Saturday, June 02, 2012

A visit to Grandma's

I had a visit from some of my favorite people in the world . . . my son, Jim, and his children.  I was so excited when Jim said they were coming for a visit.  He and his family haven't been to my place since Christmas 2010!  And since that time there's been a new addition to their family -- little Ollie was born in November 2011.  Grandma was really excited!  Unfortunately Mandy wasn't able to come as she was busy with her photography business so Jim braved the trip alone with his two kiddos.

The arrived very late Friday night (or maybe I should say Saturday morning).  I helped as much as I could in getting them into the house.  Ollie never woke up but Charlotte did and she really wasn't sure where she was at . . . but Jim gave her a big hug and got her into bed (minus her favorite blanket).  Grandma found a nice new soft one for her so Daddy could go back out to the car and bring her's back in.  She was happy with her blanket but to be truthful, she was already back to sleep when Jim gave it to her!  Jim got as much stuff into the house as he could with that trip and then headed for bed!!! 

Ollie woke early (he always does) and when I got up Daddy was giving Ollie a bath in my kitchen sink!  So much fun watching the two of them!!  Ollie enjoys his bath but I'm pretty sure he missed the one from home.  The kitchen sink can't be very comfortable!  But came out of it nice and clean!  Charlotte got up a little later.  She also took a bath.  She wasn't sure that she wanted to sit down at first but we put a towel in the bottom of the tub and she was off!  I think she enjoyed her bath a lot!!  I know she helped wash the bathroom floor (and it truly did need it!).

Jim brought everything into the house that morning so the kids were set!  I got to hold my grandson and feed him.  It's been a long time since I've fed a little one and it's such a thrill to be able to do that.  Ollie loves to be held but not sitting down!  I'm not near as good at it as Jim  is but I did a little walking and talking with him.  Another memory for grandma.

Somewhere between Christmas and this visit I have lost my camera box.  Jim & family gave me a new camera for Christmas.  He charged it for me and changed my card and everything and I've enjoyed using it since them, but when I checked it just before they came I noticed it needed to be charged.  I looked all over the place before they came, while they were here and since but haven't found the box.  I did get a few pictures, but would have loved to had taken more.  Hope I find that darn box!!  

We decided to go to the River Museum, but first a stop at Taco John's for lunch.  Taco John's is Charlotte's favorite place to eat.  After figuring out where a Taco John's was in Dubuque we finally found it and had something to eat.  Charlotte is pretty good eater!  She enjoyed her lunch (as did the rest of us) and we were off to the museum!  We spent almost 4 hours there and didn't see half of it.  We had a very enjoyable time together.  Ollie was so good!  He never made a peep and slept the majority of the time.  Charlotte had a great time at the water zone and soon after we decided we'd had enough for the day.  Jim stopped and got groceries and we headed home.  He bought steak and baked potatoes for supper.  We put in "Beauty and the Beast" and Jim made supper for all of us!  That steak tasted great and the leftovers made a great meal for me the next evening.

Charlotte and I spent some time playing with the caterpillars!  I have an Edison (LeapFrog) and also added a new member to the toy box group, who's name is Cathy.  We babysat them for a while and had a ball.  Watched another movie and then it was lights out for all.

It was a great weekend!  I enjoyed being with my son and his children so much!  Hopefully they will be able to come again (along with their Mom) and we can have some more fun together!

Jim and family left to make a stop in Cascade and see Grandpa H and pick up a gift for Charlotte.  I hear Charlotte is now the proud owner of a green pedal tractor!  Can't wait to see that the next time I'm in the Des Moines area.  Jim said the trip home was a bit noisy for a while, but after Ollie settled down everything went well.  Thanks Jim so much for coming.  You have no idea how happy you made me.  Love  you all very much.

 Ollie, after his bath!  He is the cutest little guy.  Always smiling!!

 One tired little boy!  They are so precious when they're sleeping!

  Jim and family on Saturday morning. 

I wished I would have gotten more pictures, but the ones I have are precious just like the people in them.  I had a great time and hope to do it again soon.