Family Memories: Post-baby visit

My mom offered a long time ago to help me with the kids after having Amelia once Chris went back to work. I was excited to take her up on her offer. With Claire, I lived in Rochester, so she was close by. When I had Maddie, I was in Texas, and since she came to visit us in California before we moved, she didn't have the money to visit again. This time was my chance. I was so excited to have my mommy time. Even though Chris later decided to take the three weeks off instead of just 10 days, I still wanted my opportunity, and I was excited that my mom agreed. Chris went to work the Tuesday after Labor Day, and the following Sunday, my parents both came down for the week.

Since it was a little later after having Amelia, I told my mom to prepare for a more adventurous post-baby visit. I wanted to take them out and about to explore. It was also helpful when I had less exciting things to do like go to a long dentist appointment without needing to take the kids. We had a great time during that week, and I loved having my parents visit. It is SO nice living driving distance from family!

My mom got to go with me to the much anticipated first day of Claire's dance class!

The girls can't get enough of Grammy and Oma's tablets when they visit.

We hadn't tried it before, but Amelia seemed to take well to the pacifier which was a huge help when she started to get hungry when I was out!. She doesn't really use it anymore, and has since learned to suck her thumb instead.

Claire LOVES being a big sister and holding her sweet baby sister. :)

My parents both really like history, so I thought they would really enjoy going to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, less than a half an hour away. We only had a couple of hours to spend due to nap schedules and evening plans, but we had a great time, and it was a beautiful day that day! We got to peek in the chapel, walk around the grounds, have lunch, and visit the Naval Academy Museum.

Pretty view by the water.

Claire's signature pose - arms in front, head tilted to the side. Maddie looked up at her and did just as Claire did.

Playing on the steps. Check out the huge anchor behind them!

These girls love their Oma and Papa.

In the museum.

There is beautiful architecture all over the grounds.

Chilin' in the car seat/ stroller.

That night, we went to the Anne Arundel County Fair. We had a good time, but to be honest, I think the Orleans County Fair is better. I wasn't very impressed with this fair. It was a really fun opportunity to introduce a lot of animals to Maddie that she hasn't seen in person before. Claire of course always loves to see the animals.

Right before riding the "pink horse." (The horse had pink on the saddle.)

We had hoped to get to more, but with my appointments, changing over our phone contracts and helping mom with that, and a course my parents were taking online a couple of nights, we quickly ran out of time. We had a wonderful time together though, and are looking forward to them coming back down for Amelia's blessing! Here are a few more fun pictures while they were here.