With help from mom and dad I made it through the week of taking care of the boys while Michelle and the girls vacationed with the Crowley and Gerrits side of the family in Flagstaff, AZ. Toward the end you could sense that the boys knew something was different but couldn't put their finger on it. I picked Michelle, Abigail, and Claire up from the airport on Saturday. When Michelle walked through the door, the boys faces lit up with smiles. In their minds all was right with the universe now. Saturday evening I went to Chris' bachelor party and Sunday evening Michelle went to Katie's personal shower.
We've had lots of opportunity to see Alyssa and Tom and their four kids. Most recently we went to Old Country Buffet for breakfast after Sunday Mass. There were five adults and 8 kids, the oldest being 11. Despite what you might think, the kids were well behaved and we all had a great time together.
We still have not had a chance to see Austin Powers in Goldmember yet. I'm sure we will one of these nights. We are also planning on taking the kids to Kiddie Land (the local amusement park) and the Brookfield Zoo. Thursday is the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Saturday is the “big day” when Chris and Katie get married.
Lately Michael and Daniel having been playing more together. They run around chasing each other, laughing all the while. Michael grabs Daniel from behind, gives him a big bear hug, and pulls him down to the ground on top of him. It's quite a sight to see.