#32. Homecoming In Eureka

The last weekend of September, after weeks of being 'cooped up' in Chicago, we decided to head out on our first American roadtrip. Luke, Clare, and I (Papa Chris would come down by train that night) packed up the car early on a Friday morning and headed down I-55 on our way to my hometown, good 'ole Eureka, Illinois!!

This is the sign heading from the east into town...population now a whopping 5300!

Luke and Clare did great for their first long trip in the car.  I don't think I heard much of a stir until I could see the courthouse while driving past the cornfields many miles in the distance.

The iconic Woodford County Courthouse at the center of town

Our original trip to Eureka was planned to see family and attend a baby shower for Clare and Luke, but sadly, the visit ended up being for other reasons as well.  My Uncle Dave passed away earlier in the week and his visitation and funeral were held over the weekend.  Uncle Dave was a happy, charismatic guy and our family will miss him dearly.  While it was sad to attend all of the arrangements, it was nice to see so many family members I haven't seen in awhile.  Rest in peace, Uncle Dave.

Perhaps the one person most excited in seeing the twins was their cousin Keira!  She proved to be a big hit and help to the twins.

Helping Luke with his pacifier

Checking in on the twins with Grandma Knapp

One of the exciting excursions you can take when visiting Eureka is to the Sportsmen's Club, or as my Dad refers to it...'The Club'.  The Club is a place where our family spent many weekends camping with family and friends.  I have many fond memories of summers sitting around the campfire, swimming and fishing in the lake, and walking around the grounds.  While Uncle Jason and Grandpa Knapp went shootin', the rest of us relaxed up at the campsite.

Keira and her cousins at The Club

Clare finds The Club relaxing

Always lending a helping hand

Losing to a 4 (now 5!) year old

Saturday night, we all headed to Goodfield for a 'shindig' at my cousin Matt's.  The twins met many members of the Knapp side of their family, including my cousins, the twins' great aunts and uncles, and Great Grandma Knapp.

Four Generations of Knapps

On Sunday, we had some friends over to watch the Bears play the Packers.  Luke and Clare were dressed in their brand new Bears outfits from Grandma Knapp (that didn't help the situation!).  The twins made some new friends.

Ivy and Amelia with Luke

Ivy's a natural with Clare!

After the game, my mom, Aunt Deb, and Aunt Tricia threw a very nice baby shower to welcome Luke and Clare to Eureka.  Many Knapp and Snyder family members attended.  The party was where all big events tend to occur...in my parents garage!!  There was food, drinks, big delicious cookies,

Clare's Cookie

and presents!!

Quilts for the twins from a longtime family friend

However, the best part was meeting so many family members that welcomed Luke and Clare with open arms (that quickly closed to hold them!).

Great Grandpa Snyder gets his hands on Clare

Great Great Aunt Jean couldn't wait to hold Luke

Great Aunt Barb is a hit with Clare

Of course, Grandma had to have a turn!!

Just as the night before, we were able to get the coveted four generations photo, something very meaningful to me.

Four generations of Snyders

We also got some other great shots with family.

Chris photobombs the 4 generations shot

Dad, Mom, Jason & Keira, Me Luke & Clare, and Grandpa

It goes without saying that a good time was had by all.

Uncle Jason, Cousin Keira, and Clare agree

So does my cousin Clint, posing next to the economy sized container of kitty litter...awesome!

Bigtime thanks go to the many special people that attended the shower celebration and everyone that made this trip 'home' so special.  Clare and Luke will be back in Eureka many more times in the future.

#31. Scenes From the First Month Home

As much challenge as the first month home has been, it has been absolutely awesome watching the twins grow, and grow fast!  I recently took a look at this picture from the hospital from the second day of Luke and Clare’s life

That was then...

and I am astounded at how much they have changed already.  Last week, the twins had their 2 month check-up

...and this is now!

and both are doing great.  Luke (11 lbs 2oz) outweighs his sister by 2 lbs, but both are doing well and growing just fine.  We are given growth percentiles both based on their actual and adjusted ages.  Their numbers range anywhere from the 2nd percentile (Clare’s actual weight) to the 85th percentile (Luke’s adjusted head circumference!).  They both look great to us!

‘Calamity’ Clare (aka Peanut)

From Miss 'Calamity' to Miss 'Congeniality'

has replaced a lot of her screaming with smiling and continues to coo and chatter.  She spent a recent trip to the grocery store looking up at me smiling the entire walk from her car seat in the stroller. She's become a very happy baby.  Her neck is strong,

Must be all that tummy time!!

and she is already straightening her legs to stand when she’s in your lap. We will be hitting the tennis courts soon!

‘Laid-back’ Luke (still Bubba)

You called my name??

recently graduated from focusing on white walls and ceiling fans and has decided to make eye contact and smile, and what a warm sweet smile he has.  His hobbies continue to be shadowboxing and sounding like a pug.  'Bubba's' head continues to grow exponentially (it's hard to get clothes on the little guy!) and he has cheeks that are hard not to squeeze.

Don't you wanna grab 'em through the screen?!?

It’s been a busy month at the townhouse since we’ve returned with a lot of visitors.  The twins have enjoyed meeting grandmas,

Grandma Steffie has her hands full!

Grandma Knapp looks down on sweet Clare

grandpas,

Luke's already looking up to Grandpa Knapp

aunts,

Aunt Lisa and Luke

uncles,

Uncle Jason and Luke

cousins,

Ben helps feed his cousin Clare

Cousin Keira has things under control

Can't wait to recreate this photo in about 10 years!

and friends, both young

Matthew holds his new friends tight!

and OLD!

Uncle Jim and Clare

There have also been several outings where they have demonstrated good behavior.  The twins helped a friend celebrate a milestone birthday

Happy Birthday Auntie Nichole!

and we have already corrupted them by taking them to a bar for Sunday football,

Auntie Jill double fisting it!

 

where they wore their Packers gear,

Proud Papa not looking at the scoreboard 

which might explain why the Packers lost that day.  Of course, the Bears didn't fare much better the following week, despite Luke's efforts.

Cutler put us all to sleep that day

At least the Bears and Packers are scoring touchdowns in their dreams!

Someone found the end zone!

Put another 6 on the board!

Aside from football, the twins are thrilled that the Cardinals won the NL Central and are excited to be watching them in the playoffs.

Cheering on the Cards and Brewers when they played a few weeks ago

We've been doing some arts and crafts

Press hard, Luke!

What the heck are we doing here??

so we can see how tiny those hands once were.

Otherwise, the twins have been hanging out,

Sharing the couch

King and Queen of our townhouse

They don't look the same, but they can dress the same

and we've all enjoyed our first month home as a family.

Many more family photos to come