Nana Kay (and Papa C's) week...

While we were off galavanting in the Caribbean enjoying our kid-free time, my parents were burning the candles at both ends, taking care of 2 very active boys.  Reid is just non stop, and with Micah potty training, he's up at night a couple of time, and it's just really hard to truly rest up.  Not to mention my boys are early risers - like 5:15/30 early risers (particularly Reid) so truly, you have to go to bed early if you want any chance of catching up on sleep!

A HUGE thanks to my mom in particular, as I know she had her hands full and took on the brunt of the child care.  My dad had surgery the day before we left, and he's doing well, but was just not able to be as visible and around as much as he would have liked.  The surgery had been planned for the week before but due to unforeseen circumstances with the doctor had to have it postponed a week.  Definitely not ideal timing, but it all worked out and my mom is a rock star :)  She even drove the boys up to our house the day we flew back, as we were flying back in to Chicago (and flew out of St. Louis).  Now I know she's done it before - she raised 4 children! - but it's been awhile and going solo with a 3 and 1 year old is nothing short of impressive.  Again, THANKS Nana Kay!  We were very, very appreciative.

We set up times to facetime with the boys and my mom daily, usually just after nap times, and it was exactly what I needed to get me through my time away.  It was so fun for me to see their faces, and while I certainly missed them tons, I enjoyed seeing them and being able to check-in.  Micah was quite funny during our facetimes, talking jibberish for most of it...I just think he was so excited to see Mommy and Daddy!  Reid would just walk up and say "Mama" or "Dada" and then wobble away - usually to pet Whiskers, my grandmas dog.  I might add that he always seemed to have a snack cup in his hands, more evidence that he really is a bottomless pit :)

Below are just some pictures my mom took during the week - what joy these 2 little boys bring me!  I loved seeing the pictures and being able to partake a little in their lives for the week, even while being away from them and thoroughly enjoying my kid-free time with my hubby.

My mom realized only after Reid was dressed that she put the onesie on backwards, lol.

Micah helping Nana Kay make cookies during Reidees nap.

Such sweet smiles - love this boy!

Because taking care of 2 little boys is not enough of a challenge, my mom agreed to watch her neighbor's little 3 1/2 year old Courtney.  And not only was it her first time watching her, she thought "why not take Courtney AND Micah and Reid to the zoo today?"  Seriously?  Well, kuddos to my mom!  She loaded up 3 kiddos in our car (one of which was missing a morning nap, so you never know how that's going to turn out) and drove out to the zoo to meet up with Mike, Deanna and Luke.  I think it really worked out well, and with her double stroller and Mike and Deanna's wagon, there was a seat for all 4 kids if needed.  Well done, everyone, well done.

I had packed a cardinals shirt for Reid (unbeknowst to my husband who is a Cubs fan) and with Micah's red baseball shirt, it apparently became Cardinals day at the zoo :)  Christian was not a fan, but I think it's a sweet picture of my mom and her grand-babies.

I have no idea what's going on here, but somehow Micah is shortless :)

Chalk!  Micah has talked about Courtney a bit, and I think he really enjoyed having a little one his age while being there for the week.

Playing piano together!

And riding cars together.  Brothers!

Apparently within 5 minutes of being home, Micah had all the toys out of our house, yelling "my toys!"  "my home!"  My mom said he was very glad to be back home :)  Sweet.

It wouldn't be a good post without a messy eating picture of Reid - silly boy :)  

And there you have it.  Four posts later, there is a recap of our vacation.  It was an absolute blast and we are just so blessed for everything to have been able to come together to be able to do it.  Thanks again, Nana Kay and Papa C for taking on our boys!  We are very grateful.