A Trip and a Shower

The end of February brought the long-anticipated baby shower for my sister.  She is having a boy, due at the end of April.  The timing was planned so that my mom could go with us and see my sister, but she was too sick to make the trip so only the boys and I went.  We arrived in near-blizzard conditions, which we were told NEVER happens.  By the end of the trip we did not believe them since it snowed every day we were there!  Travis had a fabulous time playing in the snow and throwing snowballs.  Justin wasn't quite sure what to make of the snow.  He kept trying to shake it off of his gloves.  We do not have snow clothes so we were all cold! 

Mireille and Jerry live right across the driveway from Jerry's parents.  It works out very well for them.  In the picture above you can see Mireille and Jerry's in the background and Travis is standing by the door to his parents'.  We planned to spend the first day with Jerry's parents since Jerry and Mireille had to work.  When the weather got worse, Jerry had to return from his ice cream deliveries.  So we got a fun extra day with Jerry!  That night Jerry's parents made us dinner and the boys had fun burying each other in pillows.

Travis really wanted to play outside in the snow the next day, and since it was getting sunny and warmer I didn't want the snow to disappear before Travis got more play time, I agreed to a little outdoor time.  The snow had made some ice on the deck and Justin slipped all over the place.  This is his gymnastic splits after a slip.  He didn't even get frustrated, he was mostly just confused!  The wind off the water made it way too cold for Justin so he went back inside with Mireille.  Travis and I explored a bit more before it got too cold for us too. 

So we went back inside and Travis colored a picture.

Justin and Mireille read a book.  Justin's attention span is getting much longer and he likes books a lot more.  Elmo books are the best!

The shower was Saturday at Jerry's parents' church.  We had decorated the night before and everything was so beautiful.  I wanted to take lots of pictures so my mom could feel like she was there.  Jerry's mom, Joan,  also took lots of pictures and even had copies printed for me to bring back for mom to see.  My sister married into a wonderful family!  Joan made beautiful decorations.  She even had place mats made with pictures of Mireille and Jerry growing up.  The balloons, centerpieces, favors, and flowers made everything very special.

The baby's name will be Thatcher Arden.  Arden is a family name, Thatcher just because they like it.

Jerry hung out at the shower and played with Travis and Justin.  They were all over the place, rolling on the floor and telling secrets.  Jerry was practicing his daddy moves!

Mireille showed off her baby bump for the ladies!  She is looking so adorable!

Getting ready to open the gifts.  She got some great presents.  She received several quilts and blankets, some adorable outfits, and other handmade items.  Thatcher will be very well-outfitted!  My favorite was a white sweater made by Mommy Sharon and trimmed in red with a Wisconsin Badger on it.  Thatcher also got his first life vest for the lake this summer.  It was a gift from a friend's boat!  They have some great friends!

We had a good visit and as usual, it was much too short.  In less than 2 months we will have a new family member!  And to add to the fun, Mireille and Jerry bought a new house and they plan to close and move before Thatcher arrives!