"Good" Weekend...

We started off the weekend with another fun trip to the pool on Friday after work. It's becoming a nice ritual to close down the week. Alice, Todd, Conner and Bennett joined us. Katharyn and Paul were also with us so it was 6 kids and 4 adults. Everyone was very well behaved, but it was totally exhausting trying to keep up with that many kids. The adults were on "high alert" for several hours, but I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Riley and Ryan liked watching the big kids in the pool. On Saturday, Riley & Ryan started swim lessons. They really did such a good job. They didn't fuss one time - even when we got in and the water was quite chilly. I wanted to "fuss"! :) They went under the water and had water run over their heads. They leaned back on us and floated on our arms and they also tried to blow bubbles. Blowing bubbles is a skill they will have to learn. They just put their mouths in the water and I think took a few sips. We go back for 3 more lessons.

After swim lessons, Riley and Ryan went down for a nap - as did mom - and we all slept for over 3 hours! I was in shock when I woke up and saw what time it was. I was in even more shock when I learned that they had slept the whole time too! Daddy ran lots of errands and got lots of yardwork done. After a little play time, we headed up to Kennesaw to the Smith-Gilbert Arboretum for an old fashioned covered dish supper. My friend, Kathy Duncan, graciously invited us to join them. The grounds couldn't have been more beautiful and the food was superb! Riley and Ryan loved playing on the blanket with their toys. We also got to visit with baby Carson Brewer!

Now for the part that made me name this blog "Good" Weekend... We got up today for church and Kevin had an email waiting for him that would require him to work a good part of the day today, so I figured I'd give it a shot to take them to church and lunch to meet Grandma and Grandaddy as planned. We made it to church on time and were in and out without a glitch! (thank goodness for the double stroller) I'm feeling pretty good about things. I can do this! When we arrived at the restaurant for lunch we were about to be seated when they told us they only had 5 high chairs and that they were all being used. So we all just looked at each other and tried to figure out the best plan. We can no longer just hold them during lunch bc they are reaching for everything they see (more on this later). So - we decided to try to go somewhere else. Then I had the great idea... There's a Walmart just down the street - why don't I just go buy 2 booster seats. We've been thinking about getting them anyway since this isn't the first time we've had this problem. So - off I go to Walmart. Anyway, this will be great time for them to visit with Grandma and Grandaddy, right? I quickly found a pink and blue booster and off I go back to the resaturant. I'm sure this seemed like an eternity for Grandma and Grandaddy. I walk in and quickly realize that you don't just put them in the chair. There are straps to be strung through the chair and buckles to be tightened for this first use (twice, might I add), so I start taking off tags and get to work. It's even more challenging when you feel that people are watching this all unfold. Grandma and Grandaddy can't really help because they each have a baby. Finally, I get Riley's seat in place and we get her strapped in. Whew - sweat and all - she's in! Just as I reach to get out Ryan's chair I hear this odd sound. Kinda like a waterfall. I turn to see a beautiful waterfall of goldfish crackers. There's a "sea" of them...all over the floor. Did I mention Riley is grabbing everything in sight? She had picked up the bag from the bottom shook out just about every single fish in the bag. At this point I've just decided to stay focused - keep my head down - don't make eye contact. Just keep working on getting Ryan into his seat. The waiter comes out with his broom and dust pan and graciously cleans up the fish. We get Ryan situated and we are finally ready to eat. The first round was soup and it had been delivered to the table while I was still getting Ryan settled, so I decided to eat it before it was totally cold. It's a good thing it wasn't still hot, because after just a few bites, my darling daughter grabbed the side of the bowl and out comes the soup. At this point we were just thankful for the tablecloth that absorbed most of it and just began to laugh. Ryan spent a lot of the meal resting his head on the table. I really didn't care - he wasn't making a scene so whatever get us to that point works for me! The rest of the meal was uneventful until we were packing up (and I mean packing up - it took us 2 trips to the car) and both kids needed diaper changes. Riley was ok, but Ryan was soaking wet - to the point his pants were soaked and he was basically sitting in a puddle in his seat. A nice way to end a very eventful meal. We finally made it home and had another good nap. Maybe our days of restaurant eating will be coming to an end soon? We'll see if we're brave enough to venture out again. Another day like today and I might have to take a break! If you're having a bad day this week - just think about the "sea of goldfish" on the floor and think to yourself - "at least I didn't go through that this weekend"! :)

things to remember from this week: Riley started clapping her hands. She's so proud when she does it and claps so hard she looks like she's going to fall over. Ryan has been crying still when we put him down for bed. Not sure what the problem is. Tonight he went down with little pushback, so hopefully this is just a phase and it will be over soon. Riley is beginning to crawl - backwards. She just scoots on her belly, but I think she'll be getting from point a to point b very soon. Ryan is really cuddly and interactive. I like to think he's giving me big hugs! He smiles when you point the camera in his direction, so we've gotten some great shots of him. They are both very vocal and "talk" a lot in the car (when they aren't sleeping).

web albums posted:
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20080628SwimLessons
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20080628CoveredDishSupper
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20080629SundayLunchHangingOut

Summer Days!

