Yes, it's true, I am home and have no travel plans for a looooong while. And it's nice. Don't get me wrong - I enjoyed my travels, but it's been weeks since I've had a good night's sleep or any time to relax as I've been packing and unpacking and repacking.

My latest trip was to Ohio to visit my Sister and her family. It was the first time I got to see my newest nephew, Zachary who was born on April 30th. How soon we forget how tiny they are at 2 months old. It's been 3 years since I have visited her w/o my own kids in towe, so it was nice to be able to focus on my niece and nephews. Zachary also has reflux disease like Kayla did. He cries most of the time. So I was able to help my Sis out by playing with the older kids or doing some cleaning or just holding a screaming baby so she could do some of those things. Saturday we took Maddy (who's 4 1/2) and Zachary and went shopping at some outlets. Since Christine was in dire need for clothes I carried Zachary in the snuggli. I was able to get a chance to try some things on for myself (yay). I made out with some excellent deals for myself and the girls. And don't worry - I got J a $4.00 shirt - so I didn't forget him. :) I will say, Zachary had a couple screaming fits at the stores. The poor guy - I'm sure I had many shoppers pittying me or angry at me. LOL Luckily he'd tire himself out and conk out after a while. My Sister and I thought Maddy would get a kick out of the shopping - um...nope. She even told us once that "Buying is boring". Um....what? That does not compute.

It was a short trip, only 2 1/2 days, but I got some great time with all 4 kiddlies. And Elliot, who is Alysa's age really got to know me this trip. He's only seen me with my kids, so I never had a chance to really get him to warm up to me. I love to see the differences between him and Alysa as they are only 3 weeks apart in age.

Zachary's reflux disease did send me spiraling back in time to when Kayla was his age. It's never easy to have a crying baby, but it's even worse when they scream at the top of their little lungs, this pathetic hurting cry and there's nothing you can do to stop it. And then when you do hear them coo and their voice is all horse. I was glad I could give my sister somewhat of a break.

The girls stayed with my parents and had a blast. They went to the Zoo on Saturday. Did they have a good time, you ask? I'll tell you exactly what my Mother told me - "Well, one is portable, one is not." Any guesses as to which is which? LOL Alysa liked parts of it, but was miserable most of the time. She does not like being confined even if it's only by a "leash" in a wide open zoo. Kayla loves every part of it. And this is how they've been since the day they were born. On Sunday my Mom took Kayla on a local train ride that was 1 1/2 hours. She asked if my Dad should stay home with Alysa. My thoughts? Yes! And they did. She would have hated it. Kayla - told me about it last night and she couldn't sit still - she was SO excited. I was told she giggled for the entire first half of it. I wish I could have seen it.

It was so good to be home last night. My girls, my hubby, my BED! We're still busy in the next few weeks, but no travel. Hopefully I can find the time to catch up on the house. But hey, I can't take comfort in the fact that Kayla's party is in 3 weeks, so I HAVE to catch the house up by then.

And did I mention that I came home with yet another list of possible toys for the girls? My Sis and I have the same ideas of what kinds of toys we want the girls to have. Since her kids are older, I feed off of her finds. Which is good with Kayla's birthday coming up and of course I've started my Christmas shopping. :)

I also was given an award, so I'll be back with that a bit later or tomorrow!
I hope everyone had a great weekend.