Vacations

I am starting to feel like we are always packing or unpacking…and every time we do there is more and more stuff to take with us. I thought it would get easier to pack for Maeve with practice (our stuff is obviously nothing more than an afterthought – it’s a wonder we remember to bring socks!) but it still seems to get harder. I tried using a packing list for at least the basics, but even those change depending on the trip… For example, when we go to Grandmas like last weekend, she already has lots of fun toys and meal-time items. Now we are packing for the Bahamas and our visit to see Gigi and Aunt Nancy, and we need to think through needing Maeve’s booster seat, what toys to bring, etc. All of these trips are wonderful opportunities to see our families though and for Maeve to spend time with the important people in our lives, so that is ultimately what I have decided to focus on!

During our trip to MI this weekend we celebrated our birthdays (Maeve’s favorite thing to do!) and had a really neat visit to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park with Grandma, Auntie Beth & Uncle Matt (see photos in the gallery – courtesy of their camera!). It had a live butterfly exhibit in the tropical plant environment and we look forward to going back to explore more of the outdoor gardens in the summer!

This week is a busy one as we get ready for our trip (beach, here we come!), and we also have fun playdates at the Nature Museum, Pump-it-Up, and a cafe for lunch with friends after music class. Maeve and I had a wonderful time babysitting for Lucy yesterday, who we cannot believe is already 3 months old! She is so smiley and is really tracking Maeve now, seeming to enjoy watching Maeve run and jump. Maeve was great with her, teaching her some colors and bringing her toys and books too!