Day 2: Parents, AND Grandparents visiting Nova Scotia

Lucky. Lucky. Lucky. Lucky. Us.

A few months ago our Grandparents told us they were planning to come through Halifax on a cruise ship this fall. And, what do you know!....It actually happened!

And, you know what else...

seeing them made today one of my very favorite memories of all time.   

We met up with Grandma and Grandpa Cox right near the cruise ship seaports on Pier 21.

It was so great to meet up, and welcome them to Halifax! 

The first things they said to us were:

Grandpa: `How did you do this?!`

Grandma: `Can you believe we are here?!`

 Both are truly hard to believe... But so truly wonderful! 

From the pier we took a little stroll along the boardwalk checking out the halifax waterfront, street performers, and ships. And, best of all, visiting and catching up.

Grandpa, being the gentleman that he is willingly pushed the double stroller for the majority of our hour long stroll. It was so great to see them interact with our kids. They seemed so grateful and appreciative to see us and be with us, and that is exactly how we felt in return!

Miley and Scotlin by Thedadore Tug Boat. Maybe Cousin sadie would like him too, hey?...

We stopped and were treated to a delicious lunch along the water.

There aren`t many couples we look up to more than these two. We were so grateful the two of them would travel such a long way to check in on us, and share time together.

It was fun to see them here enjoying this part of the world with one another. We loved visiting, and getting caught up, sharing experiences and stories.

Miley pulling funny faces at lunch time. Love those dimples.

Spending the afternoon with two of our favorite people was absolutely delightful. Grandma and Grandpa`s visit was definitely a highlight of our day, week, month, semester, and year! We are feeling extra lucky today to have had the chance to spend time with them on our home turf.

Right about now is when the kids zonked out in the stroller. But, not for long, because soon after we reunited with our other visitors for more fun and exploring. Dad and Michelle took us to the Maritime Muesum of the Atlantic which was very interesting. The Museum is the perfect way to learn about the history of where we live. There were exibits on the Halifax explosion, and the Titanic which were both really neat, but for me I most liked seeing the facinating Lighthouse artifacts.

Miley was playing with this self help display she found, and it soon became hard to pull her away becasuse she insisted she needed to `check her e-mail.`

Dewey just playing along, and being sweet, and cute.

After the museum we enjoyed the waterfront a little more before heading over to the Titanic Cemetery.

I know Michelle was really looking forward to reading and seeing the things about the Titanic. It really is neat to see, and makes it very real when you stand at the gravesites of the victims.

It`s hard for me to think about tomorrow being my last day having my parents in town. I don`t like the thought of not knowing when I will see them again. But I am extremely grateful they would come all this way to spend time with us, and make these special memories.

Today was definitely a lucky day. We were so lucky to be able to have visitors from both sides of our family in one day! We enjoyed every mintue. It`s not as fun, however, to see day`s like today come to an end.

Parents in Nova Scotia: Day 1

For me, right now, there is nothing better in the whole world than being able to spend a day with my parents in Nova Scotia. It's quite honestly like a dream come true. 

When we told Miley Papa Al and Grammy Chelz were coming to our house this morning 

she excitedly exclaimed "It's my lucky day!"

And, she is right. It really, truly. is. 

Jet lag, or not jet lag, the day started early. 

Our adventure began at Peggy's Cove, one of the main tourist destinations here. We love it. From the minute our feet hit the trail up to the lighthouse Grandma and Grandpa were doing what they do best... Spoiling the kids. 

The two of them helped Miley explore everything Peggy's Cove has to offer. And, in return, Miley would not let them out of her sight. 

"Come on Grammy...."

"Where you going Grammy?..."

"Hold my hand Grammy..."

Mr. I-don't-like-the-wind stayed nice and cozy and happy in the stroller. 

As you can see, the wind and rain and humidity do wonders for my hair. 

Although, yes, humid, rainy and windy at Peggy's Cove, the weather was quite nice for the remainder of the day.  Once the fog lifted and we ventured a little further out of the city it was beautiful and warm.

Miley did not skip a beat when she saw her grandparents. We loved watching her get excited to see them, and know them, and want to be with them. 

At Peggy's cove we explored around on the rocks and water, and also through the gift shops and fishery huts.  This is Justin and I standing in front of the Jaw bone of a whale, and a whole bunch of Lobster Traps. 

Our next stop was Mahone Bay were we had an always amazing lunch at one of our favorite spots. After lunch we took a step back in time to the Lovely Lunenburg where we explored more, and kicked around the boardwalk. 

We saw the beautiful Anglican Cathedral again, and got to go inside this time, which was gorgeous and unbelievable. 

Miley went nuts over the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. It had aquariums and a children's play area, and a handicap ramp that could not be beat. 

Miley and Doo Doo got caught in a lobster trap!

On the boardwalk Just and Miley toured the ships, and the rest of us took a load off our feet and played with Dewey Doo. 

As evening rolled around we were all feeling pretty beat from a long day, especially our weary travelers.

So we loaded up our things with a promise for a safe return.

Peggy's Cove, Mahone bay, and Lunenburg all at once is a day in Nova Scotia that is hard to beat. 

But, the fun won't stop here. We have two more days to relish the time with our family. 

Right now, there is nothing that beats having their company!

I am really starting to like this...

At the Airport. 

Standing in front of the International Arrivals Gate. 

My knees are knocking. My heart is bumping so fast. The butterflies in my stomach are actually making me feel sick, and I am trembling with excitement. 

