Friends, Fresh Air, and A Sleepover

We had a full week of special times and events. Our long time friends, Susan and Billy, from the coast, visited for a couple of days. We always have such a great time with them, and even though we don't see them as often as we would like, we are always able to "connect" again so quickly, as Susan put it in an email when she returned home. Our friendship started when we were both young married couples finishing up the last two years or so of college. We were neighbors and Susan and I were co-workers at the University Library. What memories! Before they came I asked Susan what she would like to do while here. She replied that the only thing she really wanted to do was see our grandchildren. When I relayed that message to the girls, Chloe replied, "That would be us!" Paula graciously brought the three C's to the park and we played and played and had a picnic.

On Friday evening after our guests had left for their home we met up with the girls and Paula for a quick dinner. We had planned to take Claire and Chloe to an African Young People's choir that was presenting a concert at our church. The girls loved it, we sat in the second row so that they were able to really take it all in. Claire hardly moved a muscle except to sway and move her shoulders to the music. Chloe loved it too and whispered to me after the third costume change how much she loved purple which was what most of the members had on. She did tell me the next day however, that one of the boys had purple on and "boys don't wear purple." Who says they don't? I'm thinking that maybe her Daddy doesn't wear purple. :) Following the concert Claire and Chloe got to come home with us for TWO nights. They were so excited as they both told us how it was going to work, that they would stay one night, and one day, and then another night, and meet up with Daddy and Chris at Sunday School on Sunday. Saturday morning Claire asked me if we were going any place today. I answered that we hadn't made plans yet and she said she would like to just stay at our house. That sounded wonderful to me! They had such fun going through my jewelry and accessories, playing pony on the stairs, and just enjoying the full two stories of our house. I have no idea how many times they were up and down the stairs but they had a ball. After lunch we played at the park and then they helped me do just a little yard work. I can honestly say they were as good as gold and we had a wonderful time with them.


Claire found a dandelion.....

And so did Chloe...in a bit of a different form....

They played on the slides, swings, and spent quite a bit of time trying to master the monkey bars. I am betting that on the next trip they will make it clear across without dropping down.

After they helped cook dinner they had some quiet time with Papa. Papa's favorite book as a child was a book called The Wolf King. He decided to start reading to the girls from that book. They seemed to enjoy it and had lots of questions about the story.

This morning we went to the early church and for the first time took the girls into the service. We were only 10 minutes late, and they sat quietly through the whole thing. Both Papa and I were shocked. A ball-point pen and paper goes a long way with Chloe, and Claire decided to go through my Bible page by page and just look at it. Whatever she was looking for occupied her for a long time. After their Sunday School class the teacher told me how great they are to have in class and what leaders they are for the other children when it comes to sitting quietly during story time. It was a proud moment but I think a lot of credit goes to the pre-school they attend three days a week where they clearly are having a great learning experience.

Papa and I are preparing for a long trip in about a week. I am so glad we had some extra time with the girls this weekend and I can't wait to be able to have Chris come too. The hardest part of leaving on our trips is knowing how much we will miss our family.

A Peek at Our Week!

It has been a few weeks since Papa really felt like riding the hour it takes to see Chloe, Claire, and Chris. Last Monday, however, he felt like he really wanted his "grand kid" fix. The girls were at preschool for a while but we had a fun time with Chris. He is the happiest little soul which makes it extra fun to be with him. His walking skills are improving daily.

This picture reminds me of a picture we have of Chris' daddy, Mike, when he was about the same age. Chris was eating chili beans, Mike's picture (not shown here) was taken when he was eating spaghetti. Pretty messy, but oh so tasty.

Later in the week we did have the opportunity to babysit. Chris had gone down for a nap so the girls and Grandma set out on a walk.

Here you see the girls trying to fit into Papa's hoodie. He never tires of having them snuggle with him and they never seem to tire of the attention that he gives them.

Later when Papa was reading a story, Chris decided he needed to get in on the action.

Chris really does want to be involved in all aspects of whatever the girls are doing. For now it has worked out pretty well most of the time, but I am sure there is coming a day....

Looking forward to some time with the three "C's" in the upcoming week.

Meeting the Trains!

