We finished off our Hilton Head part of the trip on Monday morning. Our treasure hunt through the tide pools finally had some success - we found a crab, sand dollar and some sort of muscle thing. Brooke cried as we left that hotel because she "wasn't done playing in the ocean yet!"
After a stop in Savannah and Tybee Island, we were on our way. (We stopped there to see if it might be a future vacation stop - thumbs down on that. Mike and I had a harder time seeing beauty in the marshes than in the ocean and beaches. It kind of looked like what a flooded Wisconsin landscape would.)
The 4 hr car ride back to Atlanta was great (the kids napped about 90% of the trip - and that always makes for a good trip!) We took a walk around Atlanta last night just to scope things out - lots to do, but LOTS of hills. Pushing the stroller should be fun!
This morning we got Mike registered for his conference and then headed to the aquarium. It was great - super expensive ($27/adult), but great! So now Brooke and I are having our quiet time while Clayton gets some rest and then I think we'll head back to Centennial Park to play on the playground equipment that looked like a lot of fun.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Days 2 & 3 at Hilton Head Island
We're now on the 5th floor, oceanside view suite. It could not be more beautiful. The weather hasn't been complete sunshine (only a few sprinkles here and there) at upper 70 degrees temperature - perfect! Yesterday (Saturday) morning we walked the beach, swam in the pools and walked around most of the Palmetto Dunes area. (That's the section of Hilton Head we're in.) Clayton went down for nap while Brooke & Mike went for a romantic walk on the beach and enjoyed a drink at the poolside bar. Brooke had a "Spiderman" (too bad it's not safe for our friend Tommy who is currently obsessed with Spiderman but has an allergy to milk. No worries, Tommy, Brooke enjoyed it for you!) While Clayton slept I worked on my Bible study...can I just say that there is no better than studying God's Word while overlooking his amazing creation. How anyone believes this all happened on "accident" is so far beyond my comprehension! I also made it through a book at nap and after the kids went to bed from one of my favorite authors - Karen Kingsbury. I haven't finished a book of hers since I was on bedrest with Clayton (that would be 2 years ago for those doing the math!) We then had dinner and scouted out our adventures for Sunday.
Early this morning we started off again on the beach searching tide pools for anything exciting - no luck. We came back, got ready for the day and headed to Sea Pines Cove. We walked the paths there, climbed the lighthouse, played on the playground and had an amazing lunch at the Crazy Crab. Mike got the full steamed lobster and I had a steamed seafood platter (shrimp, oysters and crab). Compared to what we would have paid in Milwaukee for the same meal, it was very reasonable and met my one request of a seafood meal while we were on the ocean. So Clayton's napping again and Mike & Brooke rented a bike (with a carrier on the back) to cruise around the area on. She's really enjoying all this daddy time - and I must say I'm enjoying a few hours of peace and quiet just listening to the waves hit the sand.
Early this morning we started off again on the beach searching tide pools for anything exciting - no luck. We came back, got ready for the day and headed to Sea Pines Cove. We walked the paths there, climbed the lighthouse, played on the playground and had an amazing lunch at the Crazy Crab. Mike got the full steamed lobster and I had a steamed seafood platter (shrimp, oysters and crab). Compared to what we would have paid in Milwaukee for the same meal, it was very reasonable and met my one request of a seafood meal while we were on the ocean. So Clayton's napping again and Mike & Brooke rented a bike (with a carrier on the back) to cruise around the area on. She's really enjoying all this daddy time - and I must say I'm enjoying a few hours of peace and quiet just listening to the waves hit the sand.
Oh the Joys of Traveling with Two Kids!
Mike's annual Schwab conference that he attends is in Atlanta, GA this year. He convinced me that the kids and I should come along - we then decided to extend the trip and spend the first weekend at Hilton Head Island, SC. We left Friday morning (pretty close to on time) and upon arrival to the airport realized I had left my cell phone at home or in the car...Oops! Oh well, we'll just set predetermined meeting spots on the Atlanta leg of the trip. The flight was great (other than all the "stuff" that we brought with us....two car seats, toys, diaper bag, Mike's work bag - and of course the 4 bags we checked. 9 days away sure does require a lot with 2 kids!)
We landed in Atlanta and started to deplane when we discovered that as Mike had tightened the airplane seat belt under the car seat it was now wedged under the hard plastic part of the car seat. Brooke's seat had an easy solution in reclining the plane seat allowing our hand to reach from the back. Clayton's seat on the other hand was in the last row (no recline feature.) The stewardess tried to help...no luck. The pilot then came back (mostly because we were now holding up the next flight from boarding.) Oh and did I mention that this was the new carseat I had just purchased because it would be easier for traveling. Mike and the pilot were both using all their might to get this seat out and finally the pilot stood on the seat which put enough weight on it so that Mike could jam is calculator in to release the buckle. Whew!
