Monday in Texas

below: Katelyn gives Jay a lesson in couponing.

Today (Monday) the weather was amazing. It seriously made me dread returning to Illinois and all the cold. But we miss daddy so hopefully that will make up for the frigid temperatures. (-:

This morning my kids were out of bed early, and when katelyn and Haley got up two hours later we were definitely ready for breakfast! We had a light agenda for the morning. Mimi and I wanted to go to hobby lobby because I really enjoy browsing around that store and there isn't one close to me (katelyn has one within a mile of her house). We went over after Jay's morning nap and it turns out that it's Calla's favorite store as well! Who knew? She wanted exactly everything she saw. Mimi got her and sissy some art smocks and a pair of scissors. The possibilities are endless!

We came home for lunch and by then Haley and Jay were past due for their naps. Haley took a massive nap but Jay did not unfortunately. He was just waking up as Kelsey fell asleep for hers. Once everybody was up from their respective naps, we piled into our cars and went to the Mud Hut which is this neat pottery painting place.

Back in December I took my three kids to paint pottery for the grandparents and I loved it. I was looking forward to going and having some extra hands for all the kids. Katelyn and Mimi didnt paint anything; they patiently helped the kiddos. Calla picked out a C to paint and Kelsey picked out a heart because they had run out of the letter K. Both girls are really excited about daddy hanging
up their pottery on their bedroom wall!

I decided to paint a simple plate with a "happy birthday" motif to serve as a special plate for our kids to use on their birthdays. We had one growing up and loved it. Of course Calla thought it was a great idea. Anything involving birthdays is a great idea in her opinion.

below: Katelyn reading to the kids to keep them occupied so pottery wouldn't go shattering. Unfortunately Calla dropped her "C" and it broke. Boo.

below: Haley helping Aunt Corinne with her pottery...

below: Mimi helping me with my birthday plate.

below: Jay snoozing...

below: GOOFball!

below: See? Putting on a finishing touch to her heart. She made several "finishing touches."

below: more books...

After every one was finished their works of art, it was dinner time! David was playing tennis, but the rest of us (Mimi and katelyn and Haley, Corinne and daniel, and my kids and I) headed over to a dinner out at Bodacious BBQ. I've heard about this place for years (Jonathan even went when he visited Texas on a business trip when he worked for Gallagher!) and couldn't wait to try it.

The food was delicious. I had a BBQ chopped beef sandwich. Yum. Jay was a little cranky while we were there because he was getting hungry (a snack in the bathroom stall wasn't enough to appease him) but it worked out because we didn't stay long.

below: dinner at Bodacious BBQ. Look at adorable Haley peeking around.

We headed back to katelyn and David's and by then the kids were tired. I changed them into their pajamas and they got one last wrestling match in with uncle David before heading to bed. We also said goodbye to David since he is going on a flying trip Tuesday morning and won't return until after we are gone.

below: somebody's always got to get hurt. 

below: don't ask.

After all the "babies" were asleep, we played a rousing game of Settlers. "Rousing" because anytime Corinne and katelyn and I are involved in a Settlers game it gets pretty rousing. Haha. David ended up winning which was just as well because he had to get up five hours later to go fly. I told him I was glad I wasn't one of his passengers. Can't get drowsy in the air!

Callaism -
- "I think aunt Corinne should marry uncle Caleb." - Calla. me: "they can't because they are sister and brother." Calla: "why not?" (I guess my explanation didn't clear anything up for her.)

Kelseyism-
- Kelsey hurt her knee at the restaurant tonight and wanted her daddy! Aww. She will be excited to see him in a couple days!

Celebrating Haley's Birthday

Today the kids woke up early, as is their tradition. I'm not really sure why I am surprised by it every morning. You'd think my body would catch on, but I always feel like I was run over by a truck for the first half hour.

We had a busy morning getting out the door for church. We ate waffles and actually were on schedule when we left the house at 10:30. Jay was tired because I had woken him up from his nap to leave, but fortunately church was nearby and he was actually back to his cheerful self when I dropped him off in nursery. (Haley, however, was not so much . Ha)

Calla and Kelsey seemed pleased with the chance to be visitors at David and katelyn's church. They went into their respective classes with no problem at all and seemed to have positive reviews when we picked them up!

