbor had me over for dinner while her husband was away for the evening.  So Kevin is back, the work week is shorter, and the kids are sleeping right now...life is good.  

My sister will be coming out this week with Michael, and we are going to have some fun with the kids over Labor Day weekend.  But can it truly be Labor Day weekend already?  I was just getting used to it being summer!  Well, I am looking forward to apple picking, warmer clothes, and pumpkin spice everything!

I didn't have too many opportunities to take pictures this week, but I did get this very cute clip of Daniel chatting away.  

Good Gagnier Games

Rachel at the top of the slide, she didn't want to slide, but walk down, after she watched Daniel a few times she will get the hang of it.  
Look at the concentration on Kevin's face as he cuts Daniel's hair.  
This photo cracks me up because look how alike they look.  The same white tank, navy blue visor, and they are both squatting.  Like father, like son!  


This week was full of good stuff.  I got to see the movie Mama Mia with some friends, I finished a good book, had some fun moments with the family, went on a date with Kevin, went to the beach, went to the park, just kept things on the move.  I discovered that a balloon is not just a balloon when it is with a toddler, it is wonder and amazement, and a toddler tracker through the stores.  I see the look of determination on Rachel's face as she stands more and more everyday, and watch an older brother develop his style as Daniel realizes that Rachel is moving, playing more with his toys, and is learning how to handle it.  Kevin is off to FL this week, and I am going to learn how to enjoy the kids and have patience with them, instead of get frustrated at the end of the day.  I have a few things planned this week and believe the time is going to keep going.  

I know we have seen Daniel at the beach before, but I can't help to enjoy listening to his laugh!

And here is Rachel with her walker, look at her go!  

Pictures during nap time

I find myself still trying to do a lot during nap time.  I am blessed that the kids nap together, and so blogging is one of those things on the list of things to do during this short amount of time.  I will post the pictures and let them do most of the talking this week.  

Howdy Partner, nice green underwear!
Both have climbed to the top of the stairs together, just wait until Rachel can walk.  
Rachel does enjoy helping out with the dishes, and I like it when Kevin does the dishes, so this is an enjoyable picture for me to take.  
Here we are at Kevin's grandmother's home, and I loved this picture of Daniel looking at the balloon.  We were visiting with Kevin's family this weekend, and it was good seeing everyone.  
Rachel enjoys pointing at things, and here is one example of it.  It is funny to watch her do it.  

I didn't find myself taking many pictures this week, we are just getting back into the groove of life.  But I did take this one of Rachel with her hair up, oh just wait until it gets longer and I can braid it!  The joys it will bring me, I hope she enjoys having her hair braided, because it will happen, oh yes, it will.

Other than that I took the kids to the library this week and I rediscovered it with the kids.  Rachel can crawl around now and play with the toys and books, and there is a pint size potty that Daniel can use when we are there.  I also borrowed Finding Nemo and we watched the fish and the whales this week.  It is kinda of nice I have to take it back because we have the tendency to watch movies over, and over, and over. Kevin and I also got new phones with our verizon plan, Kevin's was dying and mine was pretty beat up.  We bought the blue tooth ability, so I can now talk on the phone and have two hands for the kids, which will be interesting.  

So Kevin has just one or two more softball games left of the season this week, I have a few outings with the kids planned, and I guess life is back on track.  I know it is a little while away, but I have been enjoying thinking about Rachel's first birthday party in the fall and I also have started training for the Lowell 1/2 marathon in October, what things to look forward to!  Enjoy the week!