Nik, Josh and Madeline in State College!!

This past weekend we were lucky enough to get a visit from some of our best friends, Nik, Josh and Madeline. They live in Connecticut, and now that we are back in PA it is much easier to squeeze in weekend visits (as you might imagine). They arrived on Thursday night at about 8:00, so we immediately introduced the kids (they hadn't seen each other in about a year, and at that time Maddie was only 3 months old) and began the process of putting them all to bed. With 3 kids under 2 this is no easy process!! We started out with a story (Llama Llama Red Pajama).
Maddie did a great job listening and looking at the pictures, while Ellie mostly grumped and wiggled. I think she was a little upset to be sharing mom's lap - that, and it was late and she was VERY tired.

On Friday morning, we got up and played for awhile before breakfast at the Waffle Shop. Maddie took a spin on the standing walker. She is doing great, and will be walking in no time. She appeared to really enjoy the independence!!

That evening we went over to visit our friends Jessica, Larry, Sam and Zoe at their house. We all got to play in the backyard, and the kids had a great time splashing with each other. Sam and Zoe were very kind and accommodating of the littler girls.
I love the look on jess' face in this picture. Pure happiness!
Zoe was modeling her swimming suit. Beautiful!!
Maddie enjoyed a moment with her Mom.
Ellie cracked everyone up with her inner-tube antics.
Jess and Maddie played in the grass.
Ellie loved when Jess got out the bubbles!!
The yard tent was also a BIG hit.

Later that night we relaxed a bit before bedtime.
Josh watched a little Laurie Berkner Band with the girls, and sang "We are the Dinosaurs" about a million times. It was so sweet.

Saturday morning we got up and just hung around the house for a little while. It was a nice chance for the kids to play.
Maddie really loved helping Jack play in his Exersaucer. She was very kind to him and showed him all of the different toys he had available.
Then we decided to go to lunch in Downtown State College, so Ellie and Maddie played with Jack while waiting for the adults to get diaper bags packed and everything ready for the trip out.

After lunch we took the kids to see the pigs. Dan and Jack waited patiently while the girls played.
Ellie was checking out the pig's ear and Maddie was going for a ride (assisted by Nik, of course!).
The best attempt (in my opinion) of getting a picture with both girls and the pigs.
A family picture. So beautiful!!
Nik and Josh bought Jack this CUTE winter hat. It has lion ears on the top.
The girls got matching pink Penn State hats (these are the faces of tired and hot girls - it was home for naps right after this!!).

Saturday afternoon we played at home. The kids continued to have a great time.
Jack, Ellie and Maddie in the playroom.
Ellie giving Maddie a hug.