On Friday Erin and I dropped off the boys at Daycare. We had to take Rita and Ash for an evaluation vet visit. We are going to use some of our tax return to get then in better shape for their senior years. They both need extensive dental. They got their distempers and also had some blood drawn. We are now going to All Kinds in Callaway and like Doctor Autumn Terry. Her and her husband Adam who are Oklahoma State grads recently opened the clinic. Doctor Autumn is a native Marylander. I had her also check out Rita’s tumor above her paw that has been there for a while. She drew a sample and thinks it may be suspicious. I was pretty bummed to hear that. Erin and I will just have to wait for the lab results to see if it is actually malignant. At that point we will need to make some serious decisions about Rita depending on what type of cancer it is. Rita is estimated to be about ten and an amputation with her weight and the environment we live in may not prove to be the best thing for her. We will cross that bridge if we have to come to it.

 

After dropping the dogs back off at home we went to Lexington Park and did some banking and then dropped off Library book. I promised Erin that she could go to Old Navy and buy some clothes, as it was her IOU when we get time birthday present from me.

 

It was lunchtime so we tried out five guys burgers for the first time since it was near Old Navy. The burgers were really good but very large. If we go again we agreed to just get the mini, which is normal, sized. It is funny how restaurants are trying to downsize their words without downsizing their food. It was fitting to eat here since we just saw Fast Food Nation the night before. It was an okay movie and did make you think twice about what you eating. I had read the book by Eric Schlosser and thought the book was fantastic and mind provoking. It really was a hard book to screenplay but they pulled off a decent movie out of it. We ate outside and Erin and I enjoyed the sunshine and a meal where we could talk which is a rarity with little ones.

 

We started to walk over to Old Navy when we saw our geocaching buddy Bob going into Best Buy. We were enjoying talking caching, which I had recently done with Bob and a few plans for working with the Parks and Recs on a geocaching course. Bob is on the Parks and Recs board and it is 100% approved and Bob is going to enlist us to help teach the course.  While talking to him a co-worker and fellow bowler Will was going in to shop so he stopped and chatted. We told both the guys of our plans for an Open House in May. We then reminded Will and ourselves we were to bowl the next Wednesday for the fun of it.

 

Once we got in Old Navy Erin and I went to work looking for pants that were long in the inseam and her size. She was able to find a few pair and some nice blouses for work. She also found a cozy sweater, as her lab is always cold. It was nice to see her get some new clothes and I was glad I could treat her. We finished up there and headed to the Grocery to get a few items as our friend Paul and his girlfriend Sandy were coming in that night. Erin also started on Liams new Checkered flag border. The old Blue Angels peel and stick had actually stuck to the wall so it will require some snading and painting.

 

We had a quiet evening playing with the kids and awaiting Paul and Sandy’s arrival. Paul and Sandy have been dating a half-year and are quite a great couple together. We were very much looking forward to meeting this special person in Paul’s life now. They rolled in about 10:30 after a foggy trip in. We got acquainted with Sandy. She was such a dear to bring us a present and also the boys too! She got us a chocolate fondue maker. Erin has wanted one for years, We have one we make cheese in but this one was cool and made for chocolate. Sandy is just perfect for Paul. We liked her right from the start and it was nice to see Paul so in love. We made a few plans and then rolled into bed after getting them settled in.

 

We all got up and had a good breakfast and then the kids opened there presents. They got an awesome Disney storybook with fabulous artwork as well as a Pooh Story Book. The gifts were very very thoughtful and the stories will be read often at bedtimes. We headed into Lexington Park to look at the dogs at the Animal Relief Fund. Sandy has been wanted a dog and did a little window shopping. She even put up with Erin and I talking about adoption. We have done it for years so we loved talking things over with her. One little black guy really tugged at her and she almost adopted. After discussing it over with Paul she wants to do so more research  so that she is 100% ready when she adopts. We can’t blame her for that.

