Yes, I am Still Here!! - Part 1

Sorry about the long time between posts. We were visiting my parents up in the St. Louis area Thursday, June 7th through this last Sunday. I had internest access while there (high speed even), but we kept ourselves pretty busy so I never got around to blogging :)

So, I will try not to make this too long, but will give a little overview of what we have been up to for the past 2 weeks.

Wed, June 6th was a running around day to get last minute things done before leaving town for a week & a half. The errands included Drew getting a haircut...and BOY did he get it cut! We had a different gal cutting it, and she asked if it was all done with the clippers...and me not thinking said "Yes, a 1 tappering up to a 2" OOPS!!! I forgot that the very top is usually a little longer than a 2 and usually trimmed with the scissors. Ah well, he looke ready for summer now with his super short haircut The evening was spent trying to pack everything for the trip. MAN that was a lot of stuff for 4 people!!

Thurs, June 7th: Last minute packing and laundry as well as trying to straighten the house a bit before leaving town. Then it was time to load up the van. Once again I was VERY happy we have a mini-van rather than an SUV. That extra room has certainly been put to use more than once! Originally John wasn't suppose to get off work until his usual 7pm, but he got most of his stuff done earlier in the week and we were able to head out around 4:30/5 pm. So then it was time for the 3 hr drive to my parents' where we arrived with enough daylight left for Drew to try out their new swing set Grandpa had rushed to have put up in time for the visit

Fri, June 8th: Butterfly House in Chesterfield, MO
My mom had the day off work so we took the boys to visit the Butterfly House. Drew had been begging to go there and had even talked about it more than the zoo. But for some reason he wasn't in the mood to be there that day. He didn't seem real interested in it and afterwards refused to go next door and ride the indoor carousel.
That evening we went to my parents' church (the one I grew up in) for a spaghetti dinner they were having as a fundraiser for the kids to go to camp.

Sat., June 9th: I met with the gals I went to high school with in the morning to work on plans for our reunion next year. It was great getting to see them both again and do a little catching up. It was also really good for the 3 of use to sit down and hash things out and get a clear focus and plan of what needs to be completed. The boys spent that time with Grandpa and Grandma. Then I think it was just hanging out at their house the rest of the day.

Sun, June 10th: Church and then over to see my brother & sister-in-laws new house. I can't wait to see it all finished! And I am SO excited to have them all back in Missouri!!! (Still haven't gotten to see that new little nephew of mine and he is already almost 4 months old! :( )

Mon., June 11th: My dad had to work and my mom had some tests she had to go have done at the doctor's office (to check on her carpel tunnel and other problems in her hands and arms). So the boys and I went to see my grandparents (my mom's parents'). What an ordeal that was just getting the 3 of us out of the house! I finally got us out and was getting Zach into his seat when I noticed he had a poopy diaper....back inside we go. Got him changed and us back out to the van and all strapped in when Drew starts having a melt down that I left his water cup inside. So back in I go to get that. Oh there were other things, but we finally got on our way. We had a nice visit with my grandparents...although we didn't get to see much of my grandpa since we was out running errands when we arrived and after about almost an hour he returned...by then it was time for us to get going to I could get the boys fed and down for naps. At least we got to spend a little time with them :) It was their first time seeing Zach since we weren't with my mom's side for Christmas Eve (we were with John's family up in the Hannibal, MO area). That evening my dad and mom cut grass. Well, mom helped cut most of the front and then I helped finish the front and then helped cut the back (a BIG job since they cut probably around 3 acres...thankfully they have 2 tractors and a walk-behind). Drew got to ride with Grandpa on the big tractor and help cut the back for awhile after his nap. Zach got to try it out too. Drew was still a little apprehensive, but Zach LOVED it! lol


Tues, June 12: St. Louis Zoo!
Ok, since I have more pictures to show of this I will start a second post. If you want to continue to read...read on...if not, I will say bye for now and hope to have a MUCH shorter post the next time....and hopefully not so long between posts (thanks for checking up on me Carol! :) )