Long Time No See

We've had a busy March around here. So busy, in fact, that I forgot it's already April. I went to a conference in Reno for a week last week and took Audrey with me.  She did great!  I dropped her off at various loving homes throughout the week (thank you, Aimee, Catie and Aunt Karen!!) around 7am and didn't see her again until after 5.  That's new for Audrey and me as we usually go most places as a pair!
Natalie stayed home to keep Corey company.  He took her to school every day, did her hair, packed her lunch and kept her entertained and totally content!  In fact, I don't think she missed us at all.  I heard from Corey throughout the week that Natalie was loving leaving her toys wherever she wanted...with no threat of a little sister snatching them. 

When we arrived home, however, there was a very sweet reunion.  They hugged.  They called out each other's names as if in disbelief that they were actually together.  They hugged again.  And then Natalie toured Audrey around their shared tidied room as if it was her first visit. 

Unfortunately the novelty of reuniting wore off rather quickly.  A few hours back at home and together as a family and the sisterly squabbling resumed.  At one point, Natalie whispered in my ear, "I really missed you, Mommy, but I did NOT miss Audrey!!"

Kristen arrived for a visit before Audrey and I returned home so

she had some nice alone time with Natalie. 

 She even volunteered in her preschool classroom one day and had a lot of fun.

I hear they actually painted with their noses that day. 

And they made Aunt Jeanne's famous pudding cookies.

Those were a LOVELY homecoming present, I must say!

 

And Kristen was able to spend some time with Audrey once we got home. 

They walked to the park both mornings and fed the ducks.

It was nice to be back together again as a family, though.  I'd never travelled alone with Audrey and she is so BUSY that it almost takes two of us to keep up with her in an airport. 

 I think I'll take Natalie next time and leave Audrey at home!