Check, check, check!

Our weekend "to do" list included several things.

I am happy to report that I am a happy, happy, happy girl!

We have accomplished quite a few things...and, perhaps most exciting of all my brand new, Nikon D5200 with a new lens has been ordered and is being shipped!  I have also checked with a camera trade company to get an estimate on how much they will pay me for my completely broken old Nikon and an older lens.  Hopefully they will give me enough to cover the cost of the other new lens that I am wanting...I am hoping to get either a 35 mm or 50 mm.  Fingers crossed!

This morning, we attended Avery's 2nd birthday party.  Avery's mom, Mary, and I grew up together.  In fact, I am pretty sure she was in my kindergarten class which means she is one of my oldest friends.  I still remember when she was "Mary Catherine" and wore glasses.  We were in school together for elementary, middle and high school.  When I went to UNC, she went to NCSU.  We were still close in distance and kept in touch.  She came to Chapel Hill every few months to visit.  We got married within weeks of each other.  She and Gino, her husband, were at our wedding.  Two weeks later, Chad and I were guests at their wedding.  Mary and I lost touch over the years...but, she still remained a friend, we saw each other once or twice, kept in touch via facebook, and she remained on the Christmas card list...which is important after all!  A little over 6 months ago, Mary and Gino moved from Raleigh to Mt. P.  She got in touch with me when they moved and I am so happy that we have reconnected.  In fact, one Sunday at church as I was walking into the sanctuary, they were standing right in front of me...so, even without facebook or modern technology, we would have reconnected anyway!  Mary and Gino have two little girls - Avery who turned 2 and Aria who is just a few months old.

It was great to go to Avery's party today.  Mary and Gino have already settled in here and have made a lot of friends.  Mary's parents and sisters were at the party.  It was great to see a few familiar faces and catch up with her mom a little.  The boys had a great time playing outside at the party (espeically after a few days of rain).  Owen has especially found a new friend in Avery and was so excited to buy her a present and go to her party.  Sweet boy!

After the party, we checked a few items off the list:

A trip to the local sporting goods store....Owen's pint-sized soccer cleats and two mouth pieces for Payton...for their sports that start over the next two weeks.  CHECK!

A trip to Target....Glue sticks, finally!  A present for Addie's birthday...and a party we have to miss because of baby #3's upcoming arrival!  Items that I didn't even have on my list....various snacks for Payton's school lunches....we are now fully stocked with Applesauce, Yogurt, Pudding, raisins, grapes and sandwich items.  So happy I didn't realize we needed all of these things on Tuesday night!  Success at Target...CHECK!

After a little nap on the couch, we decided to attack the car seat.  Who knew the car seat and stroller needed so much attention...so much attention that I stopped to google how much a new car seat would cost....and decided we would just go ahead and try to clean it up.  The car seat fabric has already been washed but the belts, etc needed a little extra care. The spider camped out inside the seat needed to find a new home (in the trash).  The stroller, which I may not even use, has also been disassembled...and may never be put back together the same way...but, it had to be done (or thrown away!).  We made great progress and by tomorrow this will be a big CHECK too!

Still left on the list:
Diaper bag (found an option at Target if all else fails!)
Bottle drying rack
4oz BPA free bottles
Newly discovered "need" - car seat handle cover...our handle is sticky, despite my best cleaning efforts!
Sew button on tiny outfit
Laundry
Clean up downstairs bedroom so that someone can actually sleep in it when family arrives
Buy a present for my favorite sister-in-laws upcoming birthday.

And, did I mention my new camera is ON THE WAY!