Our trip to South America

That's right...we went to South America for Hunter's spring break! And let me tell you-it was amazing!

Ok, just kidding. We didn't actually go there. In January, Hunter's cousin went to Walt Disney World. Hunter didn't understand why he couldn't go with. Devastated. Tears. Ok, more like sobs. But, we told him that we would make it up to him. If their spring breaks lined up, we would go to Mall of America and go on the rides and to Rainforest Cafe for lunch.

The next day at church, Hunter ran over to his great-aunt and was so excited to tell her the big news-"My mom is taking me to South America!" She looked shocked! I think she thought that I was taking Hunter on the next church mission trip to Ecuador. We then clarified that we were going to Mall of America...not South America. However, Hunter kept referring to it as South America and the name kind of stuck.

Last week, we ventured down the cities. We went down on Tuesday afternoon, spent time with Heidi, Jason, and Henry and on Wednesday we got ready to go to South America...I mean, Mall of America.

Hunter was so excited. He even told me he would wake up at 7 o'clock so we could make it there in time. This is coming from a little boy who usually likes to sleep in until 8:00-9:00.
We arrived at the mall around 9:30-9:45 AM and got front row parking. It pays to get there early! The mall and the rides didn't open til 10, but thankfully Lego land had the Legos out and the boys got busy building. 10 o'clock rolled around and we bought our wristbands and hit the rides! Hunter told us he wanted to go on all the scary rides-the scarier the better. I didn't believe him. I thought he was hyping himself up. But I was wrong.

Brody having fun at Lego Land!

We rode rides until a little after 11, heading over to the Rainforest Cafe, had a great lunch and then Hunter hit up the rides again.

Melissa and Hunter at Rainforest Cafe...it kind of looks like South America, right?

We tried a couple of rides with Brody, but he was not a fan. Poor kid. The things we try to make him do. At 5 o'clock...yes, we were there all day!...we decided it was best to hit the road and head home. After a day at MOA, Hunter's biggest accomplishments were riding one of the big roller coasters and the log chute not once...not twice....but three times! It was his favorite ride!

Brody's first ride-he was terrified!

Brody's last ride before we left....still terrified.

Hunter liked the carousel. He even tried to hold Brody's hand.

We had a great time there with great people and hope one day to make it back to South America. ;)

Good-bye Pacifier!

That's right...we are going on day 4 with no pacifier! And let me tell you, I am thrilled! I was a little nervous at first, but we are surviving better than I expected.
This past weekend Craig and I went on a date (it is amazing having him home) and my brother Alex watched the boys (he is pretty much amazing and is there when we need anything). We had the pacifier off of Brody most of the day with hopes of one day breaking him of the habit of "needing" it. Before heading out the door, I told Alex not to forget to hook the pacifier clip on Brody because he needs it when he goes to sleep. The next morning we woke up to the sound of Brody talking in his crib and to our surprise, the pacifier was no where to be found.
We were shocked that he made it through the night and didn't wake up crying for it. We later found it downstairs where they had been watching "Choo choos!" the night before. We quickly hid it and it was as easy as that. No more pacifier! Brody has gone down for naps and to bed with no troubles for three days in a row. I really thought that taking the beloved "paci" away would be a lot more painful for all of us, but it wasn't.
So thanks Alex-not only for being a great uncle to the boys, but for helping us take the step we needed to get rid of that funny looking thing that blocked Brody's smile!

Just Because

Today I got a very unexpected, but pleasant call from a florist in town saying she had some flowers that needed to be delivered. Instantly, a big smile stretched across my face. 45 minutes later, she was at my door with my flowers. As soon as she left, I quickly untied the ribbon to see what they looked like. Inside, I found 12 gerber daisies-my favorite flower. Then, I peeked at the note and it read:

"Just Because

I love you a lot.

Craig"

So simple, but so sweet. It was exactly what I needed to brighten up my week after a couple of rough and lonely days. Inside of me, this project has taken a toll on me. But, I try not to let it show. I need to stay strong for the boys and let them know that we can do this, even though it isn't the most ideal situation. But every now and then, my emotions catch up to me and when everything is quiet in the house I will have a minor melt down and wish things could be different. I question whether this is what's best for our family, what's best for our relationship. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to next weekend when Craig is done with it and home for awhile. It is exactly what our family needs right now.

But until then, I have fresh flowers to wake up to. Flowers that remind me that I am loved by my husband, but more importantly, my best friend. Thanks, Craiger! You know exactly what to do to put a smile on my face. :)

Healing

Hunter's quote of the day. And let me tell you...it can be hard to pick just one.

"Mom, Jesus heals us right?"
"Yep."
"But I thought band-aids did that."