We made it to the pool again on Friday night after work/school. It was much cooler this week than last week, so the water wasn't quite as warm. We didn't last as long as last week, but had an enjoyable night. Ryan has had a tough week going to bed. He's been waking up just minutes after going to bed and screaming at the top of his lungs. Luckily tonight he went down with no problem. Hopefully that is behind us!

Saturday we did all kinds of things. We started in the Explorers class at Play2Grow. As you'll see in the pictures, we rode on the scooter and then had some sensory exploration with a bath theme - complete with bubbles and shower caps! We also loved the swing. Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/200806211Play2GrowExplorers

After Play2Grow, we picked up Katharyn and Paul and headed to Glenwood Park. We LOVED the swings there. We could put both of them in it at the same time and they just squeeled and laughed the whole time. Katharyn and Paul were great helpers and enjoyed playing on the "see-saw" and exploring with Kevin near the pond. They even saw some tadpoles! After the park, we ventured to Chick-Fil-A. It was quite an experience to dine with a 4 year old, 3 year old and 2 8 month olds, but I have to say we had it under control. Katharyn and Paul enjoyed the jungle gym, while Riley & Ryan ate their lunch. It was great teamwork by all! Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/200806212GlenwoodPark

The highlight of Saturday was when Riley & Ryan's teacher, Ms. Jada, came over the babysit. I wish we had taken a picture when Ryan saw her. He couldn't quite figure out why she was at our house. He didn't care why because he was so happy to see her. They were very good for Ms. Jada and we were thrilled that they had a good experience with our first non-family babysitter. Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/200806213MsJadaBabysitting

We wore our new matching outfits that the Perry's gave us to chuch this morning and we couldn't resist snapping a few shots. Pictures are at the end of this "gallery". Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/200806HangingOutJune

After lunch with Danielle, Rick and Ridge, we took a good nap and headed to the Farmer's Market. We are now enjoying so many foods. Mom is making all of our food and we've now had avocado, squash, banana, peach, watermelon, peas, green beans, mango, papaya, sweet potato, carrots, pears, asparagus, yogurt and cottage cheese. This weekend we enjoyed small pieces of cheddar cheese for the first time and really liked it! We also tried goldfish crackers and really liked those as well. After the Farmer's Market, we were able to stop by Grandma's for a quick visit. Grandaddy was at church, so we missed him, but enjoyed seeing Grandma before we headed to bed. Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20080622VisitWithGrandma

Happy Father's Day!

We started Father's Day weekend with a evening trip to the neighborhood pool. Our friends Joy, Clayton and Avery joined us and we stayed up way past our bedtime... but we had such a blast! We also discovered that Riley now has 2 bottom teeth too! She never fussed at all, so we had no idea she was even close to teeth. Much different experience than with Ryan erlier in the week. We went to Joy, John, Candler & Palmer's house in Woodstock on Saturday and had a great time in the pool again! We ate some lunch and played on the swing set in their backyard. We LOVE the swing! It was so much fun for mom and dad to play with old friends and Riley and Ryan to play with new friends! When we got home Lori, Katharyn and little Paul came over and we played for several hours. We watched Corduroy (compliments of Aunt Heather) and then Fox & the Hound. Another great day!

We've started playing in our pack-n-play in the family room and we LOVE being surrounded by all of our toys. We are already having to learn the concept of sharing. Riley likes to sneak in under the radar and "gather" all the toys. They somehow all end up behind her. She doesn't necessarily want to play with them....just wants to make sure no one else gets to either! Should be fun days ahead "teaching" 8 month olds how to share! :)

Today for Father's Day, we went to church and then met Grandma and Grandaddy for lunch. After a much needed nap and a snack from Grandma, we ventured to the new baby pool in the backyard. Ryan decided he wanted to dive in face first for his toys and he and Riley both went under several times. It made Grandma so nervous she had to go inside - she couldn't watch! We all agreed that the big pool is much easier since we can get in with them and they can stay in their floats and move around. Live and learn...

Web Albums added:

http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/200806HangingOutJune

http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20080614PlayingWithCandlerPalmer

http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20080615FatherSDay

Got Teeth?

