My Boy Blessings: Nonni & Papa's visit

(bear with me...this post is pretty long, but I wanted to get it all done for scrapbooking sake...)

My parents visit was so wonderful, but so short! I feel like 10 minutes after they arrived, it was time to pack the truck back up and send them off! But we packed a lot into a few days and enjoyed some quality time together.

They arrived late Sunday night after driving all day. Noah was even up to carry on the tradition of meeting family when they arrive. And we enjoyed catching up before all heading off to bed.

Monday, while Aaron was at work, Mom, Dad, Noah and I went out to run errands and we came back just in time for Dad, Noah and I to take naps while Mom did some work for her conference.

Tuesday, we were back out again, this time to do some sight seeing. We thought we'd go to Nappanee since my parents enjoy the Amish culture and we had already gone to Shipshewana. Well, we learned that Nappanee is not the place to visit in the dead of winter on a week day!

There really wasn't much to see or do, and so we thought we'd atleast enjoy an authentic Amish meal before heading back home. We didn't know where to go, so we asked someone, and you know what they recommended when we asked for authentic food?!?! MEXICAN! Yes, she did, and it was actually really good food. They were pretty busy, so the service wasn't great, but the food itself was really good. We were all so hungry as we waited, that Noah would stop anyone walking back to tell them "Woah-wah beeto" (Noah burrito) in the hopes that someone would bring him a burrito:)

We got back and Mom and I made Verenika while Dad and Noah tooks naps (okay, I also took a small one too:)) Verenika is a traditional German dish that my Dad's family makes for special occasions. And since we are so far away, we don't get it very often...why not have it when the Verenika master is around to help make it?!?!

That night, while my mom finished up some work for her conference, Aaron, Dad and I started taping the stripes for the baby's room. We finally finished the taping and Aaron decided to paint the first coat on the stripes-at 10 pm! Half-way through his painting, I started wondering how the stripes would turn out if the tape was left on for so long.

So I started doing some research on the internet (thank goodness for the internet!) and found out that the best technique was to paint the first coat, wait 1/2 hour, paint the second coat, wait 1/2 hour and then pull the tape off. Which meant, we were all up until 2 am waiting for the paint to dry so we could pull the tape off! But it turned out amazing and I'm thankful we figured out what to do before it was too late and the tape was stuck. There are a couple of areas to touch up, but otherwise...it worked!! (I'll post pics later)

Wednesday was more errands before Mom's conference and then making the verenika. PJ, Lai and Bowen also came over to help us enjoy the verenika and we enjoyed a great evening with them.

Thursday, Aaron was able to take the day off and he and Dad worked on the desk downstairs in the office while Mom and I worked on other projects around the house. After Noah's nap, we took them to see the crib for the baby, and we ended up at South Bend Chocolate Company for a special treat.

We also celebrated Christmas that night with them. They spoiled us so much and got us some great gifts.:) And it was fun that Noah could enjoy his gifts with them around to see it all.

And early Friday morning, they were on the road again! Such a fast week!!

Okay, I'm through with the details, now, enjoy some pics of the week...

Cuddling with the Papa

Getting his first real haircut. He did such a good job!! No tears or fighting at all!!

Of course, it didn't hurt that we had his favorite movie playing:)

Nonni and Noah supervising Daddy and Papa working

My parents birthday gift to Noah was a tool set...that had a tool belt, suspenders, hard hat, googles, and real tools. Noah was in 7th heaven! He loved measuring things and I know in the years to come, he will love to be just like Daddy with all of his own tools!