5 on Friday

1. Nick and I were in Arizona last week.  So this week I am covering two weeks in one.

2. 80 degrees and sunny... definitely not the weather in Iowa last week.   I had a board meeting in Scottsdale, so Nick tagged along to do some mountain biking, and we extended the trip by a few days so we could enjoy the warm weather a little more.  And it was PERFECT!

3.  The girls took their own vacation... to Grandma & Grandpa's (x2) in Ames.  They spent the first days with my parents and then the last day with Nick's mom and her husband.   From the sounds of it, they had a good time.  We were able to FaceTime with them, which was really nice and made being away easier.

4. While in Scottsdale I was able to visit my aunt and uncle (snowbirds living in Mesa).   It was fun to see where they were living, and reiterated saving for retirement so Nick and I can live someplace warm during the winter months when we get older.

5. We were able to get together with one of my college roommates and her husband who live in the area.  This is the couple that lost their young child (1 year old) to cancer last year.   It was great seeing them, having them share their experience with us (although sad, it is also very enlightening to hear), and talking about the fun that is to come in their lives in the near future (they are expecting a little girl in May!)   Wish we lived closer, no matter how long of time between visits--- it is always nice to see them and the conversation is non-stop.

6. Nick and I stayed at a cute little inn, bikes and cafe in Scottsdale after the board meeting.   One morning we took the bikes out for a little ride on the greenbelt.  Although nice, it was not what I expected and wasn't giving me the desert feel that I was looking for.  So the next day we went hiking at McDowell Reserve.   Now that was exactly what I wanted and it was beautiful!   If only we didn't have to hop on a plane that night, we could have spent more time out there.

7. Ellie's favorite part of staying with Grandma and Grandpa Greving: Reiman Gardens.   Her favorite part of staying with Grandma and Grandpa Thorson: playing with the marbles.   On Monday I asked Neve if she wanted to go back to Grandma and Grandpa's house.  She responded with a nod.  Then said, "Me-Ma (aka Grandma) work."  It seems like whenever someone is gone (outside of Daddy biking), they are at work.  I guess Nick and I were at work the entire time we were in Arizona... if only work could be as relaxing as that.

8.  When we picked the girls up on Sunday we celebrated Grandpa Thorson's birthday with lunch at Hickory Park.  Happy Belated Birthday, Grandpa/Jeff!

9. This week was observation week at dance class.  That meant Neve got to stay home with her old day-care teacher, Allison.  She loved it!  And Ellie loved having Mommy watch her dance.  We also learned more details about the upcoming recital... it is going to be really cute and includes the Daddy's dancing with the little girls.

10. After all the excitement of the past two weeks, I think the girls are ready for a little down-time this weekend.  I know I am.

Definition: Cuddle-Rock

Cuddle-Rock (v):
1. To cuddle with a young child while making the rocking chair move back and forth
2. A favorite past-time of our youngest child
3. An request presented by a 1-year old to delay or avoid bedtime

Use in a sentence: Mama, I want cuddle-rock.

5 on Friday

1. Happy Valentine's Day!   Ellie was very excited to take her Valentine bubble's to her friends at day-care.  Neve opted for an applesauce pouch themed Valentine this year.

2. Last Saturday we introduce Nick and Neve to baby Alida!   Neve was not so sure about Daddy holding a baby, but got over it when she realized that meant she could play with Aunt Megan.

3. On Sunday we had our monthly dinner, after a few months off.  It was great seeing everyone again and we loved getting the tour of our friend's new house.

4. On Tuesday night at dinner Nick and I were discussing our upcoming trip to Phoenix.   Here is the conversation:
    K: And I thought we could hit up the Hard Rock Cafe in Phoenix so I can get my collectors glass.
    E: Oh, you are going to Venus!  That is a planet.
    K: No, we are going to Phoenix.
    E: What planet is that?
    N: Phoenix is on planet Earth.
    E: Oh.   We Pluto used to be a planet, but it is not anymore.

Dang our little girl is getting smart... even if she does think Phoenix is Venus.

5. A conversation on our way to work today:
   K: Guess who I get to put to bed tonight!?! (It is my turn to put Ellie to bed.)
   N: NEN!  (aka Neve)
   K: Well, I think it is Daddy's turn to put Neve to bed tonight, and Mommy gets to put Ellie to bed.
   N: (after thinking a few seconds).   Daddy - Ellie.   Mommy- Nen.

I guess we know who she prefers to put her to bed.  My guess is it is because I sang songs to her last night when I put her to bed, and Daddy does not sing much. 

5 on Friday

1. The girls and I made a trip to the grocery store with just the three of us--- for our full grocery list!   This is a first (that I can remember) and an accomplishment in my mind.   I usually try to take just one child, since until recently Ellie would sit in the cart (as would Neve) and Fareway only has single seat carts.   But, with Nick at Baconfest and an empty fridge we did it on our own.  It was actually pretty easy, and I can now start going to the grocery store first thing Saturday morning with the girls while Nick sleeps in.  Do you see the trend in how lucky Nick is (Baconfest and getting to sleep in on Saturday's while I grocery shop with and take care of  two kids)?

2.  I cannot complain too much, as Nick had the girls on Monday night while I was spending the day with my new niece (and my sister) and Thursday while I got my hairs trimmed.  My niece is such a doll--- super easy baby thus far and a lot of fun to cuddle with.   I also had a blast when my 2-year old nephew got home.  At first he was shy, but then he warmed up and was my little helper while we made dinner (he 'taste tests' just like my girls).   I felt really loved when my sister messaged me to let me know he cried because I left.

3. The 2014 Winter Olympics have begun!  Remember when Ellie was just a baby and loved watching the Olympics?!  She was so little!

http://karaandnick.blogspot.com/2010/02/ellie-and-olympics.html

 

4. Ellie has started earning Princess Points for taking naps at day-care (because we went through a very un-fun stretch where she would not take a nap and was falling asleep in the way home or in bed by 6:45 at night).   She is able to 'buy' things with her Princess Points, such as going out to lunch with Mommy or Daddy, time on Mommy's iPad or picking a special dinner on Wednesday's after dance class (because we drive right by Jimmy John's and McDonald's and she always asks if we can go there and I say no).   At first she was trading in her Princess Points for iPad time.   Then we said she could only do that twice a week, so she started saving and had enough to get McDonald's after dance class Wednesday night.  She was super excited!   I was impressed because when I asked her to get me the 10 Princess Points she owed for dinner she asked if she could just give me 9 since I had not given her a Princess Point for taking a nap that day!   Not so sure, but I think the kid might be good at math!

 

5.  Ellie also earned herself a Gummy Life Saver the other day.  Neve saw her get one and wanted one herself.  I told her she had to earn it and could earn it by sitting on the potty.  She looked me and walked towards the bathroom.   Then looked back to make sure I was following her, which I did.  Sure enough, she sat on the potty so she could have a treat.   Unfortunately we were short on time (had to get to dance class), so I had to make her get off the potty.  She was not a happy camper with that...  signs she is ready to potty train???  (She already tells me before she goes and wants to get changed, but until now she refused to sit on the potty.)