to NE, to NE, to see a sweet babe...

G had spring break at the tail end of March into April, and we took a wonderful and much-needed trip to the exciting spring break location of Adams, NE.  And there wouldn't have been any other place we would have rather been!  For starters, it is much further south so the thought of not having to wear coats and bringing our sandals along was heavenly.  Next, it was just good to get away all together as a family as it had been a long month.  But lastly and MOST importantly, there was a new baby that we needed to meet and cuddle and coo over!  Our new niece, baby E, was born 2 weeks before, and while we were worried that it might be too soon to subject the chaos that is our family to my brother and more importantly my sister-in-law who was still recovering from E's fabulous birth, we kind of were at a "we can come now or we will see you in June" point in our schedules.  So graciously M & A urged us to come, and even stay with them (we offered to stay at a hotel, but the nearest is 20 minutes away)!  We offered to cook the whole time we were there which they took us up on and we were so glad!  And we had a fabulous time together.  It was so wonderful to be able to meet sweet little E while she was still so small and get plenty of those new baby snuggles and cuddles.  And it was really great to see M & A as new parents (what?!  my baby brother has a baby of his own?!) and talk with them about the whole experience, and just hang out too.  The kids (G especially) were so excited about E and fascinated by her, and were fairly good about not being so noisy and crazy.  Although we were all thankful for M & A's basement and the nice weather outside, so that we had places to throw them when needed.  The kids learned the finer points of ping pong, too, which forever will make Auntie A and Uncle M's house the coolest house ever.  Thank you M & A, for letting us invade when I am sure that you could have used the quiet and rest.  It was a special trip for us and you have such a sweet and beautiful daughter.  We can't wait to see you all again in June!

fascinated with their new cousin

seriously, my baby brother really has a baby?

sweet baby E

so happy for beautiful weather and big spaces to fun and play ball!

oh yeah, S still has the touch!

Ping-Pong!!!

C's between the leg moves...

probably G's highlight of the trip - holding E all by herself for a cousins picture

W just figured out the E would hold his finger if he put it near her hand

cousins!