Time with Grammy

We were SO thankful that Grammy was able to join us for the boys' birthday party this year. She was such a big help with all the last minute party preparations-- even being willing to ice & decorate a cake at 9pm after just flying in! She made a lot of our tasty party food, watched the boys so Mommy and Daddy could finish some of the party tasks, and on the big day, she served as the party photographer.

Because Grammy arrived here only the night before the party, we put her to work right away. She definitely arrived in the midst of a whirlwind! Thankfully, Grammy is always so good about jumping right in and knowing just how to help. What a blessing she is!

The best part about having her arrive so close to the party is that we had a lot of time afterwards just to relax together and play with the boys. First on the docket was some ladies' pampering time. Ahh... a relaxing pedicure was the perfect way to celebrate successfully making it through the boys first shin-dig! 

Grammy also took us to a hardware store to pick up the last component of the boys' birthday gift-- sand for their new sandbox! Jaden and Cody were initially a bit unsure of the feel of sand between their toes, although  we're thinking that uncertainty will soon pass. The boys likely have MANY hours of playtime ahead in this sandbox. Thanks for the fun gift, Grammy & Papa!

Another exciting thing that we were able to do was attend one of Daddy's church softball games. This was Cody & Jaden's first softball game (Mommy hadn't been brave enough to take them on her own yet!). At first, the boys were simply quiet spectators, taking it all in.

They got to see Daddy in action quite a bit, as he had a very busy night as shortstop. Daddy also got two great hits, including a double that required a head-first slide!

Despite the great action on the field, however, the boys were ready for some out-of-the-stroller action of their own. Jaden enjoyed time in the dugout, meeting some of the players and hanging out with Daddy between innings.

Cody hung out on the blanket for about 2 minutes with Mommy before choosing instead to walk around on the grass. (Thankfully there was a fence to keep him off the field!)

Unfortunately, there was no fence to keep Cody away from the pebbles and the dirt on the ground.... so naturally the dirty pebbles ended up in Cody's mouth. Perhaps in getting dirt all over his shirt, Cody just wanted to be more like his Daddy.

By the end of the game, Daddy's team had pulled off a 13-8 victory over a very tough team. Way to go, Trinity! And thanks, Grammy, for your help in watching the boys so that we all could attend this game.

Teammates Daddy, Mark and Jonathan with their
biggest little fans: Jaden, Cody, Micah & Noah

Grammy had only been visiting for a short time before she learned two very important lessons about living in the Schleicher household. 

Rule #1: Never leave any personal belongings lying around on the floor.

And Rule #2: Be ready for the twins to follow you wherever you go!

Cody & Jaden watching Grammy come up the stairs

Grammy easily jumped right into the routine of our household-- helping out with all the everyday things like reading before naptimes,

and feeding at mealtimes.

She even accompanied us on a trip to Costco so we could buy some whole milk for the boys to try for the first time.

Costco is our very favorite place to shop since it's the only store that has shopping carts that fit TWO in front... talk about a twin-friendly place! Grammy kept the boys well-entertained throughout the store.

And of course, Grammy was a ready playmate during all the at-home down times, too. The boys LOVED having Grammy chase after them! They would just giggle and giggle with her.

Grammy helped Jaden make some slam dunks,

and pushed both boys on the swings at our favorite neighborhood park.

Cody tried out some of the park's other play equipment (although he wasn't a big fan of this toy yet).

Grammy also watched Jaden as he simply sat on the sidewalk, enjoying the breeze and the sunshine.

Grammy was the one who noticed Jaden's little shadow profile. Isn't it cute?

Back at home, we tried out some of the new bubble wands the boys had received as birthday gifts.

Jaden and Cody also enjoyed pushing their little lawn-mowers around the yard. They're both gaining quick confidence with walking on uneven surfaces like our lawn. 

Cody, however, found it much easier simply to push the mower from the front. Whatever works, buddy!

All in all, it was such a gift to have Grammy visit our home. Jaden and Cody loved having another playmate, and Mommy was so thankful for the extra helping hand. Grammy brought so many smiles into our household. Thank you for giving of your time and coming to stay with us, Grammy. We all love you so much!