Because THEY'RE HERE.

Every time I hear that automatic door start to open I get another surge of adrenaline race through my stomach. Is it going to be them??!

Dad? Is that you?!? 

Nope. False Alarm. 

Dad!???....????

Wrong Again...

Wait Some More....

Maybe it's this time!!

Dad? Dad?... Dad?... Dad? .... Dad? Dad? 

Nope.

And Then....

I hear the doors.....

They're HERE!!!

Neither one of them knew I would be at the airport.  They kept insisting they were going to arrive too late, and not to worry about coming out. But how could I possibly stay home knowing my family is in Nova Scotia!! I, for one, know how FAR they have come to be here, and there is almost nothing better than a warm welcome at the end of that long journey. 

Why do I have the most amazing parents in the entire world?!

Man, I am one lucky girl. And right now, pretty much the happiest girl in the world!

We have so many fun things planned during Dad and Michelle's stay. All of us are so excited! 

Welcome to Nova Scotia! So glad you're here!

Especially For You

This post is dedicated to Scotlin and Miley`s Grandparents back home. 

Dad told me I need to make a better effort writing down the funny things Miley has been saying.

So, this is just a little collection of some of the things I can remember her saying to me this week.

*****

Just was busy with school last week. There were some days when he would be gone before the kids woke up in the morning, and home after they were asleep at night. Miley was starting to miss him really bad, and didn`t want to go to sleep without him. She would ask where he was and say

`I miss him!`

Before laying her down for bed she would cry and ask

`Is daddy coming?...`

She took one look at me the next morning, shook her head back and forth, and continued to repeat

`I don`t want mommy anymore. I want daddy. I don`t want mommy anymore.`

Poor daddy`s girl.

******

I had all the groceries unloaded and on the kitchen counter ready to put away. I looked over to find Miley sitting at the kitchen table with her bib on. Surprised, I asked her what she was doing? And she told me pointing to the groceries on the counter...

`I need that yogurt right there.`

All she forgot to get for herself was the spoon!

******

She`s constantly asking me for permission to do any and everything.

`That okay mom?...`

`This okay mom?...`

******

Playing outside she hears a airplane flying in the sky...

`Slow Down Helicopter! Not So Fast!`

*******

I asked her the other day what her name was and she proudly stated

`Miwee. J. Madsen.`

What is mommy`s name?, I asked...

`Mommy. Madsen.`

What is brother`s name?...

`Doo Doo. Madsen.`

******

Dosen`t love that her little brother is getting bigger and starting to cruise the furniture. She tries to peel his hands off the couch, or push him down saying

`Sit down Dewey! Sit down!`

******

At 8:00 on the dot she`ll say

`it`s 8 0`clock. Time for bed.`

*******

She`s been getting very skillful with her negotiating skills. At dinner time when she`s asked to take one more bite of this or that she`ll negotiate

`Just a baby bite.`

When asked to clean up toys she`ll negotiate

`just O-N-E more minute...`

******

When I ask her if she wants to play with friends or say hi to the neighbors she`ll say `

`Yeah. I won`t be shy.`

******

Sways back and forth like a monkey, walking towards you singing the `JAWS`song...

`Daaaa Da... Daaaa Da....Daaaa Da....`

*******

If she hears a siren she will stop, put her hand up to her ear and say `Listen...` it`s a fire truck... it`s an ambulance... going to help somebody...`

*******

We love our girl.

I had to throw in a few pics of Mr Scotlin too. He dosen`t have too much to say yet, but he`s getting better at communicating his wants and needs.

He`s always giving this sly little look, and is honestly content to be doing just about anything.

He has given up crawling on his knees and now will only bear crawl up on his feet with his legs straight.

He`s been throwing little temper tantrums, is standing up in his crib as you can see here, and will befriend any stuffed animal until it becomes a ratty mess only fit for the garbage can.

He has recently started standing on his own, and wants sooo bad to keep up with his sister. He`s just not quite big enough yet.

His diet basically consists of fruit, fruit, yogurt, and fruit. If it`s not fruit, his lips are sealed. TIGHT.

He is full of life these days! The bigger he gets the easier it is to leave the house more often. He`s good in the car, and loves any outing.

Lately he has started dancing to music, and trying to `sing.` He is getting a lot of personality, and it is coming FAST!

Scotlin  is Miley`s little shadow, and vice versa. They are two peas in a pod.

They look like twins. They do E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G together, so they might as well be.

The two of them are a ton of fun, and having the two of them makes life twice as enjoyable.

They LOVE and MISS their Grandparents, so we are always grateful when their grandparents read up, and take a special interest in them too.

Sending love from the little ones back home to you...

XOXO

Miley and Scotlin

Making Us Proud

 A couple weeks ago Justin got a letter in the mail congratulating him for having the 

Greatest Proficency in Periodontics in his class. 

It should have come as no surprise to me as I have seen his dedication, and tireless efforts with his schooling, but neither one of us were expecting the recognition he was given.

We were invited out to a very special Award, and White Coat Ceremony where Justin was given his reward. It was fun to have a night out together, and see him recognized for his hard work.  

He sure is looking like Mr. P.I.M.P. with all of the ladies at his side!! 

Little do these ladies know they are standing next to 

The Only Male Award Winner In their Class.

Go Just!

 So grateful he's MINE. 

A BIG Congratulations to my always humble, always amazing and diligent husband. We've come a long way for Dental School, and you're making us proud!