Grandy's Visit

Grandy, Joe's mom, came to visit us over Labor Day weekend.  Joe had to work on Friday when she got in so the kids and I picked her up.  Evie immediately started chatting her up while Riley took his time warming up (he's got some separation anxiety these days).  Of course, once Riley WAS warmed up, he charmed Grandy's pants off!

We ventured to the State Fair on Saturday and the kids did great.  It was super crowded but we managed and our first stop was the Birthing Center where Evie got to check out the new baby animals.  Piglets, lambs, ducklings and bunnies...oh my!  Evie thought it was pretty cool but with all the people, it was hard to get a good look.  At one stop, a staffer was holding a new baby lamb so people could pet it.  Evie followed my lead by petting the soft head but kept pulling her hand back when we took her picture.

We tried to let Evie walk on her own as much as possible but with the crowd and her desire to 'go her own way', we were forced to corral her at times.  Joe put her on his shoulders at one point and that seemed to be a mutually agreeable transportation method.

Of course, there are times where you can't argue with the sensibility of a good double stroller. 

But you can try to argue.... ;)

On Sunday, we ventured over the Grand Avenue in St. Paul to check out the Patagonia store (cute winter coats for the kids...and Grandy!) and get some lunch at Cafe Latte.  After lunch, we stopped at a really good bakery and Grandy got us cookies.  Evie and Grandy enjoyed theirs on a bench right away.

Monday morning, before Grandy's afternoon flight, we made eggs and goetta (yum!) for breakfast and then took a walk up to our favorite local park.  Riley experienced his first swing!  And he loved it!

Evie showed him how it was done.  

Until she convinced Daddy to show her how the big girl swing worked and then, she was too cool for the baby swing. 

Then, Evie showed Grandy how it was done. ;)

Evie sweetly wanted to push Riley in his swing - it was terribly cute.


And he just loved it!  

The swinging was followed by some time on the merry-go-round thing (what are those called?).  Evie and Riley both got a turn on Daddy's lap.

It was a hot day so we got some time in the shade before we made the trek back to the house for lunch and naps.

I wanted to make sure I got some pictures of Grandy with the kids so I staged a little photo session in the backyard after baths on Sunday evening.  I'm still figuring out lighting stuff - maybe some classes will help.  Still, I think the photos turned out okay.  

It was a nice weekend - thanks for your visit, Grandy!