 

We then headed over to Cecil’s Mill and looked around. I picked up a great new Horse Racing game with Die Cast horses. We enjoyed looking around and then went across the road to putter around the mill and look at a geocache over their to show Sandy what it is. The shops do not open there until April.  We also got some really nice pics of Paul and Sandy together.  We then decided it was time to head down to Scheibles to eat.

 

We were a bit early so we all strolled down to the water, which is an inlet right off the Potomac. It was a pretty afternoon and Liam enjoyed the sand. So much so I had to wash him up when we went in.  The girls braved walking down the rickety old pier while Paul and I talked and watched Liam frolic. Dinner was great. Scheibles is a good old typical St Mary’s restaurant. Not too fancy, by the water, and great food for the price. We all enjoyed our meals although I was little slow with my crab so  Paul and Sandy excused themselves to go take in the sunset down on the water. Little did we know the stinkers snuck off and paid the bill too! We were very appreciative but we will get them back!

 

After dinner we headed home and got the kids rolled in to bed. Paul and I snuck outside and got a fire pit going. It was a bit wet but the fire caught good. The girls then mixed some drinks and grabbed some blankets to join us. The stories got to rolling and the laughter grew. Paul went in the house for a bit and came back out. He did the a couple of times and said he had indigestion. We let the fire die down and headed in to try the fondue. Erin and Sandy were troopers as they patiently got the chocolate melted and then got it in the fondue. Paul was still in pain and it was getting worse. Sany and I ran to Sheetz to try and get something to bring relief. By the time we got back Paul’s complexion was getting worse and he finally threw in the towel and said we better go to the hospital.

 

Sandy and I took him up. It was a long ride for Paul as the pain worsened. We got there a little before 11. We were very lucky as it turned out to be a rare dead night at St. Scarys hospital. Sandy went in with Paul and I people watched and watched the Wizards game. I also talked to Erin a couple of times who was very concerned and at home with the boys. About 1 AM Sandy came out to update me. I started thinking it might be a kidney stone. I had one before and some of Paul’s symptoms seemed that way. Sandy said they were going to make Paul drink some liquid and then put him in for a CatScan. They thought it might be Diver Ticulitis. I told Sandy I thought it might have been a stone. At 4AM we were freed to go and the verdict was a kidney stone. They gave him some Percoet for relief. That stuff makes me sick at my stomach.  Paul did get some sleep.

 

They got up a little after noon and we commenced to filling Paul up with water. He took his last percocet. He then wisely decided to fill his prescription before heading out of town. We said our goodbyes and hugs and wished them a safe and hopefully pain free journey home.  Before leaving they stopped back by the house and got Liam some Moon Sand which he loved. It is sorta like Play Dough but it doesn’t dry out. They were so thoughtful.

 

We just ordered a pizza and after the kids were in bed watched Borat. It was okay but we didn’t see what all the hype was. It wasn’t that funny and at times it was just gross. Sandy called and said they got home. Paul had a rough ride. As of Tuesday he has not passed it yet. They paid a visit to the hospital up in Pennsylvania and unfornately the liquid they gave Paul down here had caused constipation and more pain.

 

Speaking of pain. Erin completely lost he voice now and may have pink eye. She stayed home Monday but is in Tuesday. She supposed to see the Doctor Wednesday so she is in bad shape. March has been a rough month at the Cole household with sickness.

 

This past week was SUPER busy. 

Monday night, I was up late tagging, sorting, and logging inventory for the Leprachaun Lilly's Consignment Sale.  It was a lot more work than I thought it would be, but I ended up with well over 130 items for the sale.

 

Tuesday, Russ watched the boys while I went up to the Leonardtown Fairgrounds, to check in my items for the sale. 

