Weekend at Grammy's

Sunny and Thunder came to stay this past weekend. We were on the go from the time they got here on Friday night until they left Sunday afternoon. It is such a blessing that they feel so comfortable in our home. Although they miss Mommy and Papi, they don't really get homesick because they consider our house their home, too.

During their stay we managed to enjoy animal pancakes, playing outside, lunch at Freddy's with Tia Jessica, more playing outside, helping Gramps move rocks in the backyard, Skyping with Tio JD and Tia Janel, dinner with Gigi and Papa, donuts from Dunkin' Donuts, a trip to the park, a walk around the lake to see the dogs in the dog park, and more. Thank you, Katie and Gabe, for being so generous in giving us time with your children!

Waiting for animal pancakes on Saturday morning

Thunder got Mickey and a horse

Sunny chose Pluto and Minnie

I guess Thunder thought the Pool Deck needed cleaning

(Yes, there is an adult standing within arm's length)

Sunny wanted to scoop the leaves out of the pool

Carrying a load of stuffed animals into the "fortress"

Setting up house

Thunder was listening to see if he could hear the baby

My three "donut monsters"

They started out going down one at a time,

and then advanced to double sliding...

... which led to sliding on their tummies!

There's nothing like a good swing!

Thunder preferred the hands-on activities

Gramps and Sunny practicing their pumping

After Gramps showed him how - he kept climbing 

on his own - over and over and...

One last slide before we head home

A Visit with Skye

Last weekend, Zach and Ashley invited us down for dinner. We had a great time with all of them, especially Skye, and dinner was delicious!

When we knocked on the door, we could hear Skye calling, "they're here, they're here!" It was so precious. She immediately grabbed my hand and said "Grammy, will you play with me?" As you can imagine, my heart just melted. We played, we colored, we took pictures, we danced, we totally enjoyed each other.

When we sat down for dinner, she asked me to sit by her. Once we were all seated, Skye announced, "we're all eating dinner together!"

Not only did we enjoy Skye, but Ashley and I had a chance for some great conversation (not always easy with a two-year-old around!) All in all we had a fantastic time and here's the proof:

Say "cheese" Grammy!

Gramps and Skye

Showing off her camera

My precious Skye

Dancing Queen

Cooking dinner

Feeding Gramps

VNSA Book Sale

On Saturday we attended the annual VNSA Book Sale here in Phoenix. It is the largest two-day book sale in the country. If you are a reader, this is book heaven. We got there around 7:20 am and got in with the first group when the doors opened at 8:00 am. The weather here is absolutely gorgeous right now and it was not cold at all waiting in line.

Dan and I both found some books we wanted. Jessica purchased quite a few books, too. I found a couple of items on JD and Janel's list, as well. I also managed to add to my stitching stash!

This is everything Dan & I purchased at the low cost of less than $65!

Stitching Update

Yes, I have been stitching. I just get too lazy about taking the photos of my stitching! So far in 2014, I've mainly been working on Janel's afghan. I got behind on this project due to our move this past Fall and I've been rushing to catch up. As you know, Jessica, Janel, and I are all three stitching on afghan's for each other. We exchange the afghan's every few months and when the project is completed, we will each have an afghan that is personalized to us but stitched by all of us. We are all enjoying this project and are getting way motivated as the end approaches. You can read more on this project here which will also provide you with links to other afghan updates.

Janel's afghan is complete as far as stitching by Jessica and me. Janel will finish up the last four blocks and then hers will be ready for use.

Here are the blocks I completed this rotation and a photo of the entire afghan.

Janel's theme is the 12 Days of Christmas 

After completing my work on Janel's afghan, I stitched this piece as a wedding sampler for Gabe and Katie. Their 2nd anniversary is coming up in March and I wanted to have it done before then. I really like the way it turned out and can't wait to frame it.

Always Kiss Me Good Night

Morning Glory Needleworks

Fabric: Echo from Picture This Plus

Happy Valentine's Day!

Dan and I have obviously been together long enough that we are morphing into the same person. This is most evident at Valentine's Day (and when we both say the exact same thing in the exact same inflection at the exact same time, but that's another story for another day). We first discovered this sameness on February 14, 2012 when we gave each other a card that was Mickey Mouse inspired. Normally this wouldn't seem like such a phenomenon, but we never give each other cartoon cards, so it struck us as funny. Plus we recognized it was due to the influence of having grandkids.

This morning when we exchanged cards, he opened his first and chuckled. I read mine with disbelief. We had both written a sentiment about our engagement which took place 33 years ago today. His card read "I ask you again, will you be mine forever?" My card read " I said 'yes' to you 33 years ago and I'm still saying 'yes' today!" We both just laughed and then we commented that we have truly been together a long time!

The third card in the photo is the Valentine Thunder presented us with when he arrived this morning.

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!

Riding Bikes

Last Monday, the kids came over for the day and brought their bikes. Our new home has a green belt/walking path that runs behind our house for the entire block. It's part of a larger system that meanders for miles through our neighborhood.

It's been many years since Dan and I tried to help little kids ride bikes. They had a blast and we needed the Advil and heating pad when it was over!

Sunny took off with confidence

Thunder needed help with peddle location

Found the peddle - he takes off on the ride!

Waiting for brother and Gramps to catch up

Look at him go!

Gramps lending a hand on a "big" hill

Sunny showing off her stand up peddling skills

Thunder's back in the saddle