a visit from nana

My mom (Nana) came to visit at the end of January for about a week and a half and during the 3 days when Matthew went to the Desiring God conference in Minneapolis. We had a nice, relaxing time (as relaxing as 3 little boys can be!) despite all 3 adults getting sick at some point during her stay. 

Finley, Piper and I went to Fargo to pick Mom up from the airport. They were so excited to see her. We drove up to the terminal to pick her up. I thought I saw mom at the end of the sidewalk. I said "Boys! There's Nana in the pink shirt!" I waved to her, smiling at her as I slowed down to park in front of her...except that it wasn't her. No wonder the lady didn't wave or show ANY RECOGNITION at all as I waved her toward the vehicle! I felt so dumb and had to tell the boys that it wasn't her. We were not disappointed at all though when Nana did walk up and get in the van. We had left the airport with the right Nana!

On the way home, Nana and Piper started a game of "Boo". Piper would say Boo and Mom would turn around and say Boo back to Piper. Sounds like a fun game, but when you factor in at least a 30-minute drive wherever you go, that's a lot of turning in your seat to say Boo! =)

Mom and I used to play a game when I lived at home where we would lie on the floor and try to flip the other person over using only 1 leg. It's hard to explain, but I blame that game for a very sore knee for the next few days. The boys LOVED seeing us wrestle on the floor though and jumped right in. 

Mom walked out of the bathroom after washing her hair one day and when Finley saw her, he said, "Whoa, look at his hair!" and laughed. He cracks me up. 

Nana reading to the boys. All 3 have VERY different preferences in books, so reading to all 3 of them at a time can be difficult, but Nana pulled it off great!

Just starting to eat baby food. Carrots have been one of his favorites from the beginning...very much unlike Finley and Piper. 

Yes, he loves his baby food!

Piper has a hard time standing still long enough--with a smile on his face--to take a decent picture, so the following are what you get of Piper. 

Finley excited to get the picture over so they can go outside. Piper not wanting to take a picture, even if it means he can go outside. 

Finley in his glory. He will play outside alone, but prefers to have Piper with him. 

Unfortunately, most of the time, Piper prefers to stay on the sidewalk where the snow isn't too deep. 

A good picture of our little Piper. 

All 3 boys have been able to wear this little pair of overalls of Matthew's. Darlene (Matthew's mom) gave them to me when Finley was born and I love them. 

My cousins, Katie and Carolyn came for a visit to see Mom while she was here. Here is Carolyn's son, Gary. He's a sweet little guy and we had fun trying to figure out the words he was saying. He copied almost everyone at one point or another during their visit. 

Here is Sawyer, Katie's son. He is very smiley and a really good-natured little boy. He and Gary play really well together since they see each other a lot. We saw this smile a lot during the time he was here. 

Reading before bed. The boys love their Nana. 

There are no pictures from the last 4 days of Nana's stay as Matthew came home Wednesday night sick with strep throat and Mom got sick that evening until Saturday. I got sick with strep throat Saturday night and she left on Sunday. It was a pretty yucky way to end her visit, but what do you do? Thanks, Mom, for visiting and spending time with the boys. You are so patient with the boys, encouraging and caring. They really enjoyed the books and play time on the floor with you. We love you and can't wait to see you (and Papa) in a couple more months. Finley's already talking about THE BEACH!