Road trip!

In mid-February we took our first road trip as a family of four down to IL. We took our time traveling, taking two days to drive down and two to come back home. This was a necessity because: 1. Babies need to eat (and get new diapers) every-so-often. And they WON'T sleep all day (nor do you want them to) so sometimes you have to pull over for a little "break" from sitting in the car seat. 2. Toddlers can only handle so much sitting still, too. Portable DVD players help A LOT, but kids have their limits to TV, too. 3. Madeline wouldn't nap in the car.... And she really needs her nap, otherwise she's a basket case and just falls apart.
Remember how I used to post pictures of Madeline sleeping all the time? And how she loved to sleep perpendicular in her bed? Well, it turns out not much has changed:

We began the trip with a visit to Caleb's grandma!

Caleb's Aunt Melba stopped by with her granddaughter, Keely. Keely is two months older than Madeline, which means she is the perfect age to be a playmate!

"Painting" together with Madeline's Water Wow.

Great-Grandma F. and the girls!

Pictured are great-grandchildren number 22-24! That's a lot of love! (And please ignore the extra arm!)

Great-Grandma had some fun toys for the kids to play with. Below, you'll see that Caleb enjoyed some of them, too.

Kicking the tower over...

 Great-Grandma F. cuddled with a sleeping Olivia.

After that we drove  the rest of the way to Caleb's parent's house. Will, Valerie, and their kiddos came out to visit, too!

Valerie getting in some quality time with Olivia. I think she's Olivia's favorite aunt now!

  

Taking a bath with your cousin is so much fun!

Incidentally, Madeline still talks about playing with "Gabirella"

(Think a combination of Gabriella and Cinderella). So sweet! <3

Grammie took Madeline on the merry-go-round at the mall! A sure-fire way to Madeline's heart.

Grammie and Grandpa had a Valentine's Day party! Madeline still has her heart balloon, although it is significantly deflated.

"See my cupcake, Daddy?"

It was so nice to see the kids playing together nicely. Legos, of course, were a favorite.

Madeline also shared her coloring pages with Chase and Gabriella. Budding artists, truly!

Such sweet smiles!

Chase was extra-affectionate at times. The girls took it in stride (Madeline would giggle).

While it's not easy to travel with kids, it was wonderful to see family and introduce them to our newest member! Thanks again for making the trip (Will & Valerie) and for opening your home to a visit (Ted & Jan, and Grandma F.)!