Spoiling from Grandma and Grandpa

Most of June was spent in Thatcher at my parent's house. After a day or two on my own in Tucson, I was ready to go back. They really spoiled us! The boys had a blast swimming in their pool every day and it was an hourly ritual to check the water temperature to make sure they waited until it was just right. I can't even begin to count the UNO hands that Isaac and Grandma played and they spent an equal amount of hours in the office playing Webkinz together. Carter loved following Grandpa around outside and being his big helper and Ashlