I actually can't remember which night it was, but we let the kids open the Christmas presents from Uncle Adam and Aunt Krista. Ryan got a play tool set, a "Tex" car from the movie Cars, and another Mater car to replace the one we thought he'd lost at home. Daddy eventually found the other Mater in the bottom of one of his shoes. Alyna got a doctor's kit, and a Tinkerbell activity set. Within 15 minutes of opening the two kits, Alyna was making sure that the pieces didn't get mixed up. All the doctor's stuff had to go in the blue case, and all the tools had to be in the orange case.
It was a longer day to get home on Monday, but it was very similar to the ride there. The kids knew what to expect more, so it was a little easier to go through security and walk down the aisles of the plane until Mommy said to stop.
I woke up at 4:30 am (EST) to fed Kellyn, then got myself ready and made sure everything else was packed away. We woke the twins up at 5:45 to change diapers, and gathered all the last minute items like the white noise machines. Alyna laid side-ways on the bed looking out the door into the living room while Ryan was being changed. Then she asked very clearly, "Uncle Adam, what are you doing?" when she saw him picking up suitcases to take outside. That was the first time I mentioned to them that we were going bye-bye on the planes again to go home. They got excited.
Neither slept on the ride to the airport at 6:30 am. We said goodbye to Aunt Krista, made it through security, ate breakfast in the food court, spent 15 minutes in the family bathroom, and made it to our gate with plenty of time to spare. Once again I passed Kellyn around when I needed to take care of Ryan and Alyna. They both fell asleep at different points on both flights. We had a 2 1/2 hour layover at DFW so we ate lunch, played at a play area, and visited the family bathroom 3 times to change 3 different sets of poopy diapers. (Better there than on the plane.)
We were all very excited to Daddy met us at the baggage claim in Midland. We ate dinner nearby and drove an hour and a half home.
We spent the rest of the week recovering... and putting up Christmas decoration. It took about a week for the kids to start sleeping past 6 am our time again.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Boston Adventure: Part 3 (Museum and more)
Monday was a lazy, stay home day at Aunt Krista's house. Alyna found a new favorite movie in Stuart Little. I don't think she understood most of it, but she kept asking to watch the mouse movie.
Tuesday we bundled the kids up and braved Boston's chilly Atlantic wind to head downtown to the Children's museum. We made it out of the house with the 3 kids by 10 am, and had a great time.
Kellyn actually slept most of the time in her stroller or was content to look around. That left Aunt Krista and I to help the kids explore the exhibits. We didn't even make it to the 3rd floor because there was so much to do on the first two floors.
We spent lots of time in the first room we went through teaching science lessons using golf balls. There were lots of ramps to roll the balls down to see what would happen from different heights. The circle ramp (pictured below) was a favorite because they could watch lots of balls go down and around.
Note to moms: wear short sleeves and sweaters to a children's museum so you can remove the sweaters for the water room. They got their sleeves all wet, though thankfully that was about all. They didn't even WANT to go into the sandbox which was just fine with me.
In the Kindergarten room, they both spent their time right where I would expect them to be. Alyna was mostly in the section marked for Creative Arts, and Ryan was over in the Math and Science area. Alyna spent her time playing with magnets and organizing shapes and colors onto 4 squares. Ryan drew with markers on the white board and loved turning the gears that interlocked together (our little engineer in the making).
In the toddler playroom, Ryan discovered a huge train set that kept his attention for over half an hour. Though he looked into the other areas, this is all he did the whole time, and he cried when I made him leave.
Alyna found a room with a play house, kitchen, and lots of baby dolls. She played with the shopping cart to collect food, and rang the door bell on the house repeatedly.
We headed home about 2 at which point the kids all fell asleep in the car. They even slept another hour when we got home too because they were so worn out from all the walking and exploring.
Wednesday was another lazy, home day. By the afternoon, Krista's dog was a little irritated at the twins constantly bothering her while she tried to nap so the dog went to visit a friend dog down the street for the afternoon and evening hours.
Thursday we went shopping for clothes for Kellyn, took Aunt Krista to a doctor's appointment, and ate lunch out.
Friday we stayed home again... love having lazy days in between the busy ones, especially with a little baby.