Claire and Chloe came for a short overnight stay this past weekend. We decided to drag out the old trains that their Daddy, Uncle Jon, and Aunt Suzie used to play with. It gave several hours of fun for them and especially for Papa. The dining room table doesn't work quite as well as the big board setup we had previously, but for now it served the purpose.

We really look forward to the time that Chris will join the girls in their overnight visits.

Our laughs for the weekend mostly took place at Sunday morning breakfast. We rarely have bacon but when we do we cook it VERY crisp in the microwave. Claire very gently said after I served her a piece of bacon, "Grandma, I'm not a big fan of hard bacon". She tried to be so polite and gentle in her tone. Chloe, after asking for some of the V-8 juice that I drink nearly every morning, exclaimed that it was "so yummy". She took 4-5 sips and then said she was full. Pretty soon, Chloe asked if she could have some milk to get the taste out of her mouth. I asked her, "What taste?" and she said the V-8 juice. I said, "But Chloe I thought you liked it". She replied, "I did like it Grandma, but not the taste."

Loved having them visit and hope they can come again soon!

One Turns One and Two Turn Four!!

Papa and I got to spend a little time with the grandkids during this birthday week. I'm happy to see that Chloe and Claire really enjoy their LeapPads that were given to them prior to our long plane ride to Hawaii. It was an excellent investment. Both girls spent quite a bit of time snuggled up to Papa showing him everything they can do on them.
In the photo below I believe Claire was giving me the lunch menu. Most often they request Mac and Cheese.
One of the last shots of three year old twins....soon they will be four!

Chris was working hard on his little workbench, a relief from a bit before this when he was wanting to get into everything! What a total sweetheart he is. He gives the absolute best hugs ever, when you first pick him up or hold him.

I left my camera with Mike and Paula in hopes they would get some pictures of Chris on his actual first birthday. It was cake time for him on Friday evening and he is just a bit hesitant about the whole thing.....

With a little encouragement from Chloe, he finally decides to see what this is all about.

On Saturday, Mike and Paula hosted a small family party to celebrate all three of the kids birthdays. Paula made a wonderful lunch as usual. I was late arriving because of another commitment but did arrive in time to see presents being opened by the girls. I must say that no matter what they opened (and they got lots of clothes) they were excited and thrilled and always said 'thank you'. It was fun to watch.

Cake time, the highlight of the day for these little 'sweet lovers'. Chloe had been very definite that they needed a lemon cake just like last years cake, and there isn't a much better cake than the lemon one from Mim's Bakery. Yum!

Chris took a little break from the party for a snooze and when he did wake up he spent some time cuddling with Papa. Aunt Suzie encourages him to open a present.....

And Daddy helped him with the next one....
Claire is still enjoying her cake.....

I really wanted a picture of all of the birthday kids together. I can assure you it isn't an easy task, that is why the threesome pictures are few and far between. Here, however, is one with Christopher still looking a little drowsy....but still pretty cute.

Happy Birthday Claire, Chloe and Christopher! We loved celebrating with you. You make the birthday celebrations so much fun!

Snapshots of the Week

Chris's latest fascination is with the little plastic food items that go with Claire and Chloe's play kitchen. He spent lots of time playing with them, pretending to eat, and taking them in and out of the storage box.

He also loves balls and has learned the concept of playing catch. When I played with him, several times when he threw the ball, his whole body went with it and he would crash down on the floor. He always came up smiling however, so clearly it didn't hurt, and besides, he didn't have far to fall. :)

Claire, Chloe, and Paula paid us a visit at the end of the week. Claire used her musical skills to 'play and sing'.

Papa read to them and then helped Chloe and Claire start learning how to print their letters. Papa will be a wonderful tutor for them as they approach their elementary school years. He is so patient and the girls were a great distraction for him as he currently is not feeling so great. They certainly lifted his spirits.

They stayed for dinner and as Chloe was helping set the table, the quote of the week came forth:

"Grandma, I could really use this knife to cut leaf nodes". As I shared with my Sis later, I don't think I knew what a leaf node was until I took high school biology. Guess I shouldn't be surprised given their Daddy's passion for all things plant related.

Love, love, love, being a Grandma!!! Looking forward to the upcoming birthday week, my Aunt Pat, Uncle Jon, Chris, and Claire and Chloe. Happy Birthday to all!