Grandparents Day 2014

This year, Grandparents Day was on September 7th.  We sat down with the kids and read some things my parents wrote to them about their childhood.
Then the kids got to enjoy hugs and kisses from Jeremy's parents.

And some leftover LEGO candy that Grandpa gave them during the Summer.

The kids enjoyed the things they heard and tasted.  Their parents did, too.
Thanks to both sets of parents.  We love you.

Joy Is...

 Having Grandma visit and do an art project with the kids.

Birthday Fun

We recently celebrated Jr. Jr.'s birthday.  He had been anxiously awaiting it since he got to pick out some presents he wanted but couldn't play with them until his birthday.
In the morning, he took the presents out of a bag.  Everyday leading up to this he had been mentioning what presents they were and that he would get to play with them on his birthday.
It was really entertaining to hear the little gasp he gave when pulling one of them out of the bag.  As if he was surprised and pleased by what he had received.  This kid has a good future in making people happy by his reaction when they give him presents.

He got to pick out his birthday dinner.  He chose cheerios and cornflakes.  The older kids were happy with his choice.

He also got to pick out his ice cream (chocolate) and frosting for his cake (vanilla).  He requested cupcakes which just made things easier.

He did take a break when Grampa and Grampa (whom I refer to as Grandma and Grandpa) called to wish him Happy Birthday.  He had plenty to tell them about waiting for his presents and getting to open them and the color of his cake and ice cream.  Sometimes he doesn't have much to say on the phone but this time he talked a lot.  And Grandma said she could even understand 90% of what he was saying.  Way to go, Jr. Jr.

He had a great time playing with his presents and enjoying his birthday.  Simple and wonderful at the same time.

As if you couldn't guess, he picked out a set of cars/trucks for one of his presents.  The other was a monster truck.

Sometimes It's Too Easy

I've mentioned before about combining celebrations, when two holidays or reasons to celebrate fall on the same day.  Sometimes it's a stretch like reading subtitles on a Star Trek movie (Jeremy and I watched the 4th movie, in case you were wondering) to celebrate the anniversary of when the original show aired and to celebrate International Literacy Day.  And sometimes holidays seemed to be made for each other- National Peanut Day and International Chocolate Day are both on September 13.
And sometimes certain holidays don't always fall on the same day, but when they do, you have to celebrate them together.  Like today.

September 9 is always Wonderful Weirdos Day.  This year, September 9 is also Grandparent's Day.  Oh yeah.  I cannot pass up this opportunity.
So, let me tell you a little bit about the wonderful weirdos grandparents in our family.

This summer we had the opportunity to visit our last living grandparent/our children's great grandparent.  Jr. Jr. and she became instant friends.  Plenty of fist bumps between the two.

We also got to visit both sets of our children's grandparents.  That was fun. 

You know, grandparents are-

-Always there with a knee to sit on, a hand to hold, or just as someone to lean on 

-Willing to help out, even if it means holding popsicle sticks or shoes while you play

 
-Ready to feed you when you come to visit

and will teach your mom how to bake a pie to feed you when you get home

 
-Willing to give service, whether it is decorating a cake for your birthday, 

helping light the candles outside in the breeze,

or sewing something for your dad (thanks to both grandmas for this, even though I only have a picture of one).

-Ready to give Mom and Dad a break and push the stroller, 

 even if at times it's a little inconvenient.

 -Willing to teach you new tricks

 
-Ready to play with and entertain you.

-Happy to teach you the value of hard work

-The ones who taught your parents everything they know.

So thanks, Grandparents.  You're the most wonderful weirdos there are.