A short visit to North Carolina

Dad recently had meetings in Washington D.C. about a week apart, so he thought it would be fun to spend the time between at JJ and Jennifer's, which is just a short plane ride away. Mom decided to surprise Dad and spend the week with JJ and Jennifer too... but the surprise got really complicated, so she ended up having to tell Dad and JJ and Jennifer. Unfortunately, Mom and Dad visited at the same time a vicious stomach flu decided to visit. Nolan, JJ and Jennifer all came down with a pretty serious sickness, and Mom said she was really glad she was there to help give the parents a break while they were all sick.

Even though everyone wasn't feeling well, it was nice weather, and Mom and Dad got to spend some fun quality time with Nolan, who they hadn't seen in awhile. Mom took him to get his hair cut, and now he looks like a big boy toddler instead of a little baby. He's still dang cute though. They went on walks and read books, and did one of their favorite North Carolina traditions--visited the gourmet cupcake shop! (This delicious store is just down the street from JJ and Jennifer's house, and they were featured on a Food Network TV show!) They celebrated Nolan's 2 year birthday a little bit early by putting candles in the cupcakes and letting him eat it. Ever the gentleman, Nolan preferred to use his fork. He's just so darling! We miss you all a lot!

Cheerio!

Mom and Dad have just returned from a chilly visit to England. Although they loved visiting with Roo and Annie and Esme and Penny.... Mom said she was disappointed that the weather was almost as cold as Idaho.

(These pictures refuse to rotate from their original sideways position, no matter what I do to them)

They had lots of fun tending the girls while Roo and Annie celebrated Valentines Day in Poland. Roo and Annie also got to go out to dinner and to the temple while Mom and Dad were in town. Mom enjoyed long (but cold) walks around the village and town.

The girls are at fun ages, with Penny just starting to walk on her own as long as she has something to hold onto for balance. Esme is talking up a storm, with full and complete sentences, but Mom says there's no sign of an English accent yet (dangit!). She also said that it was fun to do Esme's hair in lots of different styles, and Mom was impressed that Esme actually let her hair be styled.
Another exciting thing that happened while in England was a very important meeting Mom had with our potential representative for the Banana Brush in the UK and greater Europe. They talked contracts and Mom delivered a whole suitcase of product.

 Esme's hairstyle rocks.

Penny is going for more of an "Elvis" look.