Catching Up

My mom came into town last Sunday. We really have enjoyed living in Northern Nevada and certainly have met a lot of great people, but nothing and no one can replace my mom. I really look forward to and enjoy her visits. When it's time for her to leave, I always start bugging her about when she's going to visit next. We had a really nice week with my mom--the weather cooperated for part of the time and we went to a bunch of parks and my mom got to see the kids' playgroup and gymnastics class. I had a lot of help and wonderful company and the kids had lots of snuggles and a personal playmate.

On Sunday, my mom, the kids and I headed to Pittsburgh. It's a long, long trip. A 45 minute drive to the Reno airport, a one hour flight to Vegas, a two hour layover in Vegas, a 4 hour 20 minute flight to Pittsburgh and then a 40 minute drive to my parents' house. Our day started at 5 AM-Nevada time-and we arrived at Grandma and Pepah's house at about 7 PM-Pittsburgh time. Overall, the trip went really well--nothing unexpected occurred-no vomiting, no flight delays, no tantrums, but it's still a long, long trip. Both Delaney and Elliot napped for about an hour--which actually is really good for them-they often don't even blink on the plane. Laney sat in her seat like a big girl, and Elliot squirmed his way back and forth between my mom and I. Little kids just aren't made to sit still-especially Elliot. And we were SOOOOO glad to see my dad waiting for us at the Pittsburgh airport.

Laney and Elliot are gradually settling in and getting used to the 3 hour time difference. Delaney is shocked that there are birds at Grandma and Pepah's house---just like at home--and that Grandma and Pepah have trees inside (a small grapefruit tree-but it must be big to her). A toddler's world really is very small! She was a little scared to sleep in her 'new' room but I explained to her that she was sleeping in mommy's old room and gave her a few of my old stuffed animals and that seemed to help a bit.

Elliot's been a trooper but is exhausted and had a tough time going to bed tonite. He learned how to do somersaults today--as Delaney would say-all by himself. He's pretty pleased with himself. He's tries to say 'Grandma' and calls my dad 'Pop'.