 

Wednesday afternoon Russ and I both left work early to take some items to daycare for Liam's THIRD birthday.  I had gotten some BIG muffins from the grocery store, and then topped them with toy Monster Trucks to keep with the boy's desired theme.  The kids had a nice time celebrating, and Liam was all swelled up with pride.  Miss Anna gave him a nice shirt and pair of shorts, as well as some Spiderman Cars!  One of his friends from daycare gave him a neat Little People Dinosaur Set.  All gifts were appreicated and loved.  Later that evening, after dinner, with Grandma and Grandpa on the phone, we celebrated Liam's birthday again with a small cake, and presents from his family.  He got some nice monster truck paraphanaila, some playdoh, couple of neat Dr. Suess books, a skeleton, and some money for his savings account.  He was asleep before the first lullaby was over! See

 

Thursday, Russ watched the boys again, while I took advantage of my early opportunity (for consigning and volunteering) at the Leprechaun  Lilly's Sale.  I got some great deals.  A nice car seat, a really nice high chair (more for Liam), a few pairs of pants, shorts, and pjs for the boys, and a couple of toys. 

 

Friday, our friend Jodi, from Norfolk, came by on her way through from visiting her kin up North.  She had offered to babysit for us, so shortly after she arrived with her two kids Russ and I headed out for a nice dinner together.  Not wanting to take advantage of Jodi's offer too much, we came back home early, and helped her get all the kids to bed.  Caleb and Liam are great buddies, so it was really cute to see them enjoy their sleep over.  Abigail is now about 15 months old, walking, and as cute as can be.  I think Jaxson was quite smitten with her!  Then the three of us enjoyed some nice conversation before calling it a night around midnight.

 

  

 

The next morning, we all had a nice pancake breakfast.  Jodi then took us up on OUR offer to babysit, so she could head up for the Leprechaun Lilly's sale before her husband arrived to meet her.  Carl had to come into Maryland to get his Jeep inspected, and was going to meet us in the afternoon. 

 

Jodi came back empty handed, saying that the place was nearly wiped out of goods.  That was amazing!  Good news for me, because I had volunteered to help sort the leftovers at 2:30.

 

Carl arrived right around 1:30, so we all chatted a bit, before I had to go help with the post-sale.  About an hour or so after I left, Carl, Russ, and another fellow joined up for a little geocaching.  Jodi, bless her heart, offered to stay with the kids again.

 

 

 

My volunteer shift was packed full of chores (and terribly cold), but if flew by, and I was on my way home sharp at 5:30.  I called to see what the guys were up to, and they were knee deep in fullfilling a geocache requirement, so I told them all to fend for themselves for dinner, while Jodi and I (and the kids) ordered a pizza. 

 

The guys came back, just as we got the kids in the tub...  yes, all four of them!  It was hilarious.  We wished the Proffen family could have stayed the night again, but Carl had some work to do, so they headed back home.  It was a short visit, and is never long enough for Caleb and Liam, that's for sure.

 

ON Sunday, since we didn't have any milk in the house, Russ offered to take us to IHOP.  Good deal.  It was so good.  After we'd stuffed ourselves, we went to Lowe's to get some gardening goods, and a new ladder.  I also got a new shower head for the guest bathroom.  Then we ran to Target to get a new carseat for the other vehicle since I'd gotten such a good deal ($10) on the used one at the sale.  Our final stop was to pick up a few items at the grocery store. 

 

As I put the new shower head on, Russ and Liam affixed a pirate flag, and the name license plates to the boys' wagon.  Then, they had to take it for a spin.  Jaxson missed out due to a much needed nap.  When they returned, Liam didn't have any trouble joining Jaxson in napland.

 

 

We had a nice dinner of shrimp and sushi, and finished up watching the movie with Will Farrell, "Stranger than Fiction."  It was a really good movie. 

 

The naps didn't help the boys regain their strength from the previous week.  They are home with me today with really congested noses and coughs.  Maybe it'll do us all good to do very little today.

On Friday I awoke and fixed breakfast while Erin got the boys ready. After packing we stopped at the bank and post office and headed out of town.

