Over The Hills And Through The Woods...

...To Papa & Grammy's House We Go!

As you read in this post, we recently returned from a long weekend at my parent's house in southern Oregon.  My sister, Rachael, & her husband, Brian, also came down & it was so nice to spend time with all of them & celebrate Easter together.  Not to mention, the girls had a blast!  The weather, for the most part, was absolutely beautiful & we were able to spend a lot of time outdoors.  Of course we came back home to rain, but what's new.  After the amazing weather we had this past weekend, I am anxiously counting down the days to summer & nicer weather!

We drove down to my parent's house on Thursday afternoon.  The girls were so excited to get down there, they could hardly stand it.  As we were leaving, Kennedy wanted to send grammy a video & let her know we were on our way.

The girls did extremely well on the 5-hour drive down to my parent's house.  All I can say is thank goodness for iPads & the Leapster!  These electronic devices made for a nice & quiet drive for daddy & mommy!

On Friday, papa & daddy had to work so it was just the girls at home.  We lounged around, played a little bit & then headed to a nearby park.  The girls LOVE playing at parks, and this park was no exception!

Friday night Rachael & Brian drove down from Portland.  The girls were already in bed but they knew when they woke up Rae Rae & Uncle Brian would be there, & they were so excited!  They just love them (as do daddy & mommy!).  Rachael is now 18 weeks pregnant & looks fabulous!  She has the cutest little baby bump!  We had a special moment during the weekend when we got to feel baby Brown kick!  It was the sweetest, most precious, little tap!  And we were so glad to be able to experience this special time.  Thank you for letting us be a part of it, Brian & Rachael!



Saturday morning the four of us got our pictures taken by a friend who owns a local photography business.  The girls did so well & I cannot wait to see how the pictures turned out.  After pictures, we took the girls to the annual Easter egg hunt.  Papa, grammy, Rachael & Brian also came along to watch the girls.  They had fun collecting eggs.  And of course eating the chocolate that came in the eggs!

It was another beautiful day, so after rest time we headed out to play in the backyard.  My parent's backyard is absolutely GORGEOUS!  It is huge & backs up to a river.  It is simply amazing!  Pictures do not do it justice, but here is one picture that I took when we were back there.  If you remember, our backyard is about 1/16th the size of their backyard & about 1/1000th as beautiful as theirs! :)

Papa & grammy had bought the girls a Jumbo Fun Ball for Easter, but they gave it to them a day early so they could enjoy it while the weather was good (Saturday night & Sunday were supposed to be rainy).  Oh my goodness, did the girls love this ball!  They rolled & rolled, and then rolled some more.  Even mommy got in it & gave it a try! 

The girls rolled for so long in the ball, that their hair was a big staticy mess when they got out!



After playing in the Jumbo Fun Ball, we headed out to the front to play with some motorized cars that papa & grammy had.  Kennedy was in love with the Dora car, and although we have a Barbie Jeep at our house, Ashby would not get out of theirs.  Unfortunately, she couldn't reach the pedals to drive so she had to be the passenger & mommy got to be the 'driver lady'!

That night after dinner, Marc & I helped the girls dye eggs.  This was the first time that either of them had colored eggs, and from the fun that each of them had, it surely won't be the last! 



Sunday was Easter & the girls had fun going through their TWO baskets from the Easter bunny.  Easter bunny #1 (us) gave them practical things like books & board games.  Easter bunny #2 (papa & grammy) gave them the yummy stuff like jelly beans & chocolate.  Guess which basket they preferred??!! :)  They also had fun hunting for eggs again.

After eating a delicious brunch that my mom made, we headed to church.  The girls did so well during the service.  Not that we are ever surprised at how well behaved Kennedy is in church.  But Ashby is usually a different story!  The girl just does not like to be quiet or sit still!  I brought a few tricks up my sleeve to entertain her during mass & she did great.  That made for a very happy daddy & mommy!!!



After another delicious meal from my mom (she made the BEST food while we were there!), it was time to head back home.  We hated to see our fun long weekend come to an end, but Marc had to go out of town for work so we had to leave a day early (we weren't supposed to leave until Monday).  The time went way to fast & it was sad for all of us to leave. 

On the way out of town, Kennedy wanted to make sure she told papa & grammy thank you & what a fun time she had.



Papa & Grammy--thank you so much for such a fun visit!  We loved all of the yummy treats you had for us, especially the Fruit Loops, doughnuts & ice cream!!  Thank you for the big red ball that you gave to us for Easter.  We had so much fun rolling around in it in your backyard & we can't wait to come back & roll in it some more this summer.  Thank you for playing outside with us & for charging the cars so we could ride them while we were there.  Thank you for reading to us.  We LOVED the book about Rosa & her germs and the two books about picky eaters (we can kind of relate to those girls!).  Thank you for letting us pester your cat, Sadie.  Ashby sure does love her!  And thank you for all of the hugs & kisses we got from you while we were there visiting!  You are the best papa & grammy in the whole wide world!  We miss you already & cannot wait to see you again soon!

Love,

Kennedy Rae & Ashby Grace

P.S. mommy & daddy thank you too! :)