Work Day

Mike's work does a yearly "Bring Your Child to Work Day". It just so happened that it was scheduled during Emily's spring break...YAY for me. Mike was only going to take the older two, but on my way to drop them off he called to say that he was going to be a few minutes late to come out and get them. Well, that few minutes turned into 30 minutes so I had him take Ruby too. While the kids were with Daddy I went to Bath and Body Works and the grocery store. It was so calm in the stores. LOL.

Family Fun Night

Tonight was Family Fun Night at Emily's school. It replaced the fair that Ryan usually has for fundraising. We were bummed the fair wasn't happening, but we decided to still go and support the school. Not to mention that Emily was all excited about the family dance that was going to have a D.J.

They served pizza, salad, and water. They also had Jamba Juice for sale and glow sticks.  It was really fun to dance with the kids and enjoy them...well, except for maybe Ruby. She is only 2 and didn't want to be seen with me on the dance floor.

Sorry about the picture quality, they were taken with my phone.

Ruby's Birthday

I can't believe that Ruby is 2 years old today! I also know I say that every time one of my kids gets older but it is really how I feel.  The day started off with grocery shopping and getting birthday balloons. Ruby loved them and I think felt pretty special. For dinner she chose to go to McDonald's, go figure. We didn't think that there would be tons of people there since it was Valentine's Day, but there was more than I thought there would be. While we were there Ruby had a hard time, and so did the other kids for that matter, because there was a special needs girl that was hurting her and the other kids.  Emily and Mordecai came and told us the first time it happened but I just explained that she was "different" and to just play away from her and if she comes close to them to ask her to not do it again. They did, but it was apparent she was doing it to them and the other kids that were there on purpose. Finally I had had enough and tried to find her parents, and when I couldn't find them and watched her pinch Ruby and hold it I couldn't take it any longer. I went up to her and asked her to stop being mean and to stay away from my kids. Then another Dad there had an issue and he finally found her parents.  The parents seemed to take offense, when all we were trying to do was protect our kids...I guess it is true what they say about Momma Bears.

Anyway, after dinner we came home and opened presents and had cupcakes and ice cream which Ruby loved.

 

Nauvoo Reunion Day 5

Today is our last day, which makes me kind of sad. The kids have had a blast and so have Mike and I. Mike made a comment that Nauvoo wasn't really anything he ever had a desire to see, but he is very glad we did.

We did the visitors center this morning then met up with everyone at Pioneer Pastimes except Joey's family.  The kids really enjoyed the games and dressing up, and Mike really enjoyed the ring toss game and stilts.

From there we all headed to Pizza Hut in Keokuk where there was a lunch buffet. After lunch Mike and I took the kids to the Oxen ride before they closed them down for the day.  That was pretty fun too.

From there we headed back to the Pioneer Pastimes so Mom could watch the kids while Mike, Cherstin, Dan and I took the Community of Christ tour of Joseph Smiths home and red brick store.  Mike and I both felt the Spirit leave when we literally went into their area of Nauvoo, and I commented on how even though their beginning history of Joseph Smith is the same it still felt like a "story" they were telling us. 

Anyway, we got back to Mom and the kids and there had been a band and a parade that Emily participated in.

Mike and I had dinner to prepare in a hurry.  We had spaghetti, salad, and rolls.  After we all ate fast we headed to a play called Sunset on the Mississippi.  It was fun, and the kids enjoyed it, well maybe not Mordecai since he fell asleep sitting up.

We played games late into the night, and then headed back to the hotel.  On our way back Mike and I were talking about what our favorite part has been and I added that it has just been nice to be with my family who are all doing what is right and that as of now we can all be together forever. I know it isn't a guarantee but I can't imagine things changing ever, and I know it is a very rare things now days that we have all been sealed in the Temple (Felicia and Tom in November) and are all active. Love my family!!! 





Nauvoo Reunion Day 4

We missed church this morning since we overslept.  We met up with the rest of the group and went and did the quarry overlook, blacksmith shop (which I thought was very interesting) where they made a tiny horse shoe which Carlie got, but gave to us.  We also got prairie diamond rings which the kids love. 

We met back at camp for PB&J's and then went and saw Lucy Mack Smith's home.  W stayed late playing games and stuff and were going to stay for the Trail of Hope, where the missionaries walk the path of the exodus performing vignettes of those that were here, but our kids were done so we headed back instead.

Nauvoo Reunion Day 3

This morning we all met at Carthage Jail. Before our tour we took pictures in our shirts and bonnets/hats.  It was just the Bainbridge Family on the tour since there is 39 of us.  The Monday before we came here we had and FHE on the events that took place here and I hope at least my kids understood the importance and felt the Spirit.  I know Mike and I did.

After the jail we all bombarded a Dairy Queen for lunch.  I think they handled us pretty well. From there we headed back to the hotel so the majority of the family could go swimming and Ruby could have a hearty nap.  Mom came up to my room for a bit while she napped so we had a good chat.

The men and the youth then headed out to the Temple to do baptisms for the dead while the wives and younger kids hung out at the campsite.  It has been fun to visit with my sisters and sisters in-laws.

Felicia and Tom hosted dinner of hot dogs and s'mores and the kids loved it.  After dinner we had our family devotional with family skits, primary songs and storied of Mike's and Dan's pioneer histories.  I thought it was neat that 2 out of 12 of Joseph Smiths body guards 2 of them came from our current family lines. James Allred (Mike's ancestor) and another was Dan's.

Felicia and Tom head back to Provo tomorrow, and I think after church and such we will visit some more of the home since it is supposed to be cooler.

*I have pictures of us all in our bonnets, but Cherstin needs to send them out. So when she does I will post them*

Nauvoo Reunion Day 2

These are pictures of how wiped out our kids were this morning.

It is SOOOO HOTTTT!  I can't believe the rest of my family is camping. Mike and I feel bad for them. We met up with my family at Wendy's in Keokuk, Iowa about 11:30 a.m. Then from there we dropped off our stuff at our hotel, Baymont Inn and Suites, and then drove 15 more minutes into Nauvoo.  We met most of the family and visited lots of homes.  It was so hot so it was a nice reprieve to be in the air conditioned buildings.  Only our family would have the luck of picking a reunion time in record breaking temps, like 104 degrees. We went swimming this evening and I think we overloaded the pool. Ha Ha.

Nauvoo Reunion Day 1

We headed out about 6:50 am this morning.  The older kids traveled well with watching movies and playing ipods and the such.  Ruby, not so much.  She started out fine, but she fell asleep before lunch so she screamed until we stopped for lunch which wasn't for about another hour.  We are in West Des Moines, Iowa at a La Quinta Inn.  This is actually mine and Emily and Mordecai's 3rd time staying here, and Mike's 2nd.  We really like this particular hotel. We have 3 more hurs until we meet up with the family tomorrow. I know we are crazy for stopping, but Ruby was nuts.

15 Month - Ruby

Ruby had her 15 month well child check today.  She continues to amaze Mike and I as we watch her grow.  We can't decide if we enjoy her more than we did the older two... AND if we do if it is because we have been through it and know what to expect which means we are more laid back or because we waited longer to get her so we appreciate things more.  Her perception and understanding is amazing to us.  We can tell her something like, "go get your shoes", usually because she is screaming at us to go outside, and she will bring us the matching shoes.  Or when we tell her, "go get mommy's shoes she will bring me mine."  We can also tell her things and she goes and does it right away.  She is good about folding her arms for prayers and loves to clap her hands at the end and say, "a-ma" which is her saying amen. She has about 15 to 20 words and continues to learn more.  She is feisty and mean, and wont take anything from anyone, if you are mean she wont have it.  See why I said feisty. She is a tornado and spit-fire and we sure do love her.

Weight: 20lbs 4 oz - 10%
Height: 31 1/4 inches - 75%

Emily's Big Day

My day started off at 6:30 when Ruby woke up.  I was hoping Mike would have offered to get out of bed with her since I did it last Saturday too, but that was a no go. Shortly after Emily, the birthday, girl woke up. Not too long after Mordecai was up so the kids and I headed to King Soopers for some donuts and juice to have for the requested breakfast. When the kids were digging in Mike joined us, about 7:30.

