Packing

Every time we take a trip (which is quite often since we live about 3-4 hours both ways from both sides of our families), I make a list. I am a list person. I make a list when I clean. I make lists at work. I make lists for rooms to "overhaul." And, I make lists for when we pack. As I was packing for this past weekend, I thought to myself, maybe I should blog my packing list. That would 1) hopefully reduce my list-making for the next trip and 2) my girls could read this 10 years down the road and pack themselves!

So, here's what are staples when we pack when the girls are 6 and 2 years old:

Macy
pack n play
pack n play sheet
baby
baby blankets
Macy's blanket she sleeps with
sippy
diapers
wipes
diaper cream
lotion
hair bows
# play clothes (# days we're staying + 2 more outfits)
swimsuit (if it's summer)
3 pairs jammies
# church clothes (# of church or graduation or nice place event)
socks
shoes (nice shoes, sneakers, sandals, boots - particular shoe depends on season)
toothpaste/toothbrush

Caitlin
hair detangler
comb
underwear
# play clothes (# of days we're staying + 1 more outfit - include at least 1-2 dresses or skirts)
2 pairs jammies
socks
shoes (usually 2 pair, kind depends on season)
hair bows, pony tail holders
swimsuit (if it's summer)
toothpaste/toothbrush

General
snacks for the road
color books
mini color pens (Caitlin's favorite)
movie player
movies
bottle of water (mom and Caitlin)
presents, chairs, strollers (any seasonal or item needed specifically for the trip)

Dad packs his own and this usually includes golf clubs. That's all I know for his "list."
Mom packs the usual, and includes seasonal items such as a swim suit, and the "get ready" stuff like curling iron, make up, and contact stuff.

And...we usually end up making target run for anything we've forgotten!!!

Early Easter Presents from Grandma Nancy

Grandma Nancy sent Easter presents and boy, were these two ladies excited! This is how today went:
1) School/Daycare
2) Playing outside at home after school/daycare
3) Soccer practice/Macy playing with a little girl at practice
4) Taco Bell - a healthy supper for any family
5) Diego on tv before bath
6) Presents! Whoa - presents!

Caitlin got a princess 3-D puzzle and Macy got a My Little Pony puzzle!

They both got the movie Madagascar, which we do NOT have and have SO wanted! I, myself, can't wait for that one! Thanks, Grandma Nancy and Papa! Happy early Easter! (and Happy Final 4 for the coaches out there who are getting out of going to church twice in one weekend because the Final 4 landed on that date)!

Spring Break, Soccer Canceled, and the Family's all HERE!

The last weekday before spring break ended brought:
1)63 degree weather (to start)
2)a morning in the backyard and in the driveway
3)a picnic at the park
4)a trip to Walmart
5)rain
6)a sudden 20 degree drop in temperature
7)canceled soccer practice
8)and this...

An intense game of UNO Flash!

We did have one player who lost interest every 3 minutes...

But her sister tried to keep her in the game...

We were able to satisfy all with March Madness on tv in the background and a true win by Caitlin!

Our Budding Artist

Caitlin brought home her backpack Thursday and in it was a certificate for her for having her art submitted in the Leavenworth Carnegie Arts Show. We were cordially invited to the show where her art would be displayed.On Friday evening, we dressed up and went to the show. It was quite extravagant! What I had assumed was that every student's art got turned in to the show and a few people would look at it. Instead, the art teacher chose a couple students' art from a couple grades and put it on display at the Carnegie Arts Center in Leavenworth. Each displaying artist got a ribbon when they walked in, designating them as a displaying artist, elegant foods were catered in, and walls of art were in a gallery - like setting displaying fine talents. It was so neat and such a wonderful time of recognition for all involved! We were so proud (and I could feel the pride all the way from Madison from Caitlin's true artist aunt, Kelly)!

Grandma Dawn's Birthday Present

Grandma got Caitlin a Build A Bear gift card for her 6th birthday and promised to come take her there to pick out a bear and outfit and shoes when she came at Spring Break. Caitlin had no idea what Build-A-Bear was, but she found out in a hurry!

After standing in line for 45 minutes (and trust me, this was the shortest it looked all day long!) we finally got to the stand where you stuff your bear (or for Caitlin, her flowery rabbit). Caitlin wanted it kind of floppy, so she stuffed it medium sized. She got to choose a heart and shamrock for good luck to stuff inside.

Caitlin and Grandma had a blast picking out "fancy" clothes for Caitlin's new rabbit whom she named, Princess, of course. They picked out a fancy ballerina outfit and some fancy heels to add. It came with a bow to put in her ears and it was a GREAT experience!

Just Readin' with my Dad

No caption necessary to describe the joy of this moment in both of them...

Presents from Aunt Kelly

Caitlin and Macy got their presents from Aunt Kelly just one day late, and my mom even predicted Kelly would be worried about them being late! Caitlin ALWAYS knows her Aunt Kelly will come through in the fancy, glittery, stylish DRESS category!