The Hedlund's: Hedlund Family Vacation

This past weekend our last round of visitors came for a visit. Emilie, Steve, Lauren and Jacqueline were here for a long weekend of fun. It was so nice to have them here and show them our world in Wisconsin. We left when the girls were about 6 months old so we have not had the chance to really spend time together. It was so much fun watching Owen play with his cousins and really get to know the girls. Both Brian and I were surprised at how big they are. They are no longer babies... they are big girls with fun personalities! I can't express how wonderful it was to be able to spend time with all of them.

The Hedlund's arrived late on Thursday night. It sounded like the girls did wonderful on the flights. The girls woke up after they arrived and were able to meet Claire.

The next morning I had to remind Owen that sneak attacking our guest was not allowed! He was really excited to see them. Friday was a pretty low key day for us. Em and I took the kids for a stroller/wagon ride around the neighborhood in the morning. It was drizzling outside so we were not able to spend much time playing outside. The Kohler Food and Wine Festival was going on so Brian and Steve were able to go to the Rum, Vodka and Gin tasting that afternoon.

On Saturday, Em and I went to the America's Test Kitchen Demonstration to see Christopher Kimball, Bridget Lancaster and Jack Bishop. Jack did an olive oil taste test, Christopher showed us their favorite kitchen gadgets and they all participated in Q &A. The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook is a favorite for both Em and I so it was fun to see them in person. Of course I now have a list of some new kitchen gadgets that I really need! One of our favorite things was listening to Jack's snicker. He sounded like a cross of John Crier's character on Two and a Half Men and Ernie from Sesame Street, pretty classic. After the demonstration we were able to visit a few shops before heading home.

Sunday we went on an adventure to Bulitz Pumpkin Farm. The kids had a great time feeding the animals, riding ponies, going on a hayride and picking pumpkins. Jacqueline was very excited about riding the pony and was very proud of herself when she was riding by herself. That afternoon Brian and Steve went to the Packer Tailgate Party at the festival. Steve rocked his Ram's jersey (the Packers were playing the Rams) and was the only Ram's fan there.

Monday was another low key day. Em and I took the kids on another walk and Brian and Steve played golf at Whistling Straights. Whistling Straights will be hosting the PGA Championship in 2015 and the Ryder Cup in 2020. Thankfully the weather held out for them and the torrential downpour didn't happen until they were back home.

Steve, Em and the girls left on Tuesday morning to spend a few days in Chicago. Even though we didn't go on a ton of adventures it was a wonderful weekend. It was nice to be at home and have the kids play together. Just being able to spend time together was great. Owen did fairly good sharing his toys... the girls got a good dose of dinosaurs, blocks and tractors! They all loved "cooking" in Owen's kitchen together and eating together on his little table.

The house seems very quiet now, it always takes me a few days to adjust to life without house guests. I loved having L and J (and their parents) here and it just isn't as fun around here without them! Owen really enjoyed having them here to, he keeps asking if they are going to come back tomorrow. To be completely honest, I am relieved that we are not going to have visitors for a little while. As much as I love having family here I am really tired of saying goodbye...

Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Meeting Claire on Thursday night.

Lauren was excited to hold Miss Claire. This picture really doesn't do it justice. I do love crazy Owen in the background....

Even though this shot is blurry it is one of my favorite. You can just tell that Lauren is so pleased holding Claire.

Auntie Em holding Claire

Lauren loved to help, even if it was a diaper change! She is a little mother....

I love this picture of Lauren. When Owen met L and J for the first time he was about the same age as they are now. He loved sitting in their bouncy seat so it is very appropriate that they sat in Claire's!

Bath time is much more fun with L and J supervising!

Our little mother making sure Claire is okay! Anytime Claire cried Lauren would hand me her pacifier and point to the chair. She also liked helping pat Claire on the back.