April 7 - 10
written April 8 +
Here is the story of our latest grandchildren visit, mostly pictures because time for peacefully composing text is hard to find.
| MONDAY Gabby arrived with Ava and Sam squeezed into their car seats after the three-hour drive. No sooner had the kids gotten released from the straps than they discovered their favorite plaything at Opa and Gigi's -- DIRT. By the end of the day, we had two happy kids, covered head to toe in the fine backyard dust.     Socializing was fun too, as was eating the best strawberries so far this year.    We invited Mamo over for a BBQ dinner and the warm evening was a perfect temperature.   |
| TUESDAY Breakfast on the patio and then a trip to the local rose nursery to watch a train go by. Kids ran on the gravel, with Sam trailing. THAT won't always be true.     After a Mexican restaurant for lunch, and much needed naps, it was over to Mamo's for swimming and Easter egg decoration.      Back home, Gigi gave the little ones their favorite dinner: pancakes! Definitely vacation fare.  |
| WEDNESDAY It was fun to see the kids start the day with their own quiet play activities on the patio.     The planned activity was a trip to Oso Park, but it was closed for repairs! Fortunately, mommy checked with Google and found Skywalk, a brand new adventure. One hour of bouncing and jumping and Ava and Sam were ready for a lunch and nap. (Opa too!)         While we were all napping, and while Gigi went to get Mamo, the Easter Bunny nibbled on the carrots Ava left out and made a special, early, delivery!       All this excitement (and candy?) may have been too much for Sam, but we won't be telling meltdown tales. It happens to the best of us. |
| THURSDAY Since this was pack-up day, special events could not be scheduled. No matter, Ava used her abundant imagination to arrange a quiet morning of "dress up", thanks to Gigi's old costume jewelry. As for Sam, he had fun just following orders from big sister.     One last dance as they left the back door before the three-hour ride back home.  |
John and Marianne