Ohio

I just spent a wonderful 10 days with Kevin's parents. Since Kevin was in New York training, I went and visited my in-laws all by myself with 3 kids. I got a lot of "you're crazy" looks, but it was actually really good. Hannah and Gavin are old enough to walk and carry their own mini suitcases stocked with all the fun toys and snacks they needed for the flight. Luke slept for about half the flight and the kids quietly colored and watched the new movies I got them.
When we arrived, Joyce was there to greet us and get the suitcase (I only packed one!). Allison let me borrow her extra car seats so I didn't need to bring any. Thank you Allison!

Thursday: We went to the Farm Park with Allison, Sam and Elise. I love that place! We went there about two years ago in the summer, but when you go in the spring you get to see all the baby animals. There was a baby goat that was born at 9am that day! It's so amazing to see all the animals up close. Unfortunately, my camera battery died, so no pictures. That night Allison went to the hospital to have her baby.

Friday: Allison had her baby! It was a girl, Claire Marie was born around lunch time. I was at home watching all 5 kids. It was a bit intense, but we went for a bike ride down the street and had a good time together.

Saturday: We brought the sun with us to Ohio because the weather was amazing. We (Steve, Joyce, all the kids and me) went to an Easter Egg hunt. We met the Easter Bunny... kind of freaky if you ask me!
It was ridiculously crazy.

All the kids had a good time though.
Joyce took me to JoAnns. Not just your normal JoAnns, but the headquarters!!! Hudson, OH is about 20 minutes away. I know, I'm lame, but I had to take a picture.
That night we dyed eggs. Here are Sam and Gavin getting ready.
Sunday (EASTER): The Easter Bunny came and left the kids notes!
It couldn't have been more perfect of a day. The kids were hunting for their eggs in all the daffodils.

A little competitive guy

Mamo J and her girls (except Claire)
Luke and Papa T really bonded, Luke was so content with him.
Luke has really grown up. He's 4 1/2 months now and really interested in food. He is rolling over and doing so well sitting up. He had his first "baby cup" (that's what Gavin calls them) at Mamo J's house.
Hannah enjoyed one of her favorite activities with her Mamo J... cooking. Hannah is quite the little chef.Luke is eating everything. I loved his face when he found Hannah's box of crayons.
The kids ate a lot of popsicles, but hey, that's what you do at Grandma's house... eat candy, cookies, ice cream, and popsicles!
My last night in Ohio I went to the Cavalier's game with Steve. I had a great time with him. It was a Daddy-Daughter-in-law date. Luke was so good at the game. He loved it! He got a bit fussy during the second quarter, but after a quick snack he was ready to finish the game. He lasted the whole game!*Luke has a clogged tear duct, it's starting to clear up. Hopefully, it will open on its own and he won't need to have it punctured.

Steven and Joyce went to South Africa in February and brought home a rhino from Build a Bear for Gavin. He finally got to stuff it. He loves his rhino.
We had some time to kill before our flight home so Papa T splurged for the Mini Bungee. The kids loved it!Hannah was crazy with the back flips!



More happy Luke with his Papa T!
We had a great flight home. Luke slept for the first half and the lady next to me was just dying to hold him, so she held him for a good hour, they were singing and talking to each other and he was giggling. The flight attendants all wanted to hold him and took him on walks. It was awesome. Gavin got tired, got his blanket and rhino, and went to sleep for the last hour and a half.
Hannah and I watched the Princess and the Frog together. I had so much help getting off the plane too. It was really easy traveling with 3 kids alone.

I had a wonderful visit with the best in-laws anyone could ask for. I was able to relax and actually enjoy my kids because I wasn't worrying about all the things I had to do. I am so grateful for Steve and Joyce.