Mi Mi's Visit!

My mom has dubbed herself, "Mi Mi," instead of "Grandma," for the kiddos. She did this back in Alabama when we visited for Lily's birthday and Christmas last year. It's a great name, but now Lily is mistakenly calling me "Mi Mi," because it sounds an awful lot like "Mommy." It's rather funny, though.

This really has been a great visit. Mom has been here for 3 weeks and I have to say I have been able to survive the first few weeks of newborn-hood because of her help. She has taken Lena late at night and has dealt with Lily early in the morning for breakfast. She has played her heart out with Lily during the day and has given Lily oodles of stickers. There are stickers everywhere! On the floor, on the wall, on pictures, in hair, clothes, food, you name it! But, it's great, and I am so thankful for her stay with us.

Lena has been getting lots of Mi Mi time too. Mom has insisted that Daniel and I enjoy this time while we can and go out, just the two of us. We have indeed! I surprised Daniel to a jazz club, we have gone to the temple, and have just been out talking and spending time together. Mom has not only gotten to cuddle a lot with Lena, but Lily even had a sleep-over with her the other night! Lily was in heaven that she got to sleep with Mi Mi downstairs!

There have been so many things that have happened throughout these last 3 weeks that they'll be better explained through pictures. Suffice it to say, Daniel, Lily, Lena and I have been blessed with wonderful help from friends and family!

Just so you know, there are 33 pictures.... :)

Mi Mi's arrival. The cold rain didn't stop these two from getting out.

Enjoying the lazy time. Lily was just plain bored.

fist pump! She does this a lot. :)

Ha, ha, I think this captures them so well.

She is such a sweet, loving little  girl. Bless her strong personality, but she gives the best cuddles.

Lena is becoming just as good of a cuddler...it's hard to put her down sometimes. Sometimes, all she wants is to be picked up.

This was taken right when Daniel walked in the door after being gone for 6 days at FTX!

National Zoo fun day! Lily was torn between elephants and Panda. I think here she is pointing toward the Panda.

This was our second family outing!

Lily made a new friend.

These teenagers were laughing and cutting up a lot at the gorilla exhibit and Lily wanted to be a part of the fun so much. She didn't want to leave, but this place reeked of pee.

Father/daughter nap time!

Baking Halloween cupcakes with MiMi

Look at that pro!

I surprised Daniel to a date at a Jazz club. It was fun to see him in his element.

We took Lily to the Air and Space Museum as a little date for her.

She really loved the planes. But, surprisingly, all she really wanted to see was the helicopters...random.

That's one dedicated father if you ask me. ;)

Mom and I attempted to do a little photo shoot with Lena.

Didn't turn out as well as we'd hoped.

another cupcake day!

coloring pumpkins with MiMi. Lily has had her coloring privileges revoked because she colors EVERYWHERE!

Daniel says she can't have crayons till she's fifteen. Lily doesn't seem phased. I think it's because she has some stashed in a secret spot, that sly little lady!

She wanted to touch the bear but then realized she was actually scared of it.

Halloween eve bath fun with glow sticks.

A couple of her little buddies at the Student Spouses Club Halloween party for the kids.

These two are so cute around each other.

She was Snow White for Halloween.

Lena wanted to be a penguin.

Lily and MiMi at a fall festival. Mom took Lily with some friends since I had just given birth to Lena a few days before.

Lily really enjoyed Mom's makeup.

right before church.

Our attempt at a photo shoot with Lily!