New Shoes!

Grandma Jean and Grandpa Lee took Lars and Odin shopping for shoes this week, it was an outing for just the four of them (I stayed home and weeded the garden, sweet!).  It's the first time they've been shopping for shoes since we've been able to rely on hand me downs up to this point.  They had a blast, and it's so nice that they have shoes that fit well, and look good!  Lars' feet are gigantic at a size 9C, in comparison, Odin is wearing size 6.5.

Nordstrom knows it's customers!  Aquariums are the COOLEST!

Apparently Lars made it his mission to bring all the sample shoes over for inspection.

Odin's final choice...silver and blue Sauconys

Super fun!

Businesses that take kids into account are so wonderful!

Lars' final choice, blue and black Nikes.

First Plane Trip

My dear friends Molly and Greg live in Napa, CA.  Last summer they had a son named Max and it was high time I got to meet Max and Molly and Greg got to meet my boys.  Nana Lynn came along with us in order to deliver an extra special present for baby Max...a tide pool inspired by the tide pool she made for Lars and Odin.  

Since Lars and Odin aren't two yet they could travel as lap infants which made the trip financially possible.  The travel was hectic and not without hassles and hiccups, but all in all, it went smoothly.  Both on the flights to and from Oakland our seats were changed and though Lynn and I were planning on sitting near each other and on the aisle, we were moved at the last minute and each adult was totally separated from the other adult.  Fortunately both boys did beautifully on both flights.  There was some wiggling from both of them at the last 10 minutes of each flight, but it was pretty easily dealt with.  We relied on lots of snacks and new toys.  Since it is over an hour drive to Napa from Oakland, and we arrived at 5pm on the first day, we stayed in a motel near the Oakland airport the first night.  It was the right choice, but it sure did seem funny to spend the first night of our visit close but not quite visiting with Molly and Greg.

Our visit with Molly, Greg and baby Max was great.  It's been ages since I've seen them, and it was so much fun to share my boys with them and get to know Max.  We had great food, great wine and the boys even got to watch a train go by while eating lunch (the Napa Valley Wine Train goes right behind Molly and Greg's house).  All three boys slept in the same room and it went remarkably well.  There were definitely some more wakings than either Molly or I were used to, but it all could have been a whole lot worse.  Molly and I even got a chance to go out to lunch just the two of us one day...that was really nice.

All in all, we are glad to be home, but it was a great trip.  Thanks to Nana Lynn for making it possible to travel and being such a good travelling partner.  Thanks to Molly, Greg and Max for their hospitality!  Tor is looking forward to visiting next time!

Odin and Mama on the plane to CA

Lars and Mama on the plane home

Swinging at Playground Fantastico

Happy Lars on the swing too

Checking out the little houses at Playground Fantastico, Napa

Molly and Max

Odin had to get in on the photo action!