A Visit from Grandma

At the end of June, Jason took the youth of our church to the LCMS National Youth Gathering in San Antonio. He was very excited to take the kids on this powerful trip but not too excited to leave his family alone for a full week. Prior to this vacation, the longest he had been apart from the boys was an overnight.

In addition, Amy wasn't too thrilled about the idea of being a single parent of two busy 1-year-olds for a full week either. Talk about an exhausting thought! Enter our superhero--- Grandma! With no hesitation, Grandma agreed to be our stand-in helper & playmate during Jason's absence. What a blessing it was to have her help! 

Due to a runway resurfacing project at our local airport, Grandma's plane flew into an airport that was over an hour away. The journey gave us a good warm-up for our big family reunion trip to come! We stopped for a couple necessary walking breaks.

Grandma showed Cody what happens when you blow on a dandelion.

Daddy (with Jaden) and Grandma (with Cody) gave the boys fun shoulder rides.

Back at home, Grandma was such a fun playmate! She came up the stairs each morning with a smile, a song, and often times a small gift for the boys. Jaden and Cody looked forward to seeing what surprises Grandma held each new day, and they would eagerly greet her at the top of the stairs. One day it was balloons,

another day was a mini-basketball hoop,

...and the boys' favorite-- party noisemakers!

The boys loved reaching for the noisemaker and listening to its unique sound. What a fun idea, Grandma!

Right away, Grandma participated in all the boys' favorite playtime activities. Cody and Jaden showed her how to play the piano twin-style.

And, of course, peek-a-boo games never got old.

 Cody and Jaden showed Grandma how they love pushing Daddy's bedside table around the house...

and how they love hiding behind doors, often shutting themselves in a room.

Grandma helped with many slam dunks,

and gave the boys rides on their push-toy.

Grandma was a perfect storytime reader for the boys! They loved listening to her read and enjoyed the new books she brought them, too.

Take note of Cody's crossed legs in this picture. He
LOVES sitting this way while listening to stories and
even sometimes while eating. We think it's pretty precious!

"Thanks, Grandma," say Cody and Jaden, "for letting us relax in your lap!"

Grandma and Mommy went on numerous walks throughout the week.

At the end of the week, Grandma even took the boys on a few walks by herself so that Mommy could finish packing and preparing for the family reunion trip. Thanks for doubly helping out, Grandma!

We also went on a variety of errands and outings: grocery shopping, Kohl's, Costco, garage sale hunting, and even to the park. All of these journeys were SO much easier with a second set of hands!

Cody especially enjoyed how Grandma pushed him nice and high in the swings--- just the way he likes it!

Jaden even got to try the merry-go-round for the first time.

Grandma helped the time without Daddy pass much more quickly, but we still missed him bunches! Jaden and Cody loved being in Daddy's arms again. Here is their big reunion hug at the airport.

Grandma, what a treat it was to have you visit! Cody and Jaden appreciated your eager willingness to play, your gifts of toys & books, your hugs & kisses, your laughter, your songs & stories, and your gentle love. Amy was so thankful for daily adult conversation, your caring listening ear, your readiness to watch the boys on your own to give her a break, and your help with our daily routine, especially mealtime prep, bedtimes, and our multiple errands. What a gift you were (and are!) to us all. We are so thankful for your visit and for your love. Thanks also to Grandpa for sharing Grandma with us! We love you both!

Still more adventures with Grandma to come...