Saturday we did more shopping and visited Uncle Adam at work. He is a manager at a Walgreen's store, and had a Santa there to take pictures, but Ryan and Alyna wouldn't go near him. Oh, well. We also spent about 15 minutes looking for the Lightning McQueen car I mistakenly let Ryan take inside with him. It was in my diaper bag... after looking all over the store.
Sunday we went to a mall with a play area while Aunt Krista looked in a couple stores. Ryan tried to take another boy's shoes because they had Lightning on them... we may have to get him some of those next time. We ate lunch and went home for nap time. We worshiped again with the Quincy house church and had a good time with them again though several people were out of town.
It was a funfilled week, and a great time for them to get to know their "Unco Anam" and "An Kissa" who live so far away.
Tuesday we bundled the kids up and braved Boston's chilly Atlantic wind to head downtown to the Children's museum. We made it out of the house with the 3 kids by 10 am, and had a great time.
Kellyn actually slept most of the time in her stroller or was content to look around. That left Aunt Krista and I to help the kids explore the exhibits. We didn't even make it to the 3rd floor because there was so much to do on the first two floors.
We spent lots of time in the first room we went through teaching science lessons using golf balls. There were lots of ramps to roll the balls down to see what would happen from different heights. The circle ramp (pictured below) was a favorite because they could watch lots of balls go down and around.
Note to moms: wear short sleeves and sweaters to a children's museum so you can remove the sweaters for the water room. They got their sleeves all wet, though thankfully that was about all. They didn't even WANT to go into the sandbox which was just fine with me.
In the Kindergarten room, they both spent their time right where I would expect them to be. Alyna was mostly in the section marked for Creative Arts, and Ryan was over in the Math and Science area. Alyna spent her time playing with magnets and organizing shapes and colors onto 4 squares. Ryan drew with markers on the white board and loved turning the gears that interlocked together (our little engineer in the making).
In the toddler playroom, Ryan discovered a huge train set that kept his attention for over half an hour. Though he looked into the other areas, this is all he did the whole time, and he cried when I made him leave.
Alyna found a room with a play house, kitchen, and lots of baby dolls. She played with the shopping cart to collect food, and rang the door bell on the house repeatedly.
We headed home about 2 at which point the kids all fell asleep in the car. They even slept another hour when we got home too because they were so worn out from all the walking and exploring.
Wednesday was another lazy, home day. By the afternoon, Krista's dog was a little irritated at the twins constantly bothering her while she tried to nap so the dog went to visit a friend dog down the street for the afternoon and evening hours.
Thursday we went shopping for clothes for Kellyn, took Aunt Krista to a doctor's appointment, and ate lunch out.
Friday we stayed home again... love having lazy days in between the busy ones, especially with a little baby.
Saturday we did more shopping and visited Uncle Adam at work. He is a manager at a Walgreen's store, and had a Santa there to take pictures, but Ryan and Alyna wouldn't go near him. Oh, well. We also spent about 15 minutes looking for the Lightning McQueen car I mistakenly let Ryan take inside with him. It was in my diaper bag... after looking all over the store.
Sunday we went to a mall with a play area while Aunt Krista looked in a couple stores. Ryan tried to take another boy's shoes because they had Lightning on them... we may have to get him some of those next time. We ate lunch and went home for nap time. We worshiped again with the Quincy house church and had a good time with them again though several people were out of town.
It was a funfilled week, and a great time for them to get to know their "Unco Anam" and "An Kissa" who live so far away.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Boston Adventure: Part 2
Saturday we played around Aunt Krista's house all morning
After nap time walked down the street to her best friend's house for Krista's baby shower. She is due in February with baby Madison. It was wonderful to meet all of her friends and share that special day with her.
Ryan kept his new favorite toy close by... though we did have to hunt for Lightning McQueen a few rare times when he'd play with another toy.
On Sunday we went to a local mall to eat lunch, play at the play area, visit the pet store, and get supplies from Target.
We worshiped on Sunday night with the Quincy Community House Church. It was a special experience to worship with the group. The two 2 year olds certainly added a new level to their experience and Aunt Krista eventually took them and the 1 year old upstairs to play. We shared communion and dinner before heading home.
We Skyped on the webcam with Daddy that night, and they also took a bath in the big whirlpool tub. Each night was a little easier to get them into bed, but they still would ask to go home to their own beds.
After nap time walked down the street to her best friend's house for Krista's baby shower. She is due in February with baby Madison. It was wonderful to meet all of her friends and share that special day with her.
