Grandma & Grandpa Visit

 Marc's parents came to visit us for Thanksgiving this year. They spent about a week with us and the kids loved every second of it! The boys had an extra long break, Wed-Mon off, so they were able to enjoy even more time with Grandma & Grandpa.

Some of the highlights from the trip:
*Lexi got to go play at a play place called "Jabbers". They had a bunch of high-end toys to play with and enjoy. Lexi spent the most time playing at the super market, the jungle gym and the scooter cars.

*Marc and his dad spent some time looking at cars. We were sorely tempted by the newer, nicer, cars that we'd have to take a loan on. Finally decided that we needed to stay in our budget, stick to our guns about not taking on more debt, and deal with the risks of an older, used car.

*We took the "long" trip out to the Birds of Prey exhibit. They have signs off the freeway, so we just followed those, not realizing they were for the Observation area, not the exhibit where the birds are up close and personal. The exhibit was interesting. They had a live bird show and we thought they'd be showing several birds, but they only brought out a kestrel. That was disappointing, but they had a fun area for the kids to play in, make crafts, and dress up.

*My mom hosted Thanksgiving dinner, and Bob and Deb were brave enough to join my family for dinner. It was shortly after the election this year, and most of the conversation was about politics. Fortunately, both sides of the family share the same views, everyone was pretty riled up! We stopped by the house that Jason and Jen are building since it was all framed and enclosed. The kids had the most fun playing in the dirt piles in back.

*Marc and I got up early to shop the day after Thanksgiving. He needed new work clothes to start his new job. We spent the morning at Kohls, and finished up as things started to get really busy. He got some really nice things, lots of dress shirts, dress pants, socks, a new belt. We picked up a few things for the kids and could definitely call it a successful morning.

*We were driving to Home Depot and got to see the most magnificent rainbow! It was so vivid and clear! While the men went in the store, the rest of us just enjoyed sitting in the parking lot watching the rainbow.

  *The boys got new sneakers with laces. We figured it was time they learned how to tie their own shoes.
Bryce picked up on it pretty quickly, but oh, how Tyler struggled. He worked with all of the adults to try and get it down. What a process!

*As usual, lots of wrestling, hide and seek, stories, and one-on-one time with Grandma and Grandpa. This is the stuff the kids love best and look most forward to. We had a great visit. Tyler always breaks my heart when its time for them to leave. He always asks me "Mommy, why did we have to leave Cincinnati?" If only it was a snap of the fingers to get together. Thanks Bob and Deb for making the trip! We can't wait to get until the next time.