As Husband and Wife

It's hard to remember what life was like before children-especially after three of them.  But it didn't take long for Mark and I to remember when we were away from the kids.  This past weekend we had a friend's wedding to attend up in Chicago.  When we learned about this wedding we thought it would be exciting to go one night early and stay downtown (Mark had never been). 

One of my most favorite hotels is the Palmer House Hilton!  It's old and beautiful and right in the middle of everything.  We arrived Friday night and got ready to go out to dinner (we were very excited to sit and eat all by ourselves).

 This was our view!

 After an enormous dinner we decided to walk the 16 blocks back to our hotel on Michigan Ave. I was tickled to have Mark see downtown this way.  It was an excellent way to kick off our weekend together (alone).

The next day it was on to our friend's wedding.  We enjoyed catching up with friends and meeting new people.

So you may wondering how the heck we could get away and where were our children!  This was the hard part of the whole trip-preparing to leave them.  I was super excited, but really emotional.  Lucky for us we have very special people in our lives that wanted to help make this weekend happen and realized we needed the time together.

Each child went somewhere different to experience some alone time.  I packed each bag (except Lincoln because he stayed home) and prepared a folder with phone numbers, medical releases and any other information.

Avery went to St. Louis and stayed with my parents.  The following pictures are all text messages sent to us during our trip.

Avery spent a lot of time shopping and received multiple dolls and multiple new outfits.  She also had Mum and Papa wrapped around her finger-even talked Mum into having a sleep over with her every night.

She also got to "participate" in a bike race downtown with her cousins.  I write "participate" because she just rode her bike on the side.

When we picked her up today she immediately fell asleep in the car.  We were thrilled she got this special time with her grandparents and are so thankful-they are amazing people!

 

Speaking of other amazing people-Nanny and Papa H.!  They were generous and took Macklin.  He got special time with his cousins and was spoiled rotten with attention.

We didn't hear much from Mack because he was not sad about us being gone at all.  This little boy loves being alone.

Wouldn't you?  Look at the stuff he got to do.

Below is a video of Mack in his cousin on Cohan's new ride.  You can decide from watching this video if he is ready for his own...

Then our youngest little pumpkin stayed home with my best friend and her future hubby.  There were no phone calls asking what to do because they did an amazing job and he was so happy the whole time.  He also LOVED his alone time.

Mark and I knew he was being loved with these two!  They are great with him and he smiles a lot for them.  He even slept in for them a few mornings!  What fabulous friends and we can't wait to return the favor for them some day.

 

It's hard work to find alone time and just be husband and wife!  I know we won't be doing it again for a while, but this was an amazing bonding time for us.  We had so much fun being together with no interruptions from the kids.  I missed them every second (and might have cried a bit), but knew it's healthy for them to see their parents together having fun.  This took a village of friends and family and we are more than thankful. 

 

I enjoed taking the time to see us more than parents-we started as husband and wife and that is the foundation to our family!  Much love to you Mark! And much love to our special people!!!!!!

Our Charming Macklin Turns 2

Dear Sweet Mack,
You turned two! I can't believe how fast those two years have gone and how much you have changed as a person. You came into this world so peaceful and joined our family. As the years moved on you have developed the most amazing personality. You know you're funny and are always trying new things. We are always watching you and amazed by how you have no fear of life! You have made us throw the parenting books out the door and relax and enjoy who you are as an individual. Everyday we learn something new from you.  Turning two was a big deal and we loved celebrating it with you.

 You had a very special day. Let me show you...

The presents were waiting for you when you woke up.

You and your best bud dined together.

Then Nanny came over to watch Avery and Lincoln so we could go to lunch with just you.  Mum and Papa came into town to join us.  We went out to eat and they gave you your first tool bench.

Then when daddy got home from work it was time to open presents!

You love your new scooter and so does Avery.

After we opened all your presents we picked up Nanny and headed to get yummy pizza.

Look at the cool picture daddy got to hang in the restaurant.  You were impressed!

The day didn't end there (even though you were very tired) Nanny had presents waiting at her house.  You got more tools and  lots of fun toys-we also sang you happy birthday.

We had so many cupcakes and pieces of cake the week before-Nanny thought you would like some ice cream and you loved it.

It blows my mind that two years ago we were welcoming you into our family and now I couldn't imagine our lives being any different.  Thank you Mack for the joy you give us as parents.  We are so proud of who you have become.  We love you THIS much!

Love,
Mom and Dad

Princess Avery Turns Three

Dear Princess Avery,
(If anyone refers to you as anyone or thing else you are quick to remind them it's princess Avery!)

Three years ago mommy and daddy were heading to a regular doctors visit-you weren't due for another three weeks, but mommy was swelling up HUGE!  After about ten minutes into the appointment we learned we were having our baby girl that day or the next!  On our way to the hospital (it's across the street) we called all our family and let them know it was happening.  After many test they let us wait until the next day.  We started the process early in the morning and by 5:55 p.m. you were born.  We had never seen such an amazing beautiful little girl!  You were and still are everything we have ever wanted!!!  HAPPY THIRD BIRTHDAY!

Here is a photo gallery of your special day-which included your first day of preschool:

Breakfast with your best bud!  He was so sad to see you go.

We got to drive to work together.  Then you got to hang out in mommy's classroom-you weren't sure what was really going on.

Still happy...

Life is good with both mom and dad

You knew where your cubby was

 

You were starting to figure out what was about to happen.  At this point mommy and daddy left and you flipped out!  You made it for a few hours until...

your two grandmas rescued you!  Not many little girls have BOTH their grandmas with them on their first day of school!



You opened some presents and ate lunch with them.

 And took a little ride on the swing!

When mommy and daddy got home from work we put together your HUGE princess bed!  (must get pictures of that later) Then we opened more presents.

Nanny stopped by and had dinner with us and brought more presents!

Then it was cupcake time!

 So cheers to you for three years of life!  We love you and can't wait for many many more birthdays!

 

 

Love,

Mom and Dad