 

Grandmom had everything ready and got Liam a third birthday cake. It was an uneventful ride up and we called Noah to see what time he was rolling in. We stopped at Atlantic Book Warehouse and got some great deals like we always do. At Grandmoms we ate hot dogs and then celebrated Liam’s birthday with Mom and Noah. Mom got home a Lightning McQueen car and Noah got him a remote control Humvee. Liam loved both of them he loves cars. We then all played Mad Libs after the little ones were asleep. Being Noah and I had to get up early we did not stay up real late.

 

Since we all split up for Saturday and some of Sunday I will let Erin fill in what they did at Grandmoms. I will update Noah and my trip to Gettysburg.

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After Russ and Noah headed for Gettysburg, Marcie, the boys and I found ourselves in a quiet apartment.  Well, as quiet as an apartment can be with two little fellows!  I took the time to savor the rare opportunity of a liesurly bath, while the boys played cars and drew pictures with Grandmom. 

 

After I got dressed and ready, Jaxson stayed with Grandmom, while Liam and I took a stroller ride downtown to run a couple of errands and pick up an Easter Egg kit.  A nice lady at a nearby florist even gave Liam a balloon, so it was a fun adventure on a very nice day. 

 

Once we returned we had some lunch.  Since it was still a little early for a nap, I took both boys outside for some fresh air.  Liam and I tossed a football back and forth, but he was very bothered that his dear football was getting muddy.  Oh my!  Then we took a long walk around the block, and Liam helped push Jaxson in the stroller.  Then the fresh air had no trouble in aiding a nice afternoon nap.  Marcie and I enjoyed the time just to visit.  We also did a little picking up, thinking that Kate and Rich would be coming by that evening.

 

After nap, Liam, Grandmom, and I (Jaxson supervised) colored some Easter Eggs.  Liam caught on to the process quickly, and we soon made our way through a dozen and a half eggs.  Unfortunately, Kate called during our artistic process to tell us that they would not be able to swing by.  She's in the middle of performances, so though her thoughts were appreciated, we totally understood, and vowed to pick another time to meet soon.

 

That evening, we had a simple dinner of sandwiches, and then Marcie and I watched the Lemony Snickett movie. We both went to bed early.

 

The next day started out much as the day before.  I made a quick run downtown to try to get some pictures scanned/printed for her, but was thwarted by a rule-abiding, copyright paranoid, manager, who though the thirty year old pictures were not legal to scan.  Obviously, I left in a huff with a few unkind words.  Soon after, I redeamed myself by helping an older lady pick out a birthday card in the grocery store. 

 

Russ and Noah joined us in the early afternoon, and soon it was time to head South again.  We had a nice time together.

 

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We got on the road at 7:30 with a quick pit stop for a little breakfast. The trip went quick and the traffic was light on the Turnpike. We rolled into Gettysburg around 10:30. We went straight to the Visitors Center. It is really in bad shape now inside and out with peeling paint and torn carpets. Since they will soon be opening a new Visitors Center they must be putting all their resources in it. Kate called while Noah and I were looking at the exhibits. I gave Kate directions to Moms as they were going to try and go up later in the day to see everyone.

 

Noah and I then headed out to the Round Tops and looked around. The weather had cleared up a bit. We toured around their. It was pretty quiet except for some Scouts. We could look down towards Devils Den and see part of the battlefield rehabilitation. The Park Service did extensive research over the past few years to bring this park back to the way it looked in July 1863. This involves downing lots of tree as well as planting acres of new trees. We could see Devils Den clearer with all the tress downed. We saw signs of rehabilitation all over the park. We went down to Devils Den and Noah delighted in tagging me with snowballs a few times. We walked around the rocks taking care in a few icy spots. We also watched a group of bicyclists pedal by.