Ryan kept his new favorite toy close by... though we did have to hunt for Lightning McQueen a few rare times when he'd play with another toy.
On Sunday we went to a local mall to eat lunch, play at the play area, visit the pet store, and get supplies from Target.
We worshiped on Sunday night with the Quincy Community House Church. It was a special experience to worship with the group. The two 2 year olds certainly added a new level to their experience and Aunt Krista eventually took them and the 1 year old upstairs to play. We shared communion and dinner before heading home.
We Skyped on the webcam with Daddy that night, and they also took a bath in the big whirlpool tub. Each night was a little easier to get them into bed, but they still would ask to go home to their own beds.
The Boston Adventure: Part 1
We left the house at 7:30 in the morning and with the time change driving into Texas, checking bags, diaper changes, feeding Kellyn, and going through security, we barely made it onto our 11:30 am flight to Dallas.
Security was by far the toughest part of the trip both ways, but not because of the newest measures we've been hearing about. It was just tough to get shoes off, bags off, Kellyn out of her carrier, the twins out of their stroller, walking through the metal detector, calling the kids to follow me, and then putting everything back together again. It took 15 minutes just for us to go through. They also tested the breast milk bottles I had in Midland, but didn't seem to care about them in Boston. What does that tell you about the security?
As we walked onto the small airplane, Ryan realized Daddy hadn't come with us and started crying his name. Everyone on the plane seemed to think this was very sweet. I pulled out his monkey cuddley, and a new Lightning McQueen matchbox car for him... and he seemed to forget everything else. That Lightning McQueen stayed attatched to his hand all week long. Alyna got a new My Little Pony and several new coloring books for the trip. She was also glad I brought her baby doll and her "Find Elmo" book for her to look at.
Alyna sat in the single seat by the window by herself and I sat across the aisle from her next to Ryan. They both did very well and Kellyn slept pretty much the whole time. I got a can of juice from the flight attendant to split between their two sippy cups.
We had a lunchtime layover in Dallas so we went to the McDonalds where they also have a few toys for the kids to climb in/over. They didn't actually eat anything, so I just packed up their nuggets and took them to the next flight with me.
The 4 hour flight to Boston was as good as it could be. A nice lady named Jennifer helped me down the ramp and to our seats with the kids. They kept trying to sit in available seats as we'd walk by them, but we were at the back of the plane. Jennifer said she had 2 small children of her own (though not with her) and if I needed any help to let her know. During the takeoff, I fed Kellyn a bottle and changed her diaper, then passed her to Jennifer when we were in the air. She held Kellyn for over an hour because she fell asleep. I put "Mater's Tall Tales" on the IPod for the kids to watch, and Alyna fell asleep. Ryan actually watched Mater twice through and then got down on the floor to play with his cars. Everyone was willing to help watch the kids for a minute while I took a trip to the restroom, and took Alyna potty too.
At the end of the flight Kellyn was flirting with the older gentleman on the aisle a row behind me. When Ryan started acting up and not wanting to sit in his seatbelt, I asked if he would hold her. He gladly accepted, and even sang, "Old McDonald had a turtle?" to her and put her to sleep. He held her for the landing, and I could keep Ryan entertained and in his seat.
It was after 7 pm (EST)when we met up with Aunt Krista and Uncle Adam in the Boston airport. We got our luggage, went to dinner, and almost immediately upon arriving at their house started putting the kids to bed. At this point Ryan started pointing to the door saying, "bye-bye" repeatedly. After that long day he wanted to be home.
Security was by far the toughest part of the trip both ways, but not because of the newest measures we've been hearing about. It was just tough to get shoes off, bags off, Kellyn out of her carrier, the twins out of their stroller, walking through the metal detector, calling the kids to follow me, and then putting everything back together again. It took 15 minutes just for us to go through. They also tested the breast milk bottles I had in Midland, but didn't seem to care about them in Boston. What does that tell you about the security?
As we walked onto the small airplane, Ryan realized Daddy hadn't come with us and started crying his name. Everyone on the plane seemed to think this was very sweet. I pulled out his monkey cuddley, and a new Lightning McQueen matchbox car for him... and he seemed to forget everything else. That Lightning McQueen stayed attatched to his hand all week long. Alyna got a new My Little Pony and several new coloring books for the trip. She was also glad I brought her baby doll and her "Find Elmo" book for her to look at.
