Memorial Day weekend we had the pleasure of hosting Paige Jane all weekend while Kristin and Cory went to Las Vegas on an anniversary get away. We loved having her at the Baranko pad for 4 full days, all to ourselves! Matt and I got to "try out" having two kids and it was pretty fun. The kids entertain each other and it just feels like there's more activity going on in the house. Especially since Luke doesn't really talk yet, and PJ is a chatter box, it definitely wasn't as quiet as we are used to. The biggest adjustment came when we left the house. The adult to kid ratio was 1:1, which is a big change for us, nobody gets a break!
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| PJ "reading" Luke books |
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| Balance biking |
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| Eating berries at the breakfast bar |
We crammed a lot of activities into the holiday weekend, and the gorgeous weather made everything even better. We went swimming a bunch, we went canoeing, we had friends and family over with lots of kids to play with, we went for dog walks to other playgrounds, we went on a bike ride, we had a bonfire, we went out to eat, we went to the beach, we read books and did crafts, it was non-stop action! When not doing those activities, I think PJ spent about 95% of the 4 days on the swings of Fort Dukerson, though. That kid loves to swing!
On Saturday we had Donna, Emil, Aunt Diane, Uncle Garry and second-cousin Orrin (3 yrs old) over to play during the day. Then Matt, PJ and I went canoeing while D&E stayed with Luke. While initially she wasn't keen on the idea of canoeing, she soon got into it and was very excited to point out all the birds and turtles she saw. About an hour in the calm of the river and the gentle sway of the canoe lulled her into a catnap. This is shocking for a little girl who doesn't sleep easily! Finally, that night we promised a bonfire for PJ, and she doesn't let you forget your promises. Once the fire was built she promptly roasted one marshmallow and then returned to swinging. Ha!
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| Luke's obsession with puzzles continues, he is wicked smart at doing them - even hard ones! |
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| PJ, Orrin, Luke playing wonderfully together |
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| PJ and Uncle Garry |
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| Grandpa showing Luke how to spray the hose |
On Sunday we had a last minute party with friends Kathryn, Valerie & Scott, and Luis. Also in attendance were Kathryn's daughter Madeline and friend Hannah (6 & 7 yrs old), and Val & Scott's boys Nathan and Ben (4 & 2 yrs old) so Luke and PJ were in heaven. I was in heaven too catching up with my dear friends and watching the kids have such a great time.
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| "Lake Forest Ladies" with our big hats |
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| Ben and Paige making "mud pie". I think they did this for over an hour. Garden hose + sand = fun |
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| Garden hose + slide = also very fun |
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| Kathryn and Luis catching up |
Finally, on Monday we decided to take a little bike ride. Paige was adamant that she wanted to ride her own bike. We acquiesced, but we had not even gotten down our own street before she decided riding in the trailer with Lukers was a lot less work! After our bike ride we headed to the beach to play in the sand, put our feet in the cold :Lake Michigan water, and play at the giant playground there. Kristin and Cory came home that day and our little mini-vacation had come to a close. It was a very fun weekend and we can't wait to have you back Ms. PJ!
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| Matt pulling two kids and one little pink bike |
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| Running up and down the boardwalk at the beach |
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| Bathing beauty |
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| Luke helping to water the flowers. |
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