Going to visit my grandparents is top of "favorite things" on my list.... I so love them and wish I could spend more time with them than just a few times a year. The kids and I went for a long weekend in July, and then we just went last weekend for Josh's wedding. Sadly, we only got to spend a short weekend there, and Alex only got a day before we had to come home.
My sweet grandparents are declining...it aches to even write about it...their home is not what it used to be, and it saddens me more than I want to say. I have the very best memories of them as a child, youth, young adult, and now as an adult. They have never ceased to amaze me and I wish my children could have many more years with them in their lives. My grandparents adore my children, and there is a love between them that I cannot describe. I feel the luckiest to have them.
This last trip was the most difficult for me. Being pregnant this time around hasn't been the most fun...I am working hard to not complain about it- but there are days that I could happily forget! Things that have never bothered me before drive me crazy- foods I love I can barely look at- tap water is a near gag experience- as is teeth brushing!- and my allergies are at a height that is nearly unbearable- especially at their house- and so, I sneezed and blew my nose more times than I can count- it was misery. Not to mention that the smells of a cooped up house (they are older and don't open windows!!) - I opened every single one of them! Anyway, that was hard, and then the saying goodbye was hard. I don't know if I will make it up there before the baby- but even when that time comes, I doubt I will be able to stay there- it is sad to think about.
That depressing stuff being said...we managed to have a wonderful trip while we were there- the girls played in the leaves on the farm, and with the horses in the pasture. The weather was near perfection and the sun was radiant. We sat out on the deck on Sunday and I didn't want to leave.
On a side-note: Leah found these 2 caterpillars that she lovingly put in a jar and took care of the whole time we were there. Sadly, a couple days after we got home- they died...Leah was devastated- she had high hopes for them- and when they curled up and didn't uncurl, we knew it was not good. She released them into a tree in our yard- from which they didn't move...nice try, Leah- your love should've been enough to save them- you are so sweet to try.
In this picture, there are a ton of bees- they were scrounging for the last bit of nectar- they didn't bother the people, but they were very busy bees.
The trees were so alive before the leaves fall- and oh how blue that sky!
Oh how they love their Uncle Chris!
Gee Gee and her babies all grown up!
Alex and Isaac share birthday cake!
Leah loves Evey!
Charlie's Angels...
All the crazy grandkids!!
Aunt Esther passes out stockings filled with Christmas gifts!
Family is awesome! Love that we got this time to be together with those we love.
Now we need to pick a name for this angel....
Good jeans (thanks, Lisa) make life better....but bigger and bigger is what is happening- at least I got a great haircut! ha ha
It seems that everywhere we look, we see these amazing little creatures....we have found 4 caterpillars this fall! Leah had found and "rescued", later killing (on accident) 2 of them, and then when Alex and I were taking his picture, found this one. We brought him home, but instead of putting him in a jar, we put him in a small tree in our yard. But first I snapped these- and man, do I love this camera! I haven't even learned a fraction of it's features, but just being able to snap these up-close, is so nice!
I can't just post these without a disclaimer for my adorable 10 year old son:
Then it was time for cake and presents...again! What a lucky girl! She got everything she asked for, and MORE! She is super happy and we are glad it is all over!! ha ha
Yesterday, everyone was out of school, so we made it a family day and went a lot of places, including taking Celeste out to lunch for her birthday- and where do you suppose she picked?! Bob Evans, of course! She ate every single bite of her french toast- and even a roll! She drank all her soda and was very happy. Today she took in treats to her class to share for her birthday too- she made a crown and got a card from her teachers- I am telling you- she is a lucky little 5 year old! She made out big time!
5 years ago today, this angel joined our family, completing it, or so we thought! We could not love her more than we do- she is one special little girl and we are forever grateful she blesses us in our family each and every day.
I got her this little birthday button- she insisted on wearing it Saturday, Sunday and even today on her actual birthday! How big is 5? Well, this is my 5 year old!!
I think we'll keep her.
Alex thinks he is "too cool" to dress up these days- but he came up with this Alvin costume, nearly all on his own. Then he whined about having to trick or treat, until I told him he didn't get any of his sister's candy unless he begged for his own! That worked! They got tons- and tons, too much, actually. But thankfully, I can eat candy again- a little more than I could before without getting sick, so I have a candy shop right in my own house! Thanks to my kids!!
If Celeste isn't the cutest Supergirl you have ever seen, then I feel for you! She totally rocks that costume! She loved wearing it, and it will get tons of use in her dress-up box! 
Yes, he keeps getting taller and taller and more grown-up every day- I hate it. Good thing he is a great kid- I think we will continue to keep him.
On a side-note: Leah found these 2 caterpillars that she lovingly put in a jar and took care of the whole time we were there. Sadly, a couple days after we got home- they died...Leah was devastated- she had high hopes for them- and when they curled up and didn't uncurl, we knew it was not good. She released them into a tree in our yard- from which they didn't move...nice try, Leah- your love should've been enough to save them- you are so sweet to try.
In this picture, there are a ton of bees- they were scrounging for the last bit of nectar- they didn't bother the people, but they were very busy bees.
The trees were so alive before the leaves fall- and oh how blue that sky!
