How did it get to be Wednesday morning already? I didn't mean to be away quite so long! But we've been up to all kinds of things...
On Sunday afternoon we headed to the airport to get my mom. I loved watching the girls stand at the end of the terminal walkway, stretching tall to watch for their Gran. Craning their necks to see past and around all the people for their first glimpse of her. Jumping up and down as they caught sight of her and wiggling to run past the "Do not enter" sign. I wanted to jump up and down and run right alongside them, but I was having too much fun watching them.
I LOVE that my girls have such a close relationship with my mom!
We grabbed Mom's bag and headed out to dinner to celebrate Toben's birthday and catch up. Toben loves this place--one he's eaten at many times during his many trips to Phoenix over the past couple of years and was so happy to see a location near our house. He was pretty happy to get his free birthday dessert too!
(That would be a half-baked white chocolate macadamia nut cookie, covered in three scoops of vanilla ice cream and chocolate chips and cinnamon and sugar!)
We got Mom all settled in Emma's room, Emma all settled in a sleeping bag on the floor, then Emma all settled in my bed, then Toben all settled on the couch since he had to get up early and go to L.A. on Monday for meetings, and all went to bed.
On Monday, Emma was up and in her swimsuit, ready to go to the pool at 7:30. So we went. After breakfast, and after the rest of us got ready!
The girls swam, Mom and I sat on lounge chairs and chatted, we all swam, we built drippy castles in the sand, we talked, we practiced water ballet and made up a routine, we laughed, Audrey lounged in the water. Nowhere to hurry off to. Nothing to do but enjoy being together.
After showers and lunch, we showed Mom around Gilbert--the library, the church, Target. Which pretty much covers where we go in a usual week. I'm sure we'll hit the Walmart at the other end of her visit!
We went through Audrey's suitcase and carry-on one more time, and I left them painting their toenails together while I headed off to a meeting at church.
We got up yesterday morning and went back to the airport early for Mom and Audrey to catch their flight to NYC.
(Yep, that's her American Girl Jess sticking out of her bag. They just called a minute ago from Fifth Avenue, walking toward the American Girl store where they're having lunch today and shopping before heading out to explore the city some more.)
Emma and I came home and sat on the couch ALL DAY--me on a reading binge, Emma on an Addams Family binge. It's been so long since we've had a lazy day like that!
Today, Emma and I are going to work on a tote bag for her to haul to the library. I think we'll put a book on tape on to listen to while we sew. And maybe we'll hang out at the pool for a bit. (After I hang out with Jillian who I'm sure is mad at me for not exercising for the past four days. I know I'm going to pay!)
Tonight is Bible study. I'm excited to get to know the women in my group a bit more and to hear about what stood out to them from the past week's lessons.
Oh! I did learn my verses for Memory Monday--and knew them on Monday even though I didn't post them. Since the girls are taking a school break, we're continuing to review Psalm 103:1-11 until we start again and add the next section.
More soon--I promise!
My kids have a close relationship with my parents. I love it too. It is hard to get them to interact with my husband's parents. A big part of it is not much time...they don't visit us so our visits there are not often since it is 5 plane tickets. Then when we are there...the kids are seen as a bother to one of the grandparents...so sad. I had a great realationship with both my grandma's...a legacy of faith. Are your girls close with both sets of grandparents?
Posted by: Kimberly | August 26, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Hope they have a great time in NYC. We loved the American Girl store :-)
Posted by: Melissa @ Breath of Life | August 26, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Audrey couldn't be more excited, could she?! How cute. I can't wait to hear about their trip when they get back! You are BLESSED that your mom is so involved in their lives, Joanne!
Posted by: Angie | August 27, 2009 at 06:24 AM
Time flies when you are having fun! It sounds like you really enjoyed your mom. Your girls are will both have a great time this week. I just ordered my daughter an American Girl doll for her birthday... can't wait until it arrives.
Posted by: angela | August 27, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Your girls are so beautiful - so is your Mom. Sounds like a wonderful relaxing few days!
Posted by: Kristy | August 27, 2009 at 08:45 AM
You make me so excited to have grown-up girls. I just can't wait!
Posted by: CherryTreeLane | September 03, 2009 at 09:16 PM