Bump Blessing

So, we didn't make it back to MN yesterday, but our bags did. Here is the story...
We got to the airport with Adam's mom. Adam and Charlayne parked and checked our four XL duffel bags while I circled Logan about six times. (Sidenote: Caleb kept saying, "Look at that giant, glass trampoline, Mom." A feature of one of the airport hotels. Little did he know it was the same one every time he saw it.)

We emptied the rental, and I went to return it. We got back and said goodbye to Gramma w/dogs. Then, we went through security, had lunch, and waited at the gate. We asked if the flight was full as we always do, in the hopes of getting "bumped." In the past, when we have gotten bumped, we receive a complimentary plane ticket to anywhere in the continental US for our trouble. They said, "Yes." And we volunteered to get bumped.

Long story short...we didn't get complimentary tickets, but got vouchers toward the purchase of tickets for the future. This means that Uncle Travis, Auntie Sarah, Cousin Brody, and Cousin Aili can come visit us this summer! YAY!

We re-rented a car and realized that we had no money and no debit card and no way to get to Boston from the airport because of the toll tunnels and toll bridges. So, I called my friend Kim who lives outside of Boston and bummed some money off her. She is so great. We got to see her husband and daughter. It all worked out.

We got back to RI and Heather loaned us some clothes so we could wash the ones we had been in all day. Thanks Heather!!

We had a nonstop flight back to Minneapolis, and when we arrived, it was snowing! What happened to the order we put in for all the snow gone and 50 degrees?

Little Rhody

Ok. So much happened while in Rhode Island. We came home at lunchtime on Wednesday and hung out at a park. It was windy, but fun to play with all the cousins. That night we invited Bobby, Kelli, and Joey over for dinner with the Pettigrews.

Thursday was Aili's dedication at church and Travis & Mama King's birthdays. Friday night was Hannah's birthday party with all the cousins and the Rossis. She got lots of Little People. So fun!

Thursday and Friday Hannah and Caleb both got to ride Gramma w/dogs' school bus. This gave mommy a nice break and was really fun too!

Saturday morning Papa w/dogs treated the cousins and 2nd cousins to breakfast at Bickford's. It was a buffet, and it was so delicious and fun. There were four two-year olds at the big, huge table. For an energy release Brody, Caleb, Hannah, Timothy, and Joey went to the YMCA for a swim.

Saturday night we went to Bobby and Kelli's without any kids! I felt naked. Michelle watched Hannah and Timothy, and Gramma & Papa took Caleb to Horton Hears a Who. Bobby's parents watched Joey. We ate chinese food, nim chow, and sang karoke (LOUD). So much fun!

Back to the tundra(?)...

Spin It In

We had a great time at the Brittin's. We finally met Mr. Samuel Rhoads Brittin. He will be 1 on May 3rd.

We spent Easter Sunday at Walnut Hill Community Church. Jenn had to play for five services. She was tired to say the least.

The kids wore the clothes Gramma w/dogs bought them. They were so adorable!

Yesterday, we went to the Waterbury Mall and Chuck E. Cheese. There is a new game there "Deal or No Deal" (just like the TV show). An older lady hogged it almost the whole time. We had to stand in line so she would know that we wanted a turn. Why was an old lady at Chuck E. Cheese hogging a video game? A better question...why did she care to win CEC tickets to redeem for cheap kid's junk?

Back to RI...

Vacationland

So, we made it to Maine. My first stop was Rapid Ray's. I have gotten a plain hotdog, large fries with vinegar and salt, and a small Mountain Dew since I was 3 years old. Now I am bringing my growing family back to the homeland. I did forego the Mountain Dew much to Timothy's excitement (or lack thereof...he doesn't want caffeine from me).


My Gram turned 90 years young earlier this month. It was kind of bittersweet going over to her house because my grandfather passed away 02/13. They were married 61 years. It was great to see her. We all really miss him. Caleb Michael was named after him. Michael was my grandfather's middle name too!


We also took a trip to LL Bean. We needed another XL duffel bag for our checked luggage because we were 7 lbs overweight on the flight over. We got a red one this time.

Onto Connecticut!

Surprise East Coast Visit

We decided to fly to the east coast to surprise Adam's family before we had to buy a ticket for Hannah Banana (she turns 2 on 03/31). So, we flew from MSP to BOS. Three kids, three car seats, three carryons, and two strollers. People everywhere were praying we were not on their flight.





The kids did GREAT! The Lord is good to us! We got to the Pettigrew's at 12:30AM on Palm Sunday. We walked into church to the surprise of everyone. Later, we surprised Nana and Papa at a lunch over at the Pettigrew's. It was so fun!

We are off to Maine to visit my family! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Photos ala Pribbs

Melissa Pribbenow emptied her camera today and sent some pics of the kids.


Timothy at Sem Women Bible Study last night. He rolled front to back for the first time while having some tummy time.


Grampa w/o dogs gave the kids this tube for Christmas.


Hannah Joy & Elise Joy


Timothy was comfortably sleeping in the moby wrap while the other kids were sledding.

Family Photos and Funny Faces

I love alliteration!







Some cool dudes!

Like Mother Like Daughter

Yay! Check this out. I was rummaging around in our eaves for my old photo album, and I hit the jackpot. Check these pics out.

I knew I wasn't delirious when I insisted that Hannah looks like me. Adam can have the boys, but I get the girl!

Note the AWESOME rides in the background of Kennebunk Beach (circa 1977).

Where is Spring?

So I am sure many Minnesota bloggers have been blogging this same message, but it is really cold here. Wow! As I am typing this, it is -26 F with a wind chill of -45 F. I think this is a record for the Ekelund family. I can't remember living here for the past 4 years when it has been this cold. I haven't ventured out of the house in three days. Adam has taken Caleb to school though. Thankfully we have an engine block heater on one of the cars. We aren't even attempting to start the other one.

This is one of my favorite things...

I am humming the song from Sound of Music right now.