Surprise Visit

Here's one of Charles-anytime the kids were playing, he had at least one car in each hand. I still can't believe that my little nephew is 17 months old already. Look at that handsome little man.
Look at the concentration on that little face:)
We were playing tag with three cameras-Aunt Lisa with one, me behind another, and Henry has my other camera in hand and is taking pictures of Raddy.

Not only was the house full of people, but we had a house full of animals as well. Raddy(the puppy dog) and Lucky and Drew(two snakes). And then there was also Boots(our cat) and Buddy, BG, and Ella(the three lizards). None of the animals suffered from lack of attention and love.

We were in constant motion either here at the house or at the mall. So taking pictures was hard to do. I'll do better next time. You try getting two four year olds and a 17 month old to stay still and smile long enough to get a picture;)

Last week we had a kinda sorta surprise visit from Aunt Lisa, Uncle Brian, and cousin Charles. They live in Oklahoma and were hit by the ice storm. So after several days of living in one room off of generator power(rather expensive), they called and asked if they could come stay with us for a few days. so they drove down the next day and stayed with us for about a few days. And as usual, we had a wonderful time. I didn't get a family picture this time around, but I did get a few of the kids playing and the lot of us just hanging out.

Lots of Catching Up...

Bright and happy with Granny.

Granny drawing for the kids. She's quite the artist!

Baby Charlie-Henry and Emma's new cousin and our new nephew. What a good looking boy!!!

Playing ponies with Granny.

Peek a boo on the monkey bars with Granny.

Emma giving Granny a push.

Emma kept losing her shoes climbing up the slide.

I was so proud of him-normally he insists on one of us walking across with him, but look at our big boy!!

On our nature walk with Granny. Watching the tractor work.

Emma meets her cousin Charlie.

Henry meets his cousin Charlie.

We've been busy. And the best way to catch everyone up is to post some pics with some details. And maybe write a little as well.

First, we decided to cancel our trip to the state fair because we got some exciting news a couple days earlier than expected and had to change plans. Granny flew in two days early(Sept.27th) because Aunt Lisa went into labor early. So we woke up really early, picked up Granny from the airport, and continued on to make a road trip to Altus, OK where Aunt Lisa and Uncle Brian live. The kids did great except for one little glitch-Henry got carsick:( He settled down enough to make a quick trip up to see Aunt Lisa and then we(Daddy,Mommy,Henry, and Emma) turned around and headed back home. We got Granny there just in time. Brian Charles Chaney II was born about an hour after we left. We got the news later that afternoon. And on our way home poor Henry got sick again. Both kids fell asleep during the last hour or so of the ride. And as soon as we got home, got Henry cleaned up. Granny stayed with Lisa and Brian for about 2 weeks and then we made a return trip back to meet our new cousin/nephew in person. Daddy's been extremely busy with work, so we could only go overnite. We had such a great visit. The kids did great and were very good with Charles and they loved seeing Lisa and Brian. Granny, Mommy, Henry, and Emma went on a nature walk-we were unexpectantly locked out of the playground. We had a great visit and hope that we helped a little. I vaguely remember those first days-it's all a blur now due to lack of sleep. So I feel for Lisa and Brian and the adjustments they are making. We headed back home later that day and went to bed.

Granny was able to stay with us for a few days before flying back to Washington. We went the next day for a trip down to the park with Granny while Daddy worked from home. The kids had so much fun with her and I did too. Along with playing at the park, we planted flowers for out on the front porch, got muddy, colored, and played and played. Granny is the greatest!!! And once the kids were down for the night-we got to visit. We were sad to see Granny go, but we'll see her again soon.

Along with our visits with Granny and Aunt Lisa, Uncle Brian, and cousin Charles we have been doing some other things at home. The kids have helped me pull down wallpaper in the kitchen and get it ready to paint and have helped me clear out the computer room/spare bedroom. They are learning how to play boardgames-Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, and Memory. They are talking, talking, talking. Some of the things they say are hilarious and others not so much. I'll have to post some of those again. Everyday is a new day to play until they drop. No more naps-it's a dirty word to them, sharing is coming along-they play well together, and bedtime is negotiatable in their opinion. Ah, three year olds:)

Welcome to the World, Cousin Charlie!!!!

Well, here he is, one perfect little bundle, Brian Charles Chaney II. born today at 12:04pm in Altus, Oklahoma to Aunt Lisa and Uncle Brian. We missed it by that much because we were already headed back home after taking Granny up there this morning. But we are Sooooo happy happy that he is here and will be even more happy and excited when we go up to visit in a week or so! Congratulations Lisa and Brian! He is one GOOD lookin' kiddo!!! We love you!!!