The Grays Visit

Our whole family is thrilled to have our Gray relatives visit.  Grandma and Grandpa Gray are here from AZ and Auntie Annette and Uncle Roger from AK.  Just like in one of Miles' and Hadley's favorite books, The Relatives Came, there has been a lot of hugging, kissing, meals together and visiting since they arrived.  On Saturday morning we went to the Mill City Farmers Market, toured the Mill City Museum, walked in the sunshine across the Stone Arch Bridge and saw St. Anthony Falls and a barge come through the lock and dam. 

What better way to start a Saturday morning then with a mini berry pound cake from the Salty Tart!?

The lambs were a huge hit.  We may have to visit the farm in Elk River where they live.

My family took advantage of the good eats and sampled lots of yummy baked goods.

Whenever Mike's dad is here a lot gets repaired around the house.  Here all of the guys installed rails on the little back deck we use to let Ruby outside. 

Can you see the face of the little, thrilled-to-be-helping boy?

He loves to be involved in these projects and took his job of counting and handing out screws very seriously.

Happy hour on the deck

Miles has discovered the joy of the photo bomb.  This makes him giggle.

Here's Mike with his parents, sister and our child that looks just like them!

Today the adults went to a Twins game and enjoyed the sunshine and a Twins' win!  When we got home we took the obligatory group photo (I'm sure somebody will appreciate that I do these things someday).  

We hear two little voices ring throughout the house "Auntie Annette!"

Miles, Hadley and Annette played mommy and daddy with their baby monkeys for an hour tonight.  A good mama always gives her monkey fun piggy-back rides.

Moving Up and Playing Out

I was so proud of my little buddy this week - he had his 2-day preschool "moving up" program and party at Little Saints Preschool.  At every program like this to date he's ended up on my lap instead of singing with his friends in the front.  To help mentally prepare him we talked about what it would be like to stand with his friends and sing his special songs.  My boss also gave him a special good luck charm which would help make him brave.  The day before the program he was getting very excited and kept playing with his charm - transferring it from hand-to-hand and putting it in and out of his pockets.  The day of the program he lost his charm and almost was on the verge of tears heading to school that morning.  As the kids paraded into the room I didn't see Miles.  Then, a few seconds after everyone else, Miles marched in - grinning and so proud.  He sang two songs - This Little Light of Mine and a silly dance song that I think is called Tikki Tot.  He sang so well and received a certificate and medal.  After the program we got to play in his classroom and have root beer floats.  He had a wonderful school year with his teacher, Miss Emily.  We are so happy that he is in such a great school now. 

During the program Hadley was waving and yelling "hi Mi-Mi!"  She was such a proud sister AND I think that she thinks she's a preschooler too - she stood next to Miles in the front for most of the program.  He explained to his friends on either side of him that "this is my sister." 

We went up to the cabin for the first time this year for the long weekend.  By the pictures you'd never know that it was spring and almost June.  Despite the cold temperatures and drizzly, dreary weather we jumped in puddles, took nature walks, played on the swings and in the playhouse, had a campfire, celebrated Bradyn's birthday and played soccer.  

Miles dubbed himself and Corey the "big kids" and Bradyn and Hadley the "little dudes." 
The little dudes started the puddle jumping fun.

Miles and Hadley tried s'mores for the first time

Later I found the graham crackers and marshmallow sitting on Hadley's lawn chair - she left everything but the chocolate.

Hanging on the playhouse porch

So much fun in the playhouse.  They loved pretending to sell ice cream out the windows.

The "little dudes" look so cool

I was delusional for a moment when I thought that the adults could play a game of washers.  As soon as I got the game out the little ones swarmed it.  Maybe the adults can play in 10 years.

The girl cousins

After a busy weekend we came home to see Grandma and Grandpa Gray - we're so excited to have them with us for a visit!

Turning rain into beauty and fun

We planned to play outside this afternoon and just as shorts were put on, sunscreen was applied and shoes were velcroed rain started dripping from the sky.  Then it started pouring.  Instead of driving us back inside M and H played in the spring shower.  Hours later M turned to H and said "wasn't that fun Hadley?  We had so much fun in the rain."

Eating corn on the cob for the first time - it's so nice having teeth and chomping on cobs!

Through the slats of her crib

I'm so lucky - the universe sent these two angels to me

Starting to rain

I got a new lens for the camera and have been playing with it this weekend which sparked Miles' interest.  Under close supervision (we usually have the camera strap around both of our necks) he took many pictures - including this one.  Good shot Miles!