Time Away

I spent a few days at Nicci and Chris's doing crafts, shopping and trying to relax. Time always goes by too quickly when you are trying to pack so much into your days. As always, we did quite a bit of shopping. We made it to Costco on a daily basis. I went down on Wednesday and by Friday, Jake had about had enough of the shopping thing. We drove into Costco parking lot and were pulling into a parking space when he said, "Costco again?" Now, here is a kid who likes Costco (nearly like his Grandpa Dunford), but after 3 days of returning, he was a bit disgruntled. Funny, though, we went back again on Saturday!! We are some kind of crazy!

The rest of our time we spent crafting. Niccole worked on her sewing (make-up bags and other cute handbags) and I set up shop to do some beading. It was fun to do those things together. Nicc has talent in so many areas and I wanted to learn all I could from her. She taught me how to make fabric flowers and how to hem pants a new way. Thanks, Niccole, for a fun-packed stay!

Marc met us on Saturday to transport me to their home for the weekend and Mother's Day. How I love my grandkids! I love being with them and spending time with each of them.

Mother's Day morning was a day of relaxation for Gretchen and me while Marc and the boys fixed breakfast. We had pancakes, bacon and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Who could ask for more! Great job, guys!

Marc slaves over a hot griddle

While Kaden and Ivan work together to squeeze the oranges.

It was a combined effort. They work well together in the kitchen!

Tucker flips the pancakes.

And Cooper looks on and makes cute faces for Grandma and her camera!

After church and later in the day Chris, Nicci and boys came to join together for the Mother's Day dinner. Once again the mothers were "allowed" to watch on while the guys made the preparations. It was hardest on Gretchen. Marc was sure to let her and the rest of us know that the men were in charge and that they needed NO guidance in fixing the meal. It is not easy for women to have men in their domain! But it was nice to have the rest from making a big Sunday dinner, isn't that true Gretchen and Niccole?? It was for me. And it was fun to watch. Marc and Chris did a super-chef job and we enjoyed the day and the meal. Thanks again, guys!

Chef hats and aprons are on my Christmas list this year!

The guys are really serious about their job!

Steaks done just right!

Grilled pineapple, potatoes & gravy (not shown)!
Who could ask for anything more? .....

Cooper looks to be saying, "Steaks! And I get this stupid hotdog??"
Aunt Nicci gets the "stinky" eye!

He guesses he better eat it and like it .... and he did!

Jacob's favorite part of the day's celebration was getting to play with all the great toys at the Hale's!

It was a really fun day spent together .... well, until the two cousins (Coop and Jake) decided to see if a full roll of toilet tissue could be flushed down the "potty" in the basement! Took some clean-up by the master chefs! I had to think of the Matt and Nic days of long ago and chuckle a bit!! All comes with mother and fatherhood!! And yet we still find the enjoyment and delights of parenthood!!! RIGHT?

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY everyone!!