As our home filled with more and more dust and paint fumes, I realized it would be a lot easier if I got out of the house so I took a last minute trip to visit my parents in Connecticut from Nov. 18-25. They've been working just as hard on their new house in Norwalk and it is a truly beautiful French Normandy. Marcus' logger genes (from Kjell's side) emerged as he loved to watch several large trees get taken down in the yard. 
I spent much of my 8 days continually entertaining the kids - we went to Stepping Stones Museum, several libraries and parks, the pool at the YMCA, the Nature Center, and bowling. Several days it was so bitterly cold that we couldn't stay outside more then a few minutes even when we were bundled up from head to toe! Marcus loved to follow Grandpa around everywhere and went on a couple of shopping trips with him. Grandma was at my side helping me keep the kids fed, entertained and from not breaking things - no small task!
I spent much of my 8 days continually entertaining the kids - we went to Stepping Stones Museum, several libraries and parks, the pool at the YMCA, the Nature Center, and bowling. Several days it was so bitterly cold that we couldn't stay outside more then a few minutes even when we were bundled up from head to toe! Marcus loved to follow Grandpa around everywhere and went on a couple of shopping trips with him. Grandma was at my side helping me keep the kids fed, entertained and from not breaking things - no small task!We were able to celebrate an early Thanksgiving with Aunt Darcy and Richard, who drove up from Long Island. Aunt Darcy came laden with gifts, much to the boys' delight (see the matching sweaters and electric train set in photo 1). It was wonderful to catch up with them. Photo 2 - Richard giving Marcus a high-five. The pics we took with Grandma and Grandpa didn't turn out.
My mom was not feeling up to par for much of the trip and finally went to the hospital the night before we left to find out she needed her gallbladder removed! She's lived in pain for quite a while now which all made sense when the doctor saw the condition of her gallbladder (it should have been removed a year ago!) The boys and I visited her in the hospital the last day we were there. Unfortunately, I missed my 10-year high school reunion by a couple of days.
I arrived home the day before Thanksgiving to all the trim and painting complete and other projects done as well (Kjell was very busy!). It almost made the 5 hour flight 7 months pregnant and with 2 kids worth it:)
