Tales of Thibadeau: February 2009

For anyone who doesn't know the story of Katie and her blankie, it goes like this: When Katie was about 4 months old she cried ALL the time (since birth). One night she was sleeping in bed with Pat and I when I noticed she was pinching and rubbing our new Jersey Knit sheets on her face and nose. It seemed to give her great comfort. The next night I decided an experiment and put her in her crib with the sheet laid flat under her. It has been true love ever since! For quite a while everywhere Katie went, so did the queen size sheet, but after 9 years all that is left is about 30 fragments that she still is very attached to. She loves to chew on it and then stick it up her nose. She is always trying to find ways to do this hands free. As you can see, this is her latest and greatest idea.

I especially love the circle of spit. Believe me, she is the only one who likes the smell of her blanket.

Katie treats her blankie as an extra appendage, so it always strikes me funny that we never really give it that much notice. She has no embarrassment about having it in front of friends and family and the only reason she doesn't take it to school is she is afraid it will get lost.

Last summer I was able to visit Seattle two times with Ami. While there I met her sweet niece, Koda, and we instantly hit it off. She came here during the summer for a family reunion and was able to spend some time with me and my girls and we have stayed in touch. This awesome 9 year old saved enough of her own money to buy a plane ticket to visit again during a school break. I would like to think she came just to see me, but I will let Ami get some credit... Really, I think Katie was the deciding factor.

I was so happy to see her I just couldn't stop hugging her. I asked her if she was used to all that emotion and she said, "No! My family isn't like you!"

Ooops, more hugs!

The first night she arrived we had a sleep over at my house with Koda, my girls and Ami's monkeys - Poor Reece, the only boy, but he had a great time.

Our cat, Annie, could not get enough of Koda.

Quincy and Bella were on a roll and I knew I would be up all night with them, so Ami and I decided they had rashes and we administered the Benadryl.

Isn't this a sweet picture of Reece? Don't let him fool you, he is a little turkey!!

Oh, yeah... that Benandryl is kickin' in.

I promised all the kids a waffle and bacon breakfast, so when Quincy and Bella kindly woke me up by yelling in my ear that they were hungry, I jumped right up and got to work. Reece walked in the kitchen and saw me slaving away and said, "YOU LOOK HORRIBLE!" I was like, um what?? Then he tried to make up for his blunder and said, "Well, just your face."
Obviously, I will post no pictures of me that morning.

Koda LOVED Katie and Maddy's scooters. Look out Grandma and Grandpa Dance, I think this is next on her list!

Monday night we met at Cafe Ole' for dinner (kids eat free night plus a pinata). Katie is decked out in her new hat.

Our little ones kept our poor waiter hoppin'.

To get a picture of my Katie Bug, I have to man-handle her, but she's getting tough!!

A portion of the kids we had at the table... Our great friends, the Walkers, came with us - but again, Reece is the only boy.

Me and my baby.

Pat and Randy Walker being goofy for my blog photos.

I am so lucky to have the two BESTEST friends EVER. I love you Ami and Susan!!

Koda wanted to stay the night at our house (yeah!). She actually ended up spending the whole week... I loved it!!

She was the first to fall asleep...

Koda wasn't happy when she found out I was taking pictures of her while sleeping!! I couldn't resist, she is so cute and she is sleeping with a blanket I gave her for Christmas!

On Tuesday, my girls played hookey and we spent the day at the Y. Koda said this was her favorite day. This is one of my favorite pictures of Bella and Quincy.

I was able to get a lot of pictures of the little ones, the big girls were too busy swimming and diving.

Maddy, Katie and Koda - Gotcha!!

These girls had so much fun together. Koda fit right in.

My babies and Quincy Lou.

Maddy was very sweet and would take the little ones in to the Lazy River. She looks so big in my old swim suit...

Maddy making a big splash...

Is this girl having fun or what??

Koda is going for the big dive.

Katie was the hardest to catch on film.

Katie and Koda, two peas in a pod.

Trey, Trey before the hypothermia set in.

His lips are turning blue, but he refuses to get out of that water!

Bella Bleu in her new swimsuit.

Bella is the only one I can get to pose for me...

I think Quincy would like Maddy for a big sister.

Koda and I had planned a day at the mall and we wore matching outfits and I was so excited when Koda agreed to let me do her hair.... Little did I know that she wasn't used to the blow dryer or my big styling techniques - SHE FAINTED!! Luckily, I caught her and dragged her to my bed. She didn't remember much and thought she was dreaming.

She is slowly recovering with a cool glass of water, all the windows open and the fan going. Of course I have to get pictures, but don't worry, Grandma Dance - she was in good hands!!

Who wouldn't faint over such a cute do?

Bella was a bit jealous that Koda and I were going on a "special date".

Our first stop was Build-a Bear.

We had a great time!

Meet "Violet"... I tried to talk Koda into naming her "Selina", but I guess her love for me only goes so far!

We have got to get going... More shopping to do!

Koda needed a break and I needed a Pepsi!!

Koda had a great time with me, but the real fun begins when Katie comes home.

When Koda called Grandma the first thing she told her was that she fainted! I could hear Cindy over the phone saying, "WHAT!?"

Koda was a big help with my vinyl lettering business, she has a job here anytime.

Friday night, Ami got this "great" idea to go to the YMCA and let the kids run all their energy out...

Maddy practiced for her upcoming speed jumping competion.

Then things got a bit wild. Of course Ami was NO WHERE to be found.

Reece got a bloody nose, Maddy got scratched, Katie almost broke her finger...

No matter what I said, the wrestling would not stop. I finally ended the night after Quincy pulled her new Hulk Hogan moves on Bella, Katie wouldn't stop crying and I had a headache. Maddy FINALLY found Ami gabbing at the front desk and said , "My mom says it is time to go, Quincy is beating up Bella and being really naughty!" I wouldn't have put it that way, I just wanted some more adult supervision. Thanks Ami...