 

Lunch  fast approached so our stomachs called and we headed into town. We ate a  Greek restaurant called Dino’s. We had a tasty pizza and those same bikers just happened to pick the same place to eat. Town was starting to get busier. We decided to go see the Battlefield Wax Museum. It is very hokey but I love going there. I saw a few re-enactors in town and always makes me hark back to the days when I did it for years. Noah and I had fun in the museum and even cut up for a few pictures. We then walked the shops in town and got some souvenirs for everyone back in Doylestown. I got Mom and pretty oil burning piece of pottery, Erin a T-Shirt, Jaxson a bib, and Liam soldiers. Noah got Liam a cannon. I got a short and Noah and I got the 140^th DVD movie of Gettysburg. I watched it on Netflix and it is the best reenactment video I have ever seen.  We then headed out to Seminary Ridge and toured the first day of the battle and circled back through Barlow’s Knoll. We finished up at Culp’s Hill and hiked a little while there.

 

We checked into the Comfort Inn, which was an adequate room, but I had to laugh when Noah said it smelled like feet. We rested for a bout an hour and then went to eat. I had chosen the Springhouse Tavern in the basement of the Dobbins Tavern. Upstairs was a little too fussy for us. The Tavern is very cool in the basement. We had a very short wait and were seated right against the stonewall in church pew like seats. Noah enjoyed his char grilled steak sandwich and my Salmon was good but not as good  as Erin makes it. I think Noah and I both enjoyed the dinner the most of the trip. We really had a nice conversation over dinner and enjoyed each other’s company. We both had room for dessert and enjoyed the cheesecake. Noah got his dressed in blueberries.

 

After dinner we had went down to the Mark Nesbit Ghost Walk and got our tickets from my reservations. It was starting to drizzle but we went and window shopped some stores around there and inspected the Farnsworth House and other houses looking at all the pock marks that minie balls left in the bricks 144 years ago.  The rain picked up a little so I decided to swing back by the hotel for a lighter jacket but also my hat. Noah was convinced we would not need umbrellas but as the rain picked up we went and got them out of the van. I did not think the walk would be crowded and joked with Noah that we would be the only ones. Boy was I wrong. Come about 8 o’clock we were standing in the courtyard with 40 of our newest friend. The Farnsworth house also opened their tours to this weekend so there were about 5 groups of us following people in period costumes and lanterns. We were broken up into three groups and Noah and I were called right off the bat to follow Diane.

 

We toured outside the old County Jail, A hospital, a horse stable, and a couple of houses. We heard some neat stories of ghosts and the rain made the setting better. I even got some orbs and smoky stuff in a couple of shots but they could VERY easily be attributed to fog from the melting snow and rain. All in all it was a lot of fun if not totally dry. Noah caught the fact that our guide might have stretched the truth a few times but you just had to go with it and enjoy it for what it was for. Back at the hotel room Noah was out like a light with a half hour of getting back. I stayed up and watched a little SNL but turned it off knowing I was going to lose an hour because of DST.

 

The next day was bright and sunny. Noah and I spotted a great diner the day before in town called the Lincoln Diner right next to the railroad tracks. We checked out of the hotel and had a great breakfast sitting at the counter of the dining car. We then went over to the Cyclorama and puttered around it looking at the renovations. We then walked down to the Angle and High Water Mark where the battle of Gettysburg climaxed in Pickett’s charge. Noah was plaque reading while I enjoyed taking sepia shots of the surrounding area. It was very quiet and we were but a few individuals out.

 

We then headed back to Doylestown rolling in a little after two. Everyone like their gifts and it gave me a chance to rest a little before heading home. I spent 18 hours in the van driving or riding this weekend so a little time on Mom’s couch was good. I drove us into Delaware until we stopped for dinner at Dairy Queen. Erin loves the onion rings. The trip home was uneventful except Jaxson melted down in Prince Frederick all the way home. We had done everything we could to get him comfortable but he was just sick of riding. Liam used to do the same thing in the same place.