After 3 very fussy nights, Ryan's first two teeth have offically broken through his gums!!! Hopefully his pain will be gone and he'll get a good nights rest! :)

Back on Track!

We are finally feeling better!!! No more sickness...for now. Riley & Ryan are offically 8 months old! What a fun weekend celebrating many things. On Saturday we started our day with our usual class at Play 2 Grow. Then we went to breakfast and came home for a quick dip in the pool before heading to their first wedding. They loved the pool - hadn't been in about 2 months, so we were glad they still liked it. I dunked Riley completely under the water and she didn't even cry. I think we'll have a great summer in the pool this summer - trying to stay cool. After the pool we headed to Flowery Branch to celebrate Tara Perry's wedding. I went in to the ceremony while Kevin kept sleeping babies in the car. Then they joined me at the reception. It was such a beautiful ceremony and reception. Riley and Ryan behaved perfectly and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing old friends from my church in high school. Many of the people there I had not seen in 15 years. It was a great reunion.

Today after church we ventured up to Cumming, GA to visit our friends Richard and Emily that have 11 month old twin boys. We labeled the day "Twin-Palooza". The Mortons were very generous hosts. We had a great lunch and they shared some biter biscuits with Riley & Ryan. You'll have to check out the pictures in the link below. They wore most of the biscuits - not sure how much went into their mouths, but they loved them! Will and Charlie are a little further along and they ate bits of lunch meat, watermelon and cheese! They all played so well together and it was neat to see what we are in store for in the next few months. Will and Charlie are both on the move and moving FAST! Riley and Ryan were both asleep before we left their neighborhood and continued their naps once we got home. Ryan slept for 2 hours and we woke Riley up after 2 1/2 hours! They needed the rest after all their partying! Another great weekend under our belts...

Web Albums added:
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/200806078MonthsOld
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20080607TaraPerrySWedding
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20080608TwinPalooza

Tough Week...

Wow - it's been a tough week... It's been 2 weeks since the last time I posted and I can't begin to tell you how long those 2 weeks have been. Kevin traveled 2 weeks ago to NY for work and everything went well while he was gone. Riley and Ryan went to spend their first night at Grandma and Grandaddy's house on Friday night and they were great! I think everyone enjoyed themselves and I'm sure mom and dad were ready for us to pick them up on Saturday, but I know they thoroughly enjoyed their time together. Riley and Ryan were asleep before we got out of their neighborhood and I bet Grandma and Grandaddy were too! We were able to go out to a nice dinner with friends and feel like real adults again! It was a nice evening and great way to kick off a holiday weekend. We even got a lot done around the house on Saturday morning. It's amazing what we can pack into 3 hours these days when we don't have kids around. What did we ever do before them? We had a nice Memorial Day weekend. Got a lot done around the house and spent some quality family time together.

On Tuesday morning (3am) Riley woke us up to crying that I knew was not normal, so I went in to find her covered in throw up. So - I changed her clothes and wiped her down from head to toe and changed her crib. At 6:30am when we were feeding her, she threw up again. We called Grandma to come take care of her that day. The fun part of all of this is that I was leaving at 7:30am for the airport to go to NY for work. I made it to NY, but it was really tough leaving them - especially when they were sick. Riley and Grandma spent the day together - no more throw up...until Grandma left and Dad gave her a bottle before bed. They seemed to feel ok on Wednesday morning, so Kevin took them to school. Ryan got sick and had to be picked up on Wednesday...and so on and so on. You get the picture. I don't think either of them spent a full day at school the whole week. Kevin and I each spent a half day at home so they could be home all day on Friday. They had a good day on Friday, but the weekend has not been without throw up incidents. We are going on a full week of this and we've gotten very aquainted with pedia-lyte - many flavors to be exact (bubble gum is their favorite, for sure!). :) Luckily it has not gotten worse and they are definitely not dehydrated. One good thing about all of this is that they are both holding their own bottles. We've pushed so much pedialyte that they decided it was time to take charge and officially feed themselves (pictures in the albums below). We had a nice afternoon with Grandaddy. His birthday is tomorrow, so we took him to lunch and then he spent the afternoon with us. We warned him to "enter at his own risk". We hope he stays well. Grandma is in California taking care of Aunt Heather after her sinus surgery last week, so we opened presents in front of the webcam. It was "kinda" like we were all together. Technology is a wonderful thing...when it works correctly!

Well, this morning was the last incident, so if all goes well, we will sent them to school tomorrow. We will pray that they make it through the day and week ok.

Web Albums Posted:
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20080523FirstOvernightVisitToGrandmdaGrandaddyS
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20080526MemorialDayWeekend
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20080530SickDays