Back Again

After going three separate ways for the weekend, the inhabitants of the Bear's den have all gathered back again. When we picked up Alec and Mia in Baltimore on our way home from PA, Alec was having a little stress with missing his mommy. I assured him that a lot of people are praying for him and Mia because we all know this separation is hard for them. His question was, "How many people? Do you think 55?" I told him I think it is actually more than 55! He reads the posts, so if you want to let him know you are praying for them, we will make sure he sees it. Mia happily chattered most of the way home. When Phil told her, "Mia, you are doing sooo good", her quick reply was, "Well, praise the Lord!"
Alec & Mia had to go back to the doctor for a recheck on the throats yesterday morning. Afterward we did some shopping then met Phyllis Bear (Jerald's had come down for the weekend after Jake's wedding) and Karen Mast at Panera for lunch. Alec chose a dog vest from Dollar Tree for his "after doctor" gift and Mia chose play dough. They got a lot of miles out of the play dough last night and probably will this afternoon, too.

U. Phil & Carmen Helping Alec & Mia Play with Play Dough

Ready for Church

Storytime

Alec Typing His Blog

Thoughts from Alec

hi aunt karen & uncle loren & logen hope your fine just want to know how mommy
is doing & grandpa and grandma! love alec

Alec & Mia's Big Day

It's been an exciting day for Alec and Mia! This morning the women from church came for prayer and tea time. Alec and Mia loved having another tea party and attention from so many "aunties". This afternoon when I asked Alec if he would like to write on his daddy's blog, Mia piped up with, "When are we going to write on Miomi's blog?"!! (There shouldn't be any problem with Seasonal Affective Disorder around this place these long winter days!!)
Sandra, Katie, and Rachelle brought pizza over for supper and we were joined by Fido, Miss Judy, Jamin, Kara, and Sonny who came to spend the evening with Janelle and Jordan. Sandra brought the makings for gingerbread cookies and Katie, Alec, and Mia spent a delightful evening making and eating cookies.

More Cookie Pictures

Sandra hellping Alec, Mia, & Katie make cookies!

Alec & Mia Eating Pizza with Katie

Going on the Cape-Lewes Ferry with the Youth

Alec and Mia have had some busy days keeping up with the youth schedule. The got in on a volleyball game last week and this week joined them for their quarterly special activity...a ride on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Alec, Mia, and Aunt Con stayed in where it was warm, while the others acted like they were enjoying the outside air, tho' I can't see how with the nearly freezing temp. Marcus and Tanya had supper ready for everyone when we got back to their place.

We have had a busy day of CLEANING....AGAIN!! Alec must have decided we would NEVER get done if he didn't come to our aid. We also did a little shopping and found the Girl Scouts selling cookies, so had to get some of them for our bedtime snack. Little eyes are getting sleepy since we didn't manage to get the nap time in today.

Bedtime Snack

Helping with the Cleaning

That Dreaded Time of Day...Medicine Time!

Alec wanted to have a tea party today, so we planned the event for after Diana and Carmen came home from school. We had the table set, cookies baked, and iced tea ready. Since it was hat day at school, Alec wanted everyone to wear hats and we were each accompanied by a stuffed, furry friend. Diana had a hard time regaining her composure after Alec told her she looked beautiful with her hat! Mia just quietly enjoyed everything. Alec declared it the most wonderful tea party he ever had and he was "sooo.. sad" that Janelle was busy at school and had to miss it. Isn't it so rewarding to make children happy?!!

More Tea Party Pics

Alec & Mia's Tea Party

We were all disappointed to not be able to go to Baltimore today to see Daddy, Mommy, Aunt Karen, and Logan. Alec woke up with a headache and sore throat. He so sweetly said that he thought he should stay home so Mommy wouldn't get sick. We did the doctor and pharmacy thing this morning, then came home for Alec and Mia to get naps. Mia is a lot better, but still needs plenty of cuddle time. The results of the strep tests haven't come back yet, but that is what the doctor thinks both children have.
We are in a real dilemma with Courtney. Mia spilled juice on her, so she is wet!!!! If she gets washed she will be wetter and can't be taken to bed tonight. So I guess we will deal with the little bit of sticky wet and give Courtney a bath tomorrow.
I just realized that I no longer need the spell check feature on the computer. With Alec beside me, reading along, he catches all my mistakes!! Pretty amazing for a five year old (I guess I shouldn't have written that 'cause he read it, too, and wanted to edit it...he thought I should add boy at the end!!)
And now it is Alec's turn:
i think i will get better tomarow so i won`t have to get medicine i hate it but mia is brave of it

Alec and Mia went with Carmen over to Kathryn's apartment for awhile this evening to help her work on a puzzle. Playing hide and seek was next on the agenda along with telling stories and making each other laugh. Alec was especially missing his Daddy and Mommy tonight, but a little time of prayer together always helps him be happy again. They are settled in bed for the night but like to talk and giggle with Diana & Carmen awhile before going to sleep!

Alec & Mia Ready for Bed

Alec has a very creative way of letting me know that my mind is wandering. He just tells a story...."There was a boy named Alec who wanted to eat his egg, but his Aunt Con forgot to cut it up for him so he had to wait and wait and wait." Okay, I quickly got that done. Then, "She forgot to give him his juice, too...." Mia popped up from the couch and cried, "I want to be in the story, too!" I'm sure they will have lots of stories to tell about this forgetful aunt who can't even remember a name sometimes and has to say "Izaac...Eric..., I mean Alec" (three very important boys in my life). Mia is getting Courtney dressed for the morning. And now a note from Alec:

hi every one

We thought this would be a way for Daddy & Mommy, the grandparents, and Nick's wonderful nurses to be able to see Nick's dear big brother and sister, too. Mia wasn't much into posing for pictures since she hasn't been feeling well, but her new Sylvia bear helped her smile a little. She
has tonsillitis and has been a very cuddly, quiet little thing the last few days. We are hearing chattering again tonight though, so know she is feeling a little better. Alec is wanting to add his
"ramblings", so I'll give him a chance. It is so interesting to watch him peck out his little messages all by himself.

Mia with Courtney & Sylvia