I haven't vanished. I am still here!

We just got back from TN where we got to see everyone!

We left last Wednesday. We didn't buy the boys seats on the plane since you aren't required to until they are 2 - so this is the last time we didn't have to buy them seats - and since it was a short flight, we'd have them sit on our laps. Plus, I thought who would be flying from Baltimore to Nashville during the middle of the week during the middle of the day (if there are open seats, they let you bring on your car seats.) Apparently, there are a lot of people heading that way since the flight was completely full. Let's just say you haven't lived until you've held a squirming, 30lb toddler on your lap for 2+ hours. We did luck out a bit since Leanne sat next to a 6 year old boy who entertained Gray by giving him “high 5s” the entire trip and I sat next to the 6 year old’s 14 year old brother who didn’t seem too fazed by Carter – plus I got Carter to go to sleep for 20-30 minutes.

Thursday morning we went to visit the high school where Leanne’s parents worked. The boys had a blast running up and down the hallways and getting to go to the gym to watch the “big kids” play basketball – and they got to play with the basketballs on the side of the court! Such fun! After a nap, we all headed to a (somewhat) local children’s museum with our nephew Gage (age 5.) It was wonderful. There was a huge fire truck, a water table, a play house, a big train, a pretend grocery store, blocks, books…you name it, they have it! They had so much fun and got totally worn out! YAY!

Friday we went back to the high school to see people we didn’t get to see on Thursday and later in the afternoon we went to see our niece in her prom finery. They have a tradition there, where they “present” all of the seniors going to prom before the kids load the busses to the hotel where the prom is being held. And since Lexi was going with a senior, she was involved. Grayson has a lot of fun clapping for each couple as they were announced! :) Afterwards it was on to dinner - well, the rest of us ate while Leanne chased our monkeys around the vestibule. They were not interested in eating or sitting still.

Saturday morning we went to the local playground. We had planned on going to the pool, but we were running late and we were afraid we’d crunch into nap time, so we headed to the playground. It was a great playground – and we had it all to ourselves. The boys climbed, and slid, and jumped, and ran. In the afternoon, we had our picture taken - the entire family. All 25 or so of us! We had a big family picture taken about 4 years ago - but this time we added more family (including our 2 kiddos!) Our kids did pretty well - for a few pictures! It was a good thing that David (the photographer) got the pictures he did quickly! You can see the pictures here (http://www.printroom.com/ViewGallery.asp?userid=davidsphoto&gallery_id=1034675) the 2 of the 4 of us are in the second row and the 2 of the boys are in the 4th row - that is all we could get them to sit still for!)

Sunday we went to Opry Mills to meet friends. The kids had a great time riding the carousel (Carter wasn't so sure about it at first - but by the 3rd ride was smiling with everyone else! Grayson LOVED it from the get go!) And we ate at the Aquarium Restaurant. They have a huge aquarium in the middle of the restaurant that was a great diversion for the kids. After running around the mall, the kids were exhausted and promptly fell asleep on the way home.

Monday it was time to head home. We got the airport super early, but it gave us time to let the kids walk around, watch airplanes, eat lunch, walk some more, and get worn out. And when they said they had 2 extra seats on the plane - and that we could bring the car seats on - Leanne and I literally did a happy dance right there in the airport. And they did fall asleep about 1/2 way into the flight.

While we all had a wonderful time, we were all thrilled to be home. The boys ran around the house with utter abandon and slept till nearly 8am the next morning (I can't even tell you the last time they slept past 7!!!)

Things that I have learned:

DVD players in the car are a Godsend. They kept the kids quiet and happy as clams,

Kids can exist on fries, hot dogs, crackers, grapes, and cheese for the week and be fine.

Even after spending hours looking for toys that were easily packed, new and exciting, not too loud, and able to entertain a couple of nearly 2 year olds, they were most entertained by the Happy Meal toys we got at the airport while waiting for our flights. Go figure.