Alyna sat in the single seat by the window by herself and I sat across the aisle from her next to Ryan. They both did very well and Kellyn slept pretty much the whole time. I got a can of juice from the flight attendant to split between their two sippy cups.
We had a lunchtime layover in Dallas so we went to the McDonalds where they also have a few toys for the kids to climb in/over. They didn't actually eat anything, so I just packed up their nuggets and took them to the next flight with me.
The 4 hour flight to Boston was as good as it could be. A nice lady named Jennifer helped me down the ramp and to our seats with the kids. They kept trying to sit in available seats as we'd walk by them, but we were at the back of the plane. Jennifer said she had 2 small children of her own (though not with her) and if I needed any help to let her know. During the takeoff, I fed Kellyn a bottle and changed her diaper, then passed her to Jennifer when we were in the air. She held Kellyn for over an hour because she fell asleep. I put "Mater's Tall Tales" on the IPod for the kids to watch, and Alyna fell asleep. Ryan actually watched Mater twice through and then got down on the floor to play with his cars. Everyone was willing to help watch the kids for a minute while I took a trip to the restroom, and took Alyna potty too.
At the end of the flight Kellyn was flirting with the older gentleman on the aisle a row behind me. When Ryan started acting up and not wanting to sit in his seatbelt, I asked if he would hold her. He gladly accepted, and even sang, "Old McDonald had a turtle?" to her and put her to sleep. He held her for the landing, and I could keep Ryan entertained and in his seat.
It was after 7 pm (EST)when we met up with Aunt Krista and Uncle Adam in the Boston airport. We got our luggage, went to dinner, and almost immediately upon arriving at their house started putting the kids to bed. At this point Ryan started pointing to the door saying, "bye-bye" repeatedly. After that long day he wanted to be home.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
We're Home
We made it home safely on Monday evening. I got up at 4:30 am (EST) and we left Aunt Krista's house at 6 am (EST). Our 2nd flight arrived in Midland, TX a little after 4 pm (CST), fed Kellyn, ate dinner, and drove 1 1/2 hours home to New Mexico arriving around 7 pm (Mountain time). Long, long, day...
Full trip report at a later date.
Full trip report at a later date.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
We're off
Friday is the big day. The adventure begins at 7:30 in the morning (mountain time) with an hour and a half drive to the Midland, TX airport factoring in an hour time change to central time. We'll check in, say goodbye to Daddy, go through security, fly to Dallas, eat lunch, and then fly to Boston arriving at 6 pm (eastern time). Please pray for safe and fast travel for us.
I've got a front carrier for Kellyn, a double stroller for the twins. We'll stuff our coats in the basket of the stroller except when we have to leave it to be gate checked. Alyna and Ryan each have a small backpack for their own toys, coloring book, change of clothes, cup and snacks. I've got a large backpack for all our extra things, and a small diaper bag that will fit under the seat for the immediate needs.
I'm so excited to see my sister and meet all her friends up there.
Side Note:
Kellyn had another growth spurt last week and at 3 1/2 months old she weighs 15 pounds.
I looked back at my archived blogs, and at the twins' 6 month checkup they were just shy of 15 pounds. Kellyn feels so heavy to me, and she is already starting to look snug in some of the 3-6 month clothes. It was already fully spring when Alyna got to 6-9 month clothes, so Kellyn may actually need an all new wardrobe soon. Even at only a month apart the hand-me-down system doesn't always work.
I've got a front carrier for Kellyn, a double stroller for the twins. We'll stuff our coats in the basket of the stroller except when we have to leave it to be gate checked. Alyna and Ryan each have a small backpack for their own toys, coloring book, change of clothes, cup and snacks. I've got a large backpack for all our extra things, and a small diaper bag that will fit under the seat for the immediate needs.
I'm so excited to see my sister and meet all her friends up there.
Side Note:
Kellyn had another growth spurt last week and at 3 1/2 months old she weighs 15 pounds.
I looked back at my archived blogs, and at the twins' 6 month checkup they were just shy of 15 pounds. Kellyn feels so heavy to me, and she is already starting to look snug in some of the 3-6 month clothes. It was already fully spring when Alyna got to 6-9 month clothes, so Kellyn may actually need an all new wardrobe soon. Even at only a month apart the hand-me-down system doesn't always work.
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