Catch Up and a Shower

I'm back! The children and I spent the last week in Virginia. It's always so fun to visit family and have a change of environment for a while, but it's also so fun to come home to your own place and get back to normal. We came home this afternoon just in time for naps and for some alone time for me. The past week really flew by...I honestly can't believe that we were there for 7 days. The main event was Dolly's shower, given by all of her college friends,so it was a mini-reunion, which kept the days event filled! First of all, yes, she's due in October. Can you believe it? NOT FAIR. Mom and I met Dolly and Teecy at Target one afternoon. Caroline quickly got into Dolly's cart and as I went looking for them, look who I found checking for coupons?! Yep! Dolly is now an official couponer. It makes her little sister's heart so happy!!

Mom and I left them at Target to hop on over to Toys 'R Us to pick up a little prize for Baby Michael's shower. As I was buying something, Mom decided to let Caroline ride the Barney Tractor at the front of the store. I was in shock when I saw this. Not to rehash the past, but come on. I was NEVER allowed to ride the white horse in front of K-Mart when I was little. I used to beg and plead, but nope. I know, I know...the white rabbit coat incident really scarred me, emotionally.

As I was cleaning up my parent's living room one afternoon, I came across these page turners on their coffee table. AAA World, AARP, Senior's Guide and Boomer Life (who's subtitle, by the way, is "for the Baby Boomer in Everyone"). My parents are only in their EARLY 60's. Don't give up on life yet, guys. Remember, you are as young as you feel.

Caroline was in heaven all week because Lola-Reese and Belle were also in town with their mommies. They swam and had so much fun playing. On Monday I had to break up two fights between Belle and Caroline. The first one was about who was Ariel and the second one was over Teecy. They were literally saying: "My Teecy". "No! My Teecy". "No, MY Teecy"! It was funny.

Caroline swam so well all week. She even went under water--most of the time against her will. Hey, she's gotta learn somehow!

Miss Kimberly Handy (who I wish would move to Charlotte to babysit my children) was her swim teacher. Kim, don't be mad about the picture, but you look good!


This little guy was just happy to, once again, be with the ladies and his Gerber Puffs.

Wyatt and Roy Austin were able to get in some more quality time together. Wyatt still isn't sure about his Auntie Donna. Roy Austin is trying to show off his chest to the ladies.

The mom-to-be and the shower givers: Mary, Amy , Teecy, and Kirsten. These girls are also known as "The Good Time Girls". They gave Dolly a beautiful shower.

Dolly received lots of nice gifts for Michael. Caroline sat next to her and acted as her trusty assistant.

Okay, seriously. The clothes you see on Dolly are her normal ones. Nothing on her is maternity. Dolly, don't get mad, but I'm going to brag for you. She's wearing her SIZE 6 pants, still. Our conversation went a little something like this: Donna: That's not fair! I got huge with my first pregnancy and you're wearing your normal pants?! Dolly: Well, I can't zip them up! I'm wearing the belly band to hide how far I have them unzipped! Donna: They still fit in the butt! Way to go!!! Seriously, Dolly. You look wonderful and I'm so proud of you!! I think it's safe to say that you got the good pregnancy genes in our family.

After the guests left the shower, we turned Teecy's ipod on to some party songs and had a little dance off. Here is Teecy doing what she does best. Even my mom got in on the action and showed us some of her moves. We were shocked.