 

We got the ready for Monday and I watched the 140^th Gettysburg DVD and that was it. Next week is very hectic with Erin taking numerous trips to the fairgrounds for the Leprechaun Lilly’s Consignment sale. We are selling a lot of the clothes Jaxson and Liam have outgrown. I will be watching the boys to free Erin to get this done. We will also be celebrating Liam’s third birthday (hard to believe) Wednesday and Erin’s 30 something Birthday Friday. I am going to take her clothes shopping to Old Navy in a few weeks for her birthday.

We celebrated Russ's birthday on Tuesday evening. We went to Ruby Tuesday's for dinner, and then had some cheescake at home before the kids went to bed. I wished his present had come in the mail, but I stupidly forgot to change our address at Amazon, so it got sent to our old house, and then got lost in the redirect. Fortunately, Amazon was very helpful in sending another one.

We kept putting off getting groceries during the week, which led to some creative dinners at home towards the end of the week! Finally, Friday, after work, we grabbed a quick bite to eat at Burger King, before going to Giant to get a montly lot of goodies. What a chore. Nonetheless, both boys hung in there until the last bag was loaded. Once we got home, I took a diversion from putting groceries away, and got the boys to bed (well, Jaxson fell asleep on the way home, so he was good to go).

 

Saturday morning, it felt so good to sleep in a little. Even Liam snuggled in bed with us before we finally got hungry enough to head downstairs to grab some breakfast. It was a nice leisurly morning. I got a nice phone call from Dawn, and I think we could have talked for another hour or so, but Russ reminded me that we needed to get to the bank before noon. We then ran a few errands just for fun. We went to the library, which Liam always LOVES to do. Russ got a hair cut too. It was nice just being outside in the 70 degree weather! Once back home, Liam took a good nap, and I started getting ready for our Date!

Russ and I decided to use our $75 Gift Card for Outback, that our realtor had given us for a successful referral. We used some of the birthday money that Mom had given Russ to help pay for the babysitters too. So, at 5:30 we were heading out the door. The plan was to have a nice dinner together at Outback and then go see "The Odd Couple" play at the local playhouse. Unfortunately, when we arrived at Outback, we were informed that we'd have an hour and 45 minute wait!! If we didn't have the Gift Card and babysitters, we probably would have sought another venue, but we figured we'd just beef up our patience, put our name on the list and go kill time buying some Birthday presents for Liam at Target. It actually worked out well. We killed a good hour, then returned to the restaurant, got one of those little light up pager thingys, and spent some time sitting at the bar with a couple of margaritas!! Wow, neither of us had sat a bar in YEARS!! We had our dinner orders placed and were comfortable at a table by 7:30. The show option was out, but we didn't mind, as we were really having a nice evening as it was. We were home by 9:30, and the kids were in bed (well, Liam came to welcome us home, but quickly returned). We were so full from dinner, that we didn't do much other than watch TV, but we were still able to enjoy some extended couple time before Jaxson woke up for a snack at 11:30.

Sunday morning was bright and brisk. I got some laundry started after breakfast, and got set up to organize baby items for the Consignment sale I planned to participate in on the 13th. I did a lot of ironing and sorting, but by dinner time I had a nice lot of about 125 items for the sale. Russ promises to help me get them tagged throughout the week.

Liam spent some good creative time plaing with his toys, and even Jaxson amused himself for a good hour rolling around on the floor and playing with the plastic clothes hangers. I don't know what it is about those clothes hangers, but Liam and Jaxson both love to play with them! We also took a few minutes to get the boys measured on their growth chart.  Jaxson isn't far behind his older brother.  He's 20lbs, and Liam is 28lbs!

 

That evening we had a nice steak dinner. I finished up some laundry, and got the kids bathed and ready for bed. I was pretty tired and didn't stay up as long as I wanted to with Russ, but that would not have been possible anyway since he stayed up watching old football games until nearly 2 in the morning! I seriously don't know how he does it! ;)