Playtime with Grammy & Papa

Although the time with Grammy & Papa was filled with many around-the-house projects and out-of-the-house adventures, we did have quite a bit of time to just play and relax at home, too. Papa and Grammy are wonderful grandparents of twins who know just how to make Jaden and Cody smile! Within minutes of arriving at our place, Papa jumped right in to try the tandem-twin hold. 

Grammy gave lots of airplane rides. Cody especially was a big fan.

Cody, our motion-lover, also had a blast with Papa's horsey rides! He giggled and giggled when Papa started bouncing him. In fact, sometimes Cody would see Papa sitting on the couch and just plop himself right down on Papa's foot, begging for a ride. Papa always complied willingly. What a great grandpa!

Grammy joined in on the horsey rides, too. She even mastered giving Cody a ride while holding Jaden on her lap. This made both twins laugh and laugh. What a talented Grammy! :)

Lately, Cody and Jaden both have had an obsession with shoes-- grabbing shoes from their closet, carrying shoes around the house, chewing on them, and handing them to others. It wasn't long before Grammy had a huge pile of shoes on her lap!

One afternoon following a Costco visit, we had several boxes and crates lying around. Grammy & Papa and Jaden & Cody saw a great opportunity for fun! Who needs fancy new toys when you have boxes?!

Cody experimented with climbing in and out of the box, although he'd usually need a helping hand to get out.

We all got a kick out of watching the boys play with the boxes, particularly with how they'd climb in head first.

The boys never liked it when Grammy or Papa left them to go downstairs. Grammy & Papa always returned, though, often times making faces with them on the way back up.

Watching Cody & Jaden is certainly a full-time job! Anyone who knows Amy's dad knows he's a big Cardinals fan. Whenever his team was playing, Papa enjoyed using his computer to check in on them. Cody, however, wasn't so sure that he wanted Papa's attention divided.

Cody was quite interested in Papa's laptop!

While Grammy & Papa were here, they got to witness some of the boys' first successful attempts at climbing. When we left this stepladder out after a household project, it quickly became Cody & Jaden's new favorite toy.

Not surprisingly, Cody was the first to venture up the stepladder.

Soon, both boys wanted to attempt the new challenge.

Finally.... a successful independent climb! Once he reached the top, Cody was so proud of himself that he smiled and babbled incessantly.

Jaden's independent climb was not long afterwards.

"Great climbing!" Papa says as he congratulates the boys.

Although we loved every minute of Grammy & Papa's visit, it's never easy to be away from Daddy. Before he left, Daddy recorded his voice reading a special bedtime story. Jaden & Cody listened to Daddy read to them every night!

When it was finally time for Daddy to return, the whole family went to greet him. As we waited for the coach bus to arrive, Jaden loved meeting a few new dogs.

What a treat for Jaden to see so many friendly pets!

In fact, when Daddy finally arrived, Jaden started to veer back towards the dogs at first! :)

But when he finally understood who was in front of him, Jaden eagerly ran into Daddy's arms.

"Welcome home, Daddy! We missed you!"

Having Daddy out of town for 10 days was not easy, but with Papa & Grammy's help and company, the time was much more enjoyable. Grammy & Papa, we're not sure that we gave you the most relaxing vacation, but we loved our time with you and are SO thankful for your help. You are hard workers, creative playmates, helpful house guests, sensitive parents, and loving, godly grandparents. Thank you so much for visiting us. We love you and miss you!