August 11, 2013

Today is a day we have been anticipating with many emotions (excited, nervous, scared, impatience, etc.). We started our journey at 9:00am leaving Gramy and Gramps house in Altoona, IA. But before leaving Cooper and Bella had present #1 to open from Gramy and Gramps. This gift idea was perfect for the long car trip ahead because every hour they were entertained by a new surprise. Cooper received a Monsters University book and Bella a Minnie Mouse book.

The drive was fairly easy. John drove and I distracted the children. We stopped in Peru, IL to eat at Steak and Shake. This little city will probably be a popular stop for us because it is the half way point and has lots of eating choices.

We arrived in Grand Rapids, MI at the Courtyard our hotel for the evening. We went swimming and ate pizza. Then bath and bed because tomorrow is a BIG day, we will see the house together as a family for the first time.

Here is a list of the presents (best idea ever):

Cooper
1. Monsters University book
2. “keep on trucking”- Hot Wheel trucks
3. “Sweets for a sweetheart”- ziplock bag with a random selection of candy
4. “Silly Billy”- silly putty
5. “What do these begin with?”- gummy worms
6. “Flying down the highway to your new home”- Dusty the airplane character from Planes
7. “I can hear you crunching from here”- container with crackers

Bella
1. Minnie Mouse book
2.”This is for all your treasures”- pencil case with marker to color it (she spent 30 minutes focused on coloring every space)
3. “Sugar and spice you’re everything nice”- ziplock bag with a random selection of candy
4. “I love it, I don’t care (Bella’s favorite song)- silly putty
5. “Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle”- gummy worms
6. “Cuddle up with this and make sure mom and dad hear it LOTS”- baby that makes giggle noises
7 “having fun? See how loud you can be with these.”- crackers