Home Alone...

Maybe "alone" isn't the correct word for our week long experience of being "parentless". The term "alone" gives the thought of an atmosphere that is quiet, solitary, sad, being by oneself, etc...definitely not a good description of things around here. As I mentioned in the previous post, Dad and Mom were blessed with a trip to Florida for a few days and we were left to fend for ourselves. The first couple of days we survived without Brandon and Anthony here...that was an adventure!

Our days were filled with action...some of the highlights included trips to the store, eating out, museum sight seeing, outdoor picnics, crazy rides down the gravel road in the back of the pick up (did I mention it's a stick shift that I have mastered the art of yet?), football in the rain...brrr!, reading, board games, etc. Of course, where there abides many people there is always a daily load of work to be done. We let the house go for a while until we couldn't stand it anymore. The laundry really piled up and each room looked like the product of hurricane devastation! Something finally had to be done! It's like the "Cat in the Hat" story where the house is crazy then in moments is transformed. Thus, Dad and Mom walked in never knowing what it had looked like hours before...until the pictures on this blog post!

Nights were interesting. I learned that sleep is a precious commodity that should not be taken for granted. Playing Monopoly or sitting around talking until the wee hours of the morning is only fun until you pillow your head and the baby wakes up with tear filled eyes...then another little one is scared and wants to jump in bed with you. You almost fall back asleep and "I need a drink" starts ringing in your ears! Of course we all know what happens after you fill up with water...yep, "I need to go potty but I'm scared...can you help me?". Snuggle back under the covers and start your dream again only to hit the "replay button" of it all until you see the sunshine peeking up over the horizon and think, "Man, that was a short night!" It's so fun though...they are adorable and God has given each the sweetest personalities that are a delight to see develop and mature :)

We of course were asked many times throughout the week if the kids were ours...even today when I went alone into the store to buy diapers, wipes and pull-ups. The cashier asked how old my children were. She was surprised to hear they were my siblings but how fun is that...lots of practice, character development, hugs, kisses and "high fives". God is good!

Enjoy the oodles of silly and precious moments we were able to capture with the camera over the last seven adventurous days! We are grateful that Dad and Mom made it back safe and enjoyed a refreshing time away. TTFN...


Feeding baby goats...








Outdoor picnic and being silly...









No, it's not called lazy...just hmmm...having too much fun!







Scary moments...zig zags...jerks...wheee!






Brave souls weathering the storm...football is worth it!







Museum education













It's been a long day



Midnight Monopoly (BTW, Katherine won)