Fun with G&G

Abby and Tyler had lots of fun with Grammy and Grandan during their visits last week. Grammy actually stayed for nearly two weeks, but Grandan came up last weekend to see the kids and spend some time with Mom. On Sunday night, we had them over for dinner and a little campfire (we do love to "burn" marshmallows!) ... and some games. Tyler is so funny - he loves playing games, but he's just as into the cleanup. Dad was fascinated at how diligent he is - putting the cards one-by-one into the box, and even turning them right side up. You'd think the playroom was spotless, but that's far from true. I had a great time watching all of the action. Unfortunately, I was on the couch - dealing with a stomach bug that lasted until Tuesday. All better now though!

Big Boy Bed

Can't believe it's been over a week since I last posted on this blog. Sorry to those of you who enjoy the regular updates on Abby and Tyler. We've been pretty busy (as you'll see when I'm done posting tonight) ... and these photos offer some insight on the matter. Last weekend, Dennis removed the front of Tyler's crib - converting it to a toddler bed. A couple of nights before, Tyler had gotten (fallen) out of his crib for the first time ever, and since his train table is so close, we figured we should be safe rather than sorry! Unfortunately, we didn't know that Tyler is QUITE a mover when he sleeps, and we spent most nights last week shuttling Tyler back to bed ... and keeping him from escaping from his room and running throughout the house in the middle of the night. Well, we're happy to report that we've turned a corner. A few nights ago, Tyler started staying in his room (we found it worked better to leave his door open) - but he was still screaming for us several times a night. THEN...last night, he stayed in his bed ALL NIGHT. He didn't peep until 6:15, which was like heaven! We'll see what tonight brings! So much for the easy transition to the big bed...

Fancy Ladies

Who ARE those two beautiful ladies hanging out at Abby's craft table?

Why that's Abby and Grammy! And don't they look FABULOUS in their fancy shirts!?! I had just tried a new dress on for Mom, and Abby decided she needed to get fancy too. So Abby and Grammy raided the dress-up box. The interesting part of this whole story is that Mom actually wore this sparkly shirt back in the 80s ... I remember it well!

Grandan Hits the Gym

...well, the Preschool Gym - with Tyler! Since Dennis was out of town, Tyler missed his Thursday night gym class. But, Grandan took him this morning ... while Dennis played photographer. It looks like the guys are having a lot of fun, but I'll tell you firsthand - 25 minutes of "assisting" Tyler is a lot of work!

Feeding Time at OUR Zoo!

Breakfast is a always a WILD occasion in this house (lovingly referred to as the zoo!) Abby and Tyler seem to eat a lot more food when I present it in a fun way. Recently, they had dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets "prowling" in a jungle of lettuce leaves. I also love to make flowers with fruit (w/yogurt centers) and any shaped cheese with my mini cookie cutters. I don't know who enjoys playing with their food more ... me or the kids!

Where's Dennis?

This is Dennis' view from his hotel room in New York City. When we just spoke with him, he told us he can see one bitty corner of the ice skating rink at Rockerfeller Center from his window! Cool, huh? Dennis says he arrived a short time ago, after spending the morning doing a TV interview for FSU in Connecticut, and he now reports he has a free evening. What ever will he do with himself? Can't wait to hear!

Meanwhile, we're having a typical day in Tallahassee. Abby decided she wanted to get in on the blogging ... so I helped her post an "Ode to the Tire Swing" a moment ago. She also wanted to show Dennis the picture she made for him at school. I have sent it to him by cell, but thought you'd enjoy it too. She is always making him pictures of Superman ... a Daddy favorite!

Ode to the Tire Swing

...by Abby (but typed by Mandy!)

I swing on the tire swing the whole time on the playground. It's at my school. I like the tire swing because it goes round and round and I LOVE swings. Some times by myself I like to go in the middle hole and spin around in it.

I used to climb on the equipment and I used to go down the big, fat slide. I also used to dig big holes in the sand. But, now I ride on the tire swing a lot!