Re-Entry

After traveling overseas it's always hard to re- enter America let alone rejoin a very busy family life!  So this time around Nate and I tried something new and I think it helped us all tremendously re adjust to having Nate home.  First-  we booked a hotel!!!  And not just any hotel-  one we have wedding memories at.  I got to get there early and have time alone!!!!  After spending 16 days with my kiddos!  I literally jumped with glee when I entered the room!!!!  I thought I would nap but I think was too excited!  Instead I worked out, took a shower!  And read a book- almost a whole book!  Then I waited at the airport...  Nate and I even got to go out to brunch before picking up the kids At his wonderful parents house.  Thank you in laws for watching our kids!!!  

Then Monday we tried to spend the day as a family with a trip to look park.

We survived!

In just a few hours Nate and I will reunite at a hotel in Boston after the longest separation in our marriage!  Nate has been in Croatia serving on a team reaching out to Roma children while I have been with our kids traveling all over mass and nh.  To say we are excited is an understatement.  Thought I would post a few pics about what the kids and I have been up to.  

Nate left Sandy Cove early to fly out of Boston.  My mom stayed the rest of the weekend with me where we got extra pool and playground time.

A snake Olivia and I found on a walk!

Olivia really leaned how to swim the last couple weeks!

Once we made it back to amherst Olivia had a week of vbs while the boys and I shopped, took Isaac to the dentist, napped, played...

Trips to Groff parkAnd a trip to the doctor for SAMs cold:(

Many afternoon play dates in our friends' backyard.

A day trip to NH to see my best friend from college and her family.  Long day but totally worth it!

And we didn't watch any tv till Thursday...  And then we did...lots!

Olivia sang the vbs songs Sunday at our church.

Then we spent a few nights at grandmas.   We had dinner with all the aunts and uncles at friendlys and a trip to grandma'a church playground.

Then lunch with our other side of the family at small farm and dinner in Bolton.  

On a rainy wed we lunch at Chickfila - so fun!

And splashing in puddles once the rain ended.

Coloring together while brothers napped.

Those puffs may still be on my floor... Please don't judge:)

And ending with a trip to nana and papas.

4:30 AM

So in the last 4 years I have seen Probably every hour of the night go by while awake, but last week was one of the most memorable.  

On our last night at Sandy Cove everyone was fast asleep - including Sam who was having a great night for my not sleep through the nighter when we woke up to the fire alarm!  

My mom was with me at this point as Nate had already headed to Croatia so she grabs Isaac and I get Sam and Olivia and we head out into the hall-  my mom a bit ahead of me.  We get to the first lobby-  almost outside, when someone fully dressed says good morning to us.  

We pause.  The alarm is not going off.  We are the only ones in the hall.  In our pajamas with three sleepy kids.  What?!?!?

We go back to the room.  No alarm.

I call and go to the front desk.  No one is there.

Pretty sure there is no fire.  So we decide we better try to get some sleep.

Just as we are drifting off-  it goes off again!  Just our room!!!

I find someone downstairs who had no idea what to do.  She suggests I take the battery out?!?!  Finally she calls the on call maintenance and no answer:(

We try to go back to sleep and I pray it won't happen again.  And it doesn't...  Till 7!

At that point we get up and go to breakfast.

What a night!!!

My little sister got married!

Just over a week ago we were packing up and heading out, me and the kids for almost three weeks and Nate for a month!  Made it seem like "summer" was ending but in many ways we are just in the midst of it!  First up was my sisters wedding.  I'm still on cloud nine about it- I am just so happy for them, our kids were amazing (is that because I stressed about it for months?!) and it was fun!!!!  The pics are amazing- yes the photographer already has them up!  Here are a few that I snapped:

We kicked off the weekend at my parents for Liz's Bach Party-  a private paint nite event!

Friday morning all the ladies got our nails done- even Olivia!  She did great!!!  And had so much fun with the bridesmaids and especially Clio who was her best friend the next night.

Friday night Nate's parents took the kids and Nate and I had a date to the rehersal!  Finally saw this gorgeous venue in real life and it did not disappoint!  Andy's parents hosted a lovely dinner afterwards where I caught up with Nanny:)

And finally the wedding!!

And a huge huge huge thanks to our cousin Arlyn who helped make this wedding possible!!! (At least from the matron of honor with three kids perspective!)