Busy Bs

As in, "Busy Boys."

It's hard to believe Grammy and Papa arrived for their visit a week ago tomorrow already. Blanden spent the day in anxious anticipation. He knew they would come after his nap, so when he woke up that morning he told me he was just going to stay in bed until they came -- for Blanden, an offer to stay in bed for any amount of time is a generous and unique offer. When a UPS delivery arrived and the doorbell rang, Blanden was sure it was them -- but alas, not yet. When I convinced him to get up, he said we were going to have a party -- so okay then, let's have a party. So we kept busy with party prep: picking up the house, picking out flowers, and purchasing a cake from (okay, I admit it) Mommy's favorite bakery -- after all, if we were going to have a party, we needed a proper cake. Ellis was excited too, he just didn't know it yet. We got busy that day, and the boys -- and Grammy and Papa -- haven't stopped going since.

 Blanden enjoyed a few bites from a giant cookie Papa brought for him, carefully carried all the way from Michigan.

 Then Ellis realized what all the excitement was about.

 We certainly enjoyed our party -- and the cake after dinner.

 On Wednesday morning, Grammy and Papa took the boys to music class. On Thursday, Ellis went to school and Blanden got a special day with Grammy and Papa all to himself.

 Naturally, they went to the zoo.

 On Friday, it was Ellis's turn for a special day. He got to go on a long walk to the park and then played on the swings.

 In fact, Ellis got two trips to the playground that day. It was in the mid-60s, warm and sunny, so after they picked up big brother from school, they all went back to the playground again.

 On Saturday morning, Grammy and Papa came with us to cheer on the boys during their swim lessons. Ellis was getting the hang of the kick board ...

And tried to kick the ball with his feet while practicing the back float.

 Blanden is getting more comfortable trying to swim on his "own" while wearing a power pack and being supported by a noodle.

 This weekend we practiced using life jackets. Clearly Ellis thought that -- and having his picture taken -- was fun!  

 He's looking pretty comfortable.

 Blanden had more practice time with Dad while waiting for his lesson to begin ...

 And then switched over to attending his class with Mommy. 

 Blanden is getting more comfortable with the kick board as well.  

 He, too, was keen to try out a life jacket.

 After brunch out and naps (for some of the big people as well as the little people), we headed south to meet up with our Colorado family -- and B went bowling!

 Blanden had never been before and he had a blast.

 His cousins, Jeremy and Gretchen, could not have been more excited to help him out and how him the ropes. What a great idea Grandma Wensec had for some family fun! Perhaps we've started a new annual tradition?

Each morning Blanden wakes up Grammy and Papa and the boys spend time snuggling and reading books on their bed. (Mommy and Daddy are grateful Grammy and Papa are here for many reasons, but we can't deny that one of them is the opportunity to sleep in just a bit, a rare treat.)

Looks like they're sure having fun in there!

  

 On Sunday the boys went back to the playground, and on Monday they went to the Children's Museum. They were there for over four hours!  Blanden hadn't been there since Ellis was born, and Ellis had never been before. With temperatures plummeting, snow falling, and roads becoming icy, the museum wasn't crowded at all and Blanden in particular loved exploring. Ever patient, little brother watched and waited and took it all in.

 Blanden thought it was great fun to pick out his own food, cafeteria-style.

 He particularly liked playing house -- washing dishes, doing laundry, and "cleaning up the mess" -- as well as playing with trains.

 He went grocery shopping ...

 And got to paint! To my knowledge, this is the first time he has painted on an easel, with brushes, while wearing a smock before. Lots of fun to be had by this budding artist!

As for what fun tomorrow will bring, it will likely await in the house. Gone is the warm weather of the weekend, replaced by a forecasted high of -1 (yes, MINUS 1) degree! But the good news about all the cold weather and the winter storm heading for the Midwest is that Grammy and Papa are staying an extra day! Instead of leaving as planned on Wednesday, with the airline's blessing and no change fees, they are waiting out the Midwestern winter storm here in Colorado -- bonus for us indeed!