Atlanta is a HUGE airport that requires you to get on a train to get to baggage claim. Both kids are walking because we need the double stroller as a luggage cart for the 2 carseats and carry-on items. We got on the wrong train...oops. Then we got on the right train, hurried over to the baggage claim only to discover that our bags weren't there (because we were SO late getting there.) Midwest doesn't have a baggage office in Atlanta and there was no one at the ticket counter. Mike and I were separated at this point (me with Clayton, the stroller and a dolly for the luggage) when I realized we didn't have his computer bag. So now I'm pulling the stroller and pushing the dolly trying to find Mike to let him know. At the same time he had gotten a call from someone that they had found his bag, they called Mike's office, who conferenced him in and he was headed towards lost and found. (remember I have no cell phone) I spotted Mike on the phone waving me to be quiet as I'm trying to get his attention through the baggage claim area that we don't have his bag and he rushes off in the other direction. He came back FINALLY, but we still didn't have our main luggage. The Midwest Ticket counter person came back and let us know that our bags were sitting over by baggage claim 5 (it came in at 8), and so we followed. Turns out they were sitting in the middle of baggage claim available for anyone's taking. Now on to the rental car.
Mike suggested at this point that he just go get the rental car (located off site) and come back to pick us up. GOOD IDEA! The kids and I waited outside for the better part of a half hour with lots of "interesting" people walking by. At one point Brooke took back the toy that Clayton had stolen from her a few minutes earlier. The lady standing there saw and walks past Brooke saying, "GIRL! Whatchu do dat for?!" FINALLY, Mike arrives and we have just one last stop back at the rental place to have me sign so that I'm able to drive to. We got there and as Mike was closing the car door, the corner of the door caught him just above his eye and he's got a nice gash just above his eyebrow. Not deep enough for a Dr. visit (thank heavens!) And, we're off "like a heard of turtles!"
At this point we are all starving (it's now close to 1 p.m. our time.) We pulled off the nearest exit and stopped at a restaurant (across from a pawn shop) - easy decision for drive thru. As I'm opening the bag of food discovered that everything is fried in peanut oil. Today was NOT the day to do any sort of allergy testing given all of our adventures so far. So we ate as he screamed and finally found another restaurant. Bellies full - we're off again. The kids napped for most of the 4 hr drive into South Carolina.
Check in was fine, except we had asked for an ocean front view and were on the 2nd floor (so we had more of a tree line/playground view.) Mike asked if they could switch us the following day and so now we're on the 5th floor - GORGEOUS! We ate dinner at a local pizza place and headed back to the hotel for bed. Day 1 DONE! Whew, but praising Jesus that he kept us safe and showed us the goodness of His people through returned bags and helpful pilots.
We landed in Atlanta and started to deplane when we discovered that as Mike had tightened the airplane seat belt under the car seat it was now wedged under the hard plastic part of the car seat. Brooke's seat had an easy solution in reclining the plane seat allowing our hand to reach from the back. Clayton's seat on the other hand was in the last row (no recline feature.) The stewardess tried to help...no luck. The pilot then came back (mostly because we were now holding up the next flight from boarding.) Oh and did I mention that this was the new carseat I had just purchased because it would be easier for traveling. Mike and the pilot were both using all their might to get this seat out and finally the pilot stood on the seat which put enough weight on it so that Mike could jam is calculator in to release the buckle. Whew!
Atlanta is a HUGE airport that requires you to get on a train to get to baggage claim. Both kids are walking because we need the double stroller as a luggage cart for the 2 carseats and carry-on items. We got on the wrong train...oops. Then we got on the right train, hurried over to the baggage claim only to discover that our bags weren't there (because we were SO late getting there.) Midwest doesn't have a baggage office in Atlanta and there was no one at the ticket counter. Mike and I were separated at this point (me with Clayton, the stroller and a dolly for the luggage) when I realized we didn't have his computer bag. So now I'm pulling the stroller and pushing the dolly trying to find Mike to let him know. At the same time he had gotten a call from someone that they had found his bag, they called Mike's office, who conferenced him in and he was headed towards lost and found. (remember I have no cell phone) I spotted Mike on the phone waving me to be quiet as I'm trying to get his attention through the baggage claim area that we don't have his bag and he rushes off in the other direction. He came back FINALLY, but we still didn't have our main luggage. The Midwest Ticket counter person came back and let us know that our bags were sitting over by baggage claim 5 (it came in at 8), and so we followed. Turns out they were sitting in the middle of baggage claim available for anyone's taking. Now on to the rental car.
Mike suggested at this point that he just go get the rental car (located off site) and come back to pick us up. GOOD IDEA! The kids and I waited outside for the better part of a half hour with lots of "interesting" people walking by. At one point Brooke took back the toy that Clayton had stolen from her a few minutes earlier. The lady standing there saw and walks past Brooke saying, "GIRL! Whatchu do dat for?!" FINALLY, Mike arrives and we have just one last stop back at the rental place to have me sign so that I'm able to drive to. We got there and as Mike was closing the car door, the corner of the door caught him just above his eye and he's got a nice gash just above his eyebrow. Not deep enough for a Dr. visit (thank heavens!) And, we're off "like a heard of turtles!"
At this point we are all starving (it's now close to 1 p.m. our time.) We pulled off the nearest exit and stopped at a restaurant (across from a pawn shop) - easy decision for drive thru. As I'm opening the bag of food discovered that everything is fried in peanut oil. Today was NOT the day to do any sort of allergy testing given all of our adventures so far. So we ate as he screamed and finally found another restaurant. Bellies full - we're off again. The kids napped for most of the 4 hr drive into South Carolina.
Check in was fine, except we had asked for an ocean front view and were on the 2nd floor (so we had more of a tree line/playground view.) Mike asked if they could switch us the following day and so now we're on the 5th floor - GORGEOUS! We ate dinner at a local pizza place and headed back to the hotel for bed. Day 1 DONE! Whew, but praising Jesus that he kept us safe and showed us the goodness of His people through returned bags and helpful pilots.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The end of an era?
So I think Brooke may officially be done with naps! She had been going down about 2-3 times a week, but then on Monday after she took a nap, she didn't fall asleep that night until 10:30 p.m.!! So we've just finished Day 2 of "quiet time". We're both learning what the new rules need to be during that time. I think we've settled that she needs to play quietly by herself for 1 hr in the basement and then she and mommy can play together (I'm lucky she considers doing the laundry with me playing!) Today, she wanted to fold all of the laundry for me and she let me know that she didn't need any help because she was SO good at it. I didn't have the heart (nor do I think I probably should) to refold it around her...guess what I'll be doing after she goes to bed. It should be nice time with just the two of us while Clayton naps. I just love her stories and interpretation of life - the extra time to hear that will be great. Here's a few of her most recent:
- "Mom look my dolly has "blind" hair." I said, "Do you mean blonde hair Brooke?" "Nooo...blind hair - you can't even really see it."
- Brooke has had a hard time this week saying goodbye to me at preschool, the YMCA, etc. She needs just one more hug about 10 times! So I was talking with her teacher at preschool while Brooke was still in music time. Miss Cheryl said that she thinks Brooke can tend to get something in her mind and have a tendency not to deviate from that. Hmmm...did I mention Miss Cheryl had only had Brooke in class for 2 weeks before coming to that conclusion.
- We leave for vacation Friday and all Brooke talked about today was that we needed to bury her in the sand so that only her face is showing. Not sure where she came up with that one.
- I asked Brooke to try to go potty before we left to run errands. I went in the bathroom a few minutes later not sure what she was doing. She was standing in front of the sink with her clothes on, so I asked if she had gone potty. "I did mom." I looked in the potty and there was no toilet paper and I couldn't tell if she had gone - "Brooke, there's no toilet paper in there." To which she rips off a sheet, throws it in the potty and says, "There is!" UGHHH!
Clayton also makes me smile more and more (mainly as he tries to copy Brooke.)
- I'll be driving down the road and he'll yell "STOP MAMA!" Most of the time it's because he needs a pretzel, but there are times that he really wants me to stop and starts in with tears (the hurt feeling kind, not the temper tantrum kind) because I'm not obeying his request.
- He's become very particular about what food goes in which compartments on his tray. "Right here."
- As we go through the checkout line he starts chanting "M an M. M an M." (Thanks daddy!)
- We put Mango Mousse in Brooke's hair each morning. Clayton has also become insistent that he gets some too. Mango Mousse might have been his first 2 word phrase!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Lesson learned
I also learned today that Brooke observes way too much and as much as I am such a talk radio junkie during elections I think I’ll have to restrain myself. She asked me today “Why mommy are they dragging people in the mud?” “Who mommy, who are they dragging in the mud?” The host had been talking about how left the media (particularly NBC and MSNBC are). SO I’m thinking good lesson learned on a fairly harmless topic.
Don't forget to vote in the primary Tuesday!
Don't forget to vote in the primary Tuesday!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Riding a Horse
Sunday afternoon was the Fiduciary Management annual picnic at Ted & Mary Kellner's home. They have a beautiful home on a private lake and a farm adjacent to that. Brooke had a great time riding the horse this year. Clayton, on the other hand, started crying the moment that the horse "whinnied" a little too close for comfort. He didn't even want to go in the barn after that! They both enjoyed playing on the beach and watching the jet skis after that (it was a little too cold for Brooke and Mike to go out on the water this year.)
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
First Day of Preschool
Brooke woke up excited this morning to get dressed and head into a new school year at her preschool. We reintroduced her (from meet the teacher night) to her new teachers - Miss Cheryl and Miss Sara. She had a great day and was so excited just before nap today to tell me about all the nuances of her new class. As is tradition, here's a picture before the day began.
Mike also had some great accomplishments this Labor Day weekend. He had Monday off and took Tuesday off as well to finish up the garage. He's done a great job organizing and moving around our storage to make for some much needed room in storage rooms of the house. Last night we were actually able to park TWO cars in the garage! I'm hoping it's also a nice place for us to have the kids retreat in the winter to play with the outdoor toys - after all it's huge in comparison to any room of our house.
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