Katelyn was called out of the service because Haley was sad in nursery. I know Jay is going to hit that stage soon when nursery can be iffy! Calla actually got that way at four months (and was out of her funk at about a year) but Kelsey didn't miss her mama until she was six months and so I know it's just around the corner for Jay! For now he doesn't seem to mind when I'm gone !

Corinne picked Mimi up from the airport at around 11. Mimi flew in from Tennessee where she was on a college tour with pops and Caleb. Pops bought her a plane ticket to come visit over my visit for a Christmas present. I consider it a present for all of us! It was so great to see her. The girls were so excited; they kept fighting over who was going to sit on her lap and hold her hand.

For lunch we went to Mimi's favorite places in Texas called "cowboy chicken" and all I needed was to read a menu and I realized it was one of my favorites too! It's a pretty casual spot, but the rotisserie chicken is amazing and the sides were so southern and delicious. And sweet tea to boot! We sat and caught mimi up on the past couple days of fun.

By the time we got back to katelyn's it was 2pm so the kids were definitely past due for naps. Poo Jay had been awake for over four hours which is quite a record for him. I got him and Kelsey down for naps, and Haley took one too. Then calla kept the adults company while we talked and talked.

Tonight Katelyn wanted to celebrate Haley's birthday, so Jay and Mimi and I went with katelyn to the store to pick up a couple things for dinner. Corinne meanwhile wanted to take the nieces to the park! I think David went with her.

It's so fun when it's just jay and me out and about because it just never happens. He enjoyed his little trip and then we returned to katelyn's to help her prepare dinner. Well David helped her. The rest of us just tried to keep the kids at bay. Calla and Kelsey helped me wrap our gifts for Haley.

Haley's birthday is not until February 17th but we are celebrating it early (the first celebration as Calla would say) since we are all in town. Speaking of Calla, she was in a foul mood for a bit because she was feeling pretty down that HER birthday is so far away. September 10th seems like eternity to her. (quick frankly, it is. 1/8 of her lifetime to go).

Katelyn made a delicious dinner and we really enjoyed it. I finished early so i could put Jay to sleep, which ended up becoming a wrestling match since that little stinker did not want to go down without a fight. Ha. When I emerged, everybody was ready and waiting to start the cake.

below: Haley's birthday dinner!

 Haley was adorable with the cake!! You could tell she had eaten it before. (-:

And after cake was presents...

The big cousins played with some of the presents until it was past bedtime. They were reluctant but I finally got them to sleep soon. I think Haley enjoyed her birthday.

Tex-Mex

TODAY the kiddos woke up early. I put Jay in the exersaucer, set the girls up with crafts, and told them to tell me when he started fussing. Then I laid in my bed. Ha. (I didn't fall asleep but it felt good to have my eyes closed. Katelyn and I haven't been in bed before midnight since I've been here.)

Katelyn made pancakes for breakfast again, since they are the girls' favorite. She makes awesome pancakes! She makes them from scratch. Katelyn is like super-mom over here.

We thought the kids should be bathed before church on Sunday, so we did a Saturday morning bathtime with the cousins. We missed cousin Clark!

below: Calla was responsible for making sure Jay didn't go under. I would like you to notice the size difference between Jay and his 11-month old cousin Haley. It's good he's a boy because he looks like a beast next to her...

 below: Cozy cousins...

below: Ha! Check out Haley's hair. Nice side-sweep. What an adorable little body she has. (-:

At some point mid-morning, Aunt Corinne came over and we got ready to go to Marshall Pottery. It was a good day for a fieldtrip because it was chilly today.

Katelyn and David drove Calla and Haley and introduced Calla to the alphabet-game. She is a big fan. Corinne and I drove with Kelsey and Jay; Kelsey played on the iPad and Jay fell asleep for a nice long morning nap. He actually ended up sleeping the entire time we were at the pottery place and during the drive home. Yay!

below: checking out the pottery making...(-:

It turns out Calla was in love with all the assorted pottery pieces; she kept wanting everything she laid her hands on. We finally settled on some items to help her remember Texas by: a mug with her (middle) name Rachel on it (since there will never be a Calla on anything unless custom ordered!) and two pottery bowls; one to keep our eyes in at the front door and one for the kitchen. I also let the girls pick out pottery animals to take home; Calla picked out a snail and Kelsey picked out a frog. Calla can't wait to put hers "on her desk" at home. Jonathan is probably wondering what pottery costs at about now and while there were a few expensive items our gifts totalled up for $10. Not bad.

