Home, sweet home

We made it home last night... our trip began at 10:30 and we were home at 7:30. Here is Aunt Suzanne entertaining James while I finished packing the minivan for our trip.The first three hours were great... James slept and Jemma was content. We made amazing time because we hit no traffic. I had a repetitive conversation with Jemma:

Jemma asks, "Mommy, what are you doing?"

I respond, "I'm driving."

Jemma asks, "Why?"

My response varies: "So we can go home." or "To go see Daddy." or "Because you can't yet." or "Why not?"

I even answered her a couple of times with "I'm driving... what are you doing?" She would simply say, "I'm riding, but what are you doing Mommy?" Then I would have to think of a more detailed answer, "I'm focusing on the road to keep you safe." Then the "Why?" would keep going... I try to answer her questions with a follow up question or change of topic. We talked about Mya and Claire and how we could play with our friends when we were home. We talked about the construction and farm equipment along the road. We talked about Daddy and all of our family members. We talked about almost everything. Jemma is quite a chatty little girl! When she grew bored with our chats or I needed to focus on the road, then I would turn on the DVD player. She watched the Baby Galelio and Baby Divinci DVD twice through... for as long as we were in the car, I think we did remarkably well to use the DVD player so little. We did sing along to Veggie Tales and Mickey Mouse several times through. Eventually, I had to listen to a little "Mommy radio" which Jemma objected to, but she was easily distracted with crayons and coloring book. Although, I did look back after she had been quiet for a while and discovered that she was "Decorating" Bity baby with crayons! Apparently, she needed makeup. I was not very happy with that.

Jim arrived home about 8 last night. It was just enough time for me to have the minivan unloaded and James nursing. Jemma was playing blocks, as we had talked about on the ride home. She missed her Daddy very, very much. She is such a Daddy's girl, and she jumped up and was so excited to see Jim. But, oddly, she sat back down and invited Jim to play blocks with her instead of her usual running and jumping in his arms. James missed his Daddy. He was practically jumping out of my arms to get to Jim last night! Here he is in the swing today... such a happy little guy in the swing. Below he is playing with Daddy before Jemma woke from her nap. She was tired after our travels yesterday and swim lessons today.

Mya and her mommy, Merin, came over to share pizza with us for dinner. I haven't been to the grocery store yet, so we ordered pizza! Jemma has missed Mya and they enjoyed riding in Jemma's car after dinner and playing bubbles. Now, both kids are asleep and I'm going to cuddle with my wonderful husband. I'm so, so happy we are all home!!! :)