Todd had some interviews this week in Pennsylvania for his Residency, so I decided that since there is a chance that we may be moving to one of these places, I came along. We are still hoping that we get to stay where we are - it is our first choice - but we have to have some back-up plans in case this isn't where we're supposed to be.

Last week I called Jenny to ask her if she'd watch Joey (her kids love our dog, if I was a better person I would give Joey to them). While conversing she offered to watch a couple of my kids. No, I couldn't do that to her....but then again driving all day isn't something they enjoy, and trying to entertain them in the car all day isn't something that I enjoy either. Plus William had been wanting some more individualized attention, and it is always easier to travel with only 2 kids... so I dropped Mikey and Roger off with Jenny. Poor Jenny, but she does set herself up for these things.

Here's Grant's reaction upon finding out that we weren't taking Mikey and Roger

Here's William's

We left Sunday night, and traveled to the eastern side of Pennsylvania. On Monday, while Todd was in his interviews, I went and visited my cousin Natalie who is living in Philly. It was great to see her. William played really well with Weston, especially since Mikey and Roger weren't there to compete with the attention. We talked for awhile (we are our mother's daughters), and even made me a magnetic board for the boys' room.

That evening I went and picked up Todd and we went out to eat. It was pretty much a date, since we only had two kids. It was amazing. Usually whenever I go somewhere I get a lot of giggles (like, wow, this woman has her hands full) or some glares (like, I can't believe people would have so many children, it is just mean to everyone). But with just the two I got more adoring looks and smiles. Interesting.

Tuesday Todd didn't have an interview, so we drove up to NYC to visit Lyndee and the city. We went to the temple, which is beautiful and always pleasant. Then that evening Todd and I went out on the "town" while Lyndee watched the boys.

Here's Todd and Grant on the Subway

Here's William on the Subway. This is actually his 2nd time to NYC, and in this same stroller.

Wednesday Todd had another interview, but Lyndee hung out with me all day. Since we had to drive to the next area (which was 5 hours away) that night, we didn't have a hotel. So we drove around the area and did whatever we could do. Lyndee was impressed that I thought of going to the park and library, but really, if you have kids this is a no-brainer.

That night we said good-bye to Lyndee and drove to Erie, PA. It was a long night. After Todd's interview the next day we drove home. It was a great trip. Fun time to spend with Todd, and to get a break from the normal everyday mom chores, and have a break from 4 kids. I remember when I just had Mikey & Roger, when they were the ages that William and Grant are, and I totally thought I was overwhelmed. Man, if I could I would go back and slap myself...but then I'll probably feel the same way about myself in a few years. I guess it's just all that you've become conditioned to handle.

Mikey and Roger did well, and I am happy to say that Jenny survived, just barely though. She did say that she could see how difficult it is for me to go anywhere (dealing with shoes, coats, potty stops, etc), and wondered why I ever go anywhere. Desperation is all I can think of.

Here's an email I got from her one morning:

Hi Loni,
I am up at 3:45 w/Roger who woke up looking for you, nicely, just looking, not crying. But he was hungry - probably b/c he would not eat much for dinner - go figure, it wasn't mom's cooking. He is chatting w/me about Joey, etc. "Sister Morten, look at these funny lights. I don't have those at my house. My lights too pretty."
He is cracking me up.
I'd better stop him from drinking the entire sippy cup of milk or we may have an accident later.
Such fun - love your kids!
Jen

She said that Mikey was really pleasant, he played with Nathan a lot, and actually talked a lot. Roger had his ups and downs (big surprise). She did say that he kept on telling Anna, "You too pretty". At one point Roger and Anna had this conversation:

Roger: You too pretty

Anna: No! I not pretty! I Anna!

Roger: You too pretty?

Anna: No! I not pretty!

After this went on for some time, Anna finally slugged Roger. Jenny had to tell Roger that even though Anna's very pretty, do not tell her that she's pretty. Sounds like Anna is playing hard-to-get, not falling for the smooth talking.

Glad to be home...I think.