By the time we drove home, it was past lunchtime. Katelyn whipped up some chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese and the girls ate a ton! Even Haley is a fan of mac and cheese.



below: Uncle David and Calla reading books while Katelyn prepared lunch...

below: a little piano playing compliments of Kelsey...

below: walking practice!

below: Kelsey is always at Katelyn's elbow when she is in the kitchen. She loves to help.

below: eating lunch

By the time we got the kids down for their naps, it was 2:30 or so. Calla stayed up and hung out with the mommies. We ended up looking through Katelyn's wedding album because I've never seen it and watching her wedding video. Kelsey and Calla's favorite part was seeing Daddy! Fortunately he got a lot of camera time since he was the Master of Ceremonies at the reception. (-:

Calla loved watching herself as a baby; but it was a little upsetting to Kelsey that she wasn't born. Calla kept telling Kelsey she was "still in mommy's tummy."

Haley and Jay took long afternoon naps, but finally woke up at around 5:45 so we headed out the door for dinner. David and Katelyn took us to their favorite Tex-Mex place, called El Sombrero. It's right near the house and the perfect place for the kiddos! There's so much to look at; Jay's eyes were as large as saucers.

below: The Texas side of the table...Corinne, David and Katelyn. Look at little Haley on the end there sitting so prim and proper!

below: It was Jay's first time in a high chair. Check out that profile! We think he is the cutest but that little boy was born without a chin...(and yet it's a double chin?!?)...

Katelyn and David told me what to order and I got some American chicken strips-and-fries for the girls. They did eat a lot of chips and salsa and Kelsey had some of my rice. Jay had the best meal of the night though. I gave him some guacamole because Haley loves it so much and what do you know he is a BIG fan! Katelyn said its a good "first food" for babies because it's so bland.

below: You can't tell from this expression but he is a big fan of it. haha

below: watching the mariachi guy strumming away...

below: He loved being a big kid!

below: Katelyn holding Jay when he got tired of the chair...

Haley ate a TON while we were there. Aunt Corinne sat next to her and just kept shoveling it in. Uncle David paid for everybody which was super nice; I need to beat him to the check one of these days.

Once we got home it was about bedtime, but we got the kids in their pajamas and then the three girls ended up spending a long time wrestling with uncle David. He laid on the step and just let them attack him for a long while, before he started steamrolling over them. They all thought it was hilarious. Even Haley got in on all the action! (And Jay was very entertained watching from my lap.)

Kelsey sustained three injuries (rug burn to the face / hurt elbow / banged head against the carpet) so after the third one I put the kiddos to bed. At about the time I returned from getting them all to sleep, Katelyn and David were ready at the kitchen with Settlers.

I beat them both two games in a row so I sure hope they don't kill me in my sleep. (-: We get very competitive playing Settlers. (-:

Callaism~

~ Calla, to Corinne: "Rin, why do you call Mimi 'Mom?' "

Kelseyism~

~ Kelsey plays so nicely with cousin Haley! It's so cute to watch. She loves to clue Katelyn and David in when she thinks Haley is doing something wrong. She spotted Haley with Katelyn's makeup bag and alerted Katelyn with repeated "uh ohs" "oh nos." Haha.

Calla's First Sleepover

Today calla and Corinne woke up at 7:3oam for school. Corinne said she made calla eggs and toast and set her up with yo gabba gabba at the table to eat while Corinne took a shower and got ready for class. She and Calla's first class was at 8:30 I think. Anyway she said Calla loved

class. She said she was "perfect."

below: Calla's first day of college
below: Calla with her rolling backpack...

below: In her desk, checking her phone before class. Corinne said she didn't say a word to any of the students, but after class Calla told Rin, "I wasn't being shy. I just didn't want to talk to anybody because nobody is supposed to talk except the teacher." HAHA.

She said Calla obviously didn't pay attention in class, but she did ask Corinne to take notes when each PowerPoint slide switched to a new slide. Haha. After class they went to the college library and Corinne let her pick six books to check out. Fun! After that they headed to chapel, where they met up with the rest of the motley crew (Katelyn and I and all the babies).

While Calla and Corinne were in class, the rest of us were at home eating waffles/getting ready for the day. Thank goodness Jay and Kelsey slept in until 8:30am. I felt like a new girl. At 10:30, we left for LeTourneau to meet Corinne at chapel.

You should have seen us march into chapel...we got there late and there weren't any seats together except in the very front...so we paraded up to the front. oops. I thought we would last about five minutes but the kids actually held out pretty long! Haley was the first one to bite the dust so Katelyn took her to the back. Jay and I made it about thirty minutes into the speaker before he got tired and noisy, so I took him and brought Kelsey with me because I could picture her yelling after me. Calla and Corinne met us after the speaker was done. (ps He was a really good speaker talking about missions in Japan).

 

below: in the front at chapel...

below: Kelsey made herself at home on the floor with crafts...

Then Corinne and Katelyn gave us a campus tour....I had Jay in the bjorn, Calla was skipping ahead, and Haley was in the stroller. Katelyn always puts Kelsey on top of the stroller (on the canopy part) which Kelsey thinks is hilarious. I will have to get a picture. It was almost lunch so we made our way back over to the cafeteria - aka, Calla's favorite restaurant of all time.

 

Things got a little hectic, but somehow Jay got a nap in there and Haley ate a record-breaking amount of food. Kelsey and Calla were starting to feel confident in the mass of college kids and kept going up to the dessert bar for more and more food. When Calla couldn't reach she would just ask a helpful college student.

below: the aftermath...

After lunch, the girls took me to the student center to walk around and check out Corinne's mailbox. Calla was very interested in seeing that. Then we headed into the bookstore. Another favorite. I let Calla pick out a 99cent college notebook for practicing her letter writing.

Haley inspected the floor of course:

below: Calla and Corinne in their coordinating leopard print...

By this point it was way past naptime (approaching 2 o'clock), so we headed back to Katelyn's house and put Kelsey, Jay and Haley down. The babies took nice long naps. Kelsey's wasn't too long, but it worked out because Uncle David took the girls outside to play on big wheels. It was an awesome day out! In the upper-60s, sunny and no wind...I told Jonathan on the phone that I am ready to move to Texas.

After the babies woke up, we took a trip to Uncle David's airplane hanger to check out the airplanes he flies. It was SUCH a fun idea! I loved checking out the planes and Calla did not want to leave.

below: not your typical "day at the office"

below: in the cockpit...

below: pretending to fly. Calla knows all the flight lingo so she put on some headphones and gave us our instructions (tray tables up / seatbelts on / safety first!)

below: Kelsey on the wing...

below: weee!

below: a future pilot.

below: Having a blast!

below: Calla loved "the rainbow one."

below: David let us sit in the learjet, which was the most luxurious. But here he is pointing out the snack bar to the girls. Snacks are an important part of any airplane trip.

below: Eating M & Ms in the lounge area...

By the time we got back from the airport, it was time for dinner. Katelyn had a chicken pot pie in the oven while we were gone so we were all set for dinner when we arrived home. It was delicious!! As soon as dinner was over, I put Jay to bed and the girls shortly after. They were ready for an early bedtime after such a busy day!

It took a while to get everyone asleep (too excited!), but eventually Katelyn, Corinne and I got to play two games of Settlers and chat it up. We even had some ice dream. yum. We talked about Corinne's Uganda trip. One stipulation is that David flies us over in the learjet to visit her. Deal.

Callaism~

~ Corinne said Calla took forever to fall asleep last night because she was SOO talkative. It was her first sleepover and she loved being snuggled up in Corinne's bed with her. Corinne said she went on and on about everything in the room (lots of questions about everyone in the pictures frames / questions about the college class / questions about the campus). Corinne also observed that Calla kicks a TON in her sleep. Now we know what keeps Kelsey up at night ! (-:

Kelseyism~

~ Kelsey has decided she likes Aunt Katelyn better than her mother. She is always specifying that "Aunt Katelyn" do things for her and even said "my Katelyn" a few times. Oh my. I may have to leave her in Texas.