Grandma's House

Grandma's house is just the best, don't you think? It does not matter who you are or where Grandma's house is, it is just a special place. And why do we call it Grandma's house? Grandpa is there, too, and he just as much a part of what makes it special, but we will always call it Grandma's house. No offense, Dad.

One of the best parts of our vacation was that we were there long enough to have down days at home when we played and just hung out together. Grandma scored major points with Sariah when she put together a doctor kit, complete with a white coat and Rx bottles full of "medicine" (aka Skittles and Lifesavers) that she could dispense to her patients. There were also real Band Aids, a stethoscope, clipboard with patient information forms, a scrunchy blood pressure cuff and a "shot needle." Grandpa scored big points by patiently playing patient. My parents are cool.

Zac and Brian logged a lot of time playing video games. They did other things too, but this was definitely the activity of choice. Zac was Brian's shadow. He wanted to do everything Brian did, including eating everything he ate, right down to the peanut butter and Cheeto sandwiches. Thanks, Brian. Brian was even kind enough to take Zac along when he went to play basketball with some friends and the missionaries. What a great kid.

Sam became instantly attached to Grandpa. He gave the biggest grins to "Bampa." If Dad was in the room, Sam had to run over to him, giggling, and at least just touch his leg. Sometimes he wanted to be picked up as well. Sam also loved the dog. He even let Molly lick his fingers.

Of course, Sam also made plenty of messes. I found him asleep like this one afternoon. He had figured out how to reach the diapers on the bookshelf beside the crib. He also pulled a huge pile of papers off the shelf and stuffed them all behind the crib. But we were at Grandma's house so it was all OK. Good think he is so cute.

Ally and Brook were in cousin heaven. Katy came to play almost everyday and Caroline was down several times, too. For the most part they all played well together, but where there are four little girls, you know there will be a certain amount of drama as well. They about came undone when Grandma pulled the Barbies out of the attic. It was fun for me, too, as I remembered all the hours I spent with Western Barbie and Angel Face Barbie in the Dream Cottage. The kids also loved any chance to get wet. We filled the pool a few times and let them cool off. On cooler days they put Grandpa's new swing set to good use.

We just moved right in and made ourselves at home. I got the master bedroom while we were there. (Mom and Dad stayed in the "cave" which is our affectionate name for an additional bedroom/bathroom that used to be separate from the house, but is now attached.) At one point Sariah was talking to Mom and said, "Hey Grandma, you know that bathroom that you use when my mom's not here?" That made us chuckle. We did have a pretty sweet set up. Thanks for making our home away from home so comfortable.