After we cleaned up, did some laundry,  wrapped presents and had lunch we headed off to Jumpin' Jordy's for the kids to play.  Emily and Mordecai really are best friends, so it is nice to go places cause they have each other.

 For dinner Emily really wanted to have a "party table" so she tied all the balloons I blew up to each chair. She also set the table, and kept commenting on how this was like a restaurant except without the music.  We ate steak, broccoli and home made sweet potato fries.  Then we sang happy birthday for the second time, had cupcakes and opened presents.

-Funnies-

As Emily was opening her card from Grandma and Grandpa Bainbridge she noticed that Grandpa signed it, "G-Pa B" but the 'B' looked like a '13' because it wasn't completely attached so she read it "G-Pa 13".  I told her it was a 'B' and she said, "Oh, I guess Grandpa just doesn't know how to write 13's very well."

Also for dinner I made a rather large side of broccoli thinking we would have enough.  I was wrong because we didn't. All three of the kids kept asking for more, and at one point Ruby was actually yelling at Mike because he wasn't giving her any while he dished more up for Mordecai.

Well Child - Emily & Ruby

My girls had their well child checks today, and boy was it long!  The first appointment was supposed to be at 11:00 and the next at 11:30. Well we didn't even get back to a room until 12:30.  I wish they would call you and tell you they are behind, that way I wouldn't of had to pick up Emily from school early.  Either way the kids were so good that I told them they could have cupcakes when we got home (I made cupcakes for Emily to take to class since her birthday is this Saturday and there isn't school tomorrow).
After Ruby's shots and all we were all starving so we stopped at the mall for lunch and the kids to play at the dinosaurs.  It worked out well because I needed some foundation and to get some clothes for Emily's birthday presents.  Lame, I know.

Stats:

Emily
Weight: 45 lbs - 60%
Height: 45 3/4" - 60%

Doing awesome all around. No concerns, except for the teenage drama already :-)

Ruby
Weight: 18 lbs 4 oz. - 15%
Length: 29 1/2" - 60%
Head: 17 1/2' - 30%

Doing awesome too.  She is very chatty and demonstrated some words for Dr. Miller.  She can say yes, Jesus, please, and a few others we think she is saying, but these are very intentional.  She also walked a little for him and hammed it up. Whenever we go anywhere I always get comments on how they are the cutest kids.  I don't know how I got blessed with such beautiful, smart, healthy wonderful kids but I am grateful!

Valentines/Ruby's Birthday

Valentines was pretty low key for us.  Mike bought me the traditional lilies like he usually does.  This year however we bought the kids cards and chocolates. They were pretty excited.  The kids gave Mike a card and straws filled with strawberry balls, chocolate balls, and cookies' & creme balls with the idea that it would flavor his milk as he sips it. I think it was more for them. :)

For dinner we went to IHOP to celebrate Ruby's birthday.  After dinner we came home to open presents from Grandma & Grandpa Rogers.  We let all three kids open since Mordecai seemed left out until next month. A month to a 3 year old is like an eternity.

Ruby Walking

Ruby started taking steps two weeks ago this past Sunday. Since then she has been pretty daring. She will just let go of whatever she is holding onto and try to walk, even if there isn't anyone to walk to or catch her. She is also a little ham. She knows when she is being goofy and hams it up, proof in the video.

Naughty, Naughty

Ruby is for sure our messiest kid. Mike and I don't remember Emily or Mordecai ever throwing food on the floor on purpose if she doesn't want it or like it.  Iv'e been told that we have been lucky.  Ruby also is talking.  I'm usually not one of those people to think kids talk at 6 months or the like but hers is deliberate.  We can't tell if she is saying "Ha Ha" when she throws food/toys/anything or "Uh-Oh".  Either way I caught her on video.  She also says "Hi" when she waves at people.  She is just so goofy.

Movin on Up

Mordecai is now in Primary! I can't believe it, and neither can he.  That is all he has wanted for the past year and a half.  He would tell me, "I don't want to go to nursery, I want to go to primary with Emily."  He would just sit with the nursery teacher instead of play with the kids.  It is probably because there is just him and one other boy, that doesn't come all the time, that are their ages the rest are really young.  I also have no idea when he got so grown up...isn't he handsome?

Emily is just as beautiful as ever, and a sassy pants too boot.