Shannonogans: Memorial Day Weekend

A week after we got the kids we made out first road trip. We already had plans to go to the Michaelis' and see Derek's brothers, so why not just go. If I could count the number of times of Levi asking, "How much longer?" Still working on our awareness of distance, time, etc. Takes experience and someone pointing it out. We had our DVDs, our Leapsters from Lori & Leslie (brilliant purchase), and we survived. It was fine, but like all things, every new thing had me a little on edge on how it would go. We packed surprisingly very light, were able to not fry our brains on the entire trip and get some good conversation in, and made it to Waco and all the family.

We were greeted by a HUGE sign that Elise had made and put on the Michaelis' fireplace. Boo I can't seem to find it! There was a lot of love for the amount of time she put it for that!

We were planning to be in town since Kevin would be in town for the weekend. We were literally swimming the entire weekend.

Bless the little girl whose new mother was trying to figure out which elastics, how to do hair, what is appropriate and practical pool hair, etc.

We got to meet all the family, and loved on new cousin Daniel.

Grandma thought of everything...three chairs for her new three grandchildren.

And three water buckets

Playdough playtime on the side

I think I was telling Justin he was still my baby. Lexi, with her cast, was limited with her water play.

Somehow that cast got wet that weekend and started to smell. Luckily we got a temporary one on that following Tuesday for the next ten days. Equally annoying but nonetheless the entire experience is all over.

Uncle Ryan was great with the boys as well.

Ryan is a softie for this little girl! And Grandma bought us the clothes so we were loving the purple!

Levi did a phenomenal job in the pool since he didn't know how to swim. Yet another thing that he just needed to be taught.

Grandma bought some waterproof tape and tirelessly wrapped that leg until nothing of the cast could be seen.

So then little miss could float the pool.

I am a sucker for jumping photos. They are hilarious to me.

Thankfully my mom grabbed my camera so I could have proof I was around that weekend. ha!

There were some tears at times. We had to all learn some water safety.

Dimples galore. I think Daniel thinks he made the jackpot with more older cousins to fawn over him.

My Midway posse (and Wendi) got these adorable pajamas. They even thoughtfully put Leevye, Levi's name given to him at birth. We thought with Michaelis that the simpler the spelling of the first name the better in the longrun. The kids have worn these pajamas out. Love me some monogrammed madness!

Seeing Justin's face reminds me of the slightly crazed fog I was walking in during those first few weeks. Loving it, but what next??

This entire post of photos is out of order, but alas I think this one is precious. Lexi and & Levi love young children, and anytime someone in Awana Cubbies or church comes in crying I am told they are the first to go comfort the child until they are settled down. Takes one to know one.

Daniel is not so sure of this cuddled awareness

Of course by shot #50 my kids are d.o.n.e. and he starts smiling

Lexi helping daddy with his sit ups

Grandma introducing the Michaelis clan to Pinkalicious thanks to a copy sent by Kacey.

On Memorial Day we had all the Waco folks come meet the kids. These friends made some serious sacrifices to make it there, and I am so thankful that they did! What a special time that was introducing all my kids to, "This person has been praying for you for so long!" It never gets old.