Nana's Christmas Visit

Finally, Nana was able to make it back to our home for a visit! The kids counted down the days on our calendar. Nana sent Christmas gifts which were slowly piling up under our tree. The kids were so excited we actually opened the gifts Nana's first night at our house.

We tried for a group photo.... Steve snapped this along with major antics behind the lens!

All three of the kids played non-stop with Nana, reading books, setting up dolls, playing with cars, coloring and trying out the new toys, especially the crazy Hex Bugs. Nana is always especially good at listening to our little ones as they begin talking - Nana pointed out many words Gretchen was saying to us that our ears did not catch because we have heard her baby "aaahs" "eees" "baaaas" and "deeees" from the start. 

Interestingly, Gretchen has stopped her baby sign language in favor of attempting to vocalize.

On Saturday morning, we headed out to the library for a fun outing. The kids proudly showed Nana where they like to find books (and videos) in the library. And, we can't forget the highlight: the elevator.  After the library, Alina brought everyone over to Color Me Mine, a pottery-painting store. We all picked out dishes, bowls and mugs to paint. Nana enjoyed delicately painting the details on her snowman bowl.

Altogether, painting pottery is a little too advanced for our age 5 and age 3 and age 1 crew - the last 10 minutes were a frantic scamble as Alina tried to apply final coats (each color needs about 3, with drying time in betweeen), Rosemary begging for food (a birthday party occurred a few tables over, with tantalizing cupcakes and snacks) and Gretchen over-done and ready for a nap. Yes, it is possible to nurse and paint pottery at the same time.

On Nana's last day, we tried to squeeze in a few more stories on the couch and photos. Elliott snapped this photo.