Grandparents - Day 1

My parents visited for a few days last weekend.  SO MUCH FUN!  I have been feeling kind of homesick for them lately, especially with all the new things Luke can do and say now.  So, it was very enjoyable to visit with them and to see Luke through their eyes.  He's such a special little boy, so it was fun to share him with them again - he's changed A TON since we were in Oregon in May.  :)

Helping roll Grandpa's suitcase to the house.  He walked backwards like this the ENTIRE way to our stairs from the garage!  My dad stayed close and kept a hand on it to make sure he didn't drop it on his toes.  :)  Such a helpful little man.

They brought this little plane for Luke that looks just like the Alaska/Horizon planes that we fly on between here and Oregon.  It even makes noises like a plane taking off and has wheels that "go" after you pull it back.  Such fun!

My belated birthday gifts - we agreed to have them bring any presents along with them, rather than mail them closer to my birthday.  It's much better to enjoy all of that in person!  Oh, and the "Simply Beads" kit in the picture is the one that I'm currently working on.  :)

Happy boy!  In addition to his charming good looks, here's a good view of his latest forehead bruise.  My poor boy and that big head of his.  He's done so well lately of not falling, or of catching himself with his hands even if he does.  But, Tuesday of that week, we were heading out to run an errand and he made it all the way down our stairs by himself without incident.  Then, there's this 2" high concrete square at the bottom of our stairs that you also have to step down before you're actually on the sidewalk.  He somehow tripped stepping down off of that, and wasn't able to catch himself before his head hit the sidewalk.  So sad!  We went back inside, got in as much time icing the already forming bruise as I could with a toddler who was "all done" with that, then about a half-hour later, asked if he was ready to go to the store, and he agreed!  So, down we went again - and even though he talked INCESSANTLY about his "fall" and "owie", he walked with sure feet and didn't need/want my help on any of the stairs.  Yippee!  At least, he's outgrowing his fear of whatever has previously hurt him - that used to hang him up for weeks.

Yeah for Grandparents!!!

Smelling roses with Grandpa.

Being silly along the pool wall.  This is the first time he's attempted to climb up on the bricks - kind of a surprise to all of us, but he did it!

Dancing with Grandpa!  Boy, did Luke LOVE this aspect of my parent's visit.  My dad was willing to get up and "dance" with Luke to his toy keyboard and violin - what fun!  That boy has limitless energy - thanks, Dad, for going above and beyond!

Calmer activities with Grandpa, too.  I had to periodically suggest calmer activities if it was close to bedtime or naptime, because Luke would constantly want to get silly with Grandpa, and he was more than willing to oblige!  :)

This picture is for Jen - I was showing my Mom how the macro function works on my camera, and took this picture in the process.  It's one of those random pictures that Jennifer appreciates because of it's artistic qualities.  I wasn't even trying to take a good picture, but it turned out kind of neat.

My FIRST EVER win at Settlers of Catan!!!  I've been "Queen of Catan" many times when Nathan would play with his family before all the grandkids started coming.  If one of the guys won (the girls would usually just sit in the other room and visit), their wife would become the "Queen of Catan".  :P  But, this time, I won all by myself!  Very exciting!  I am the red pieces, and I have "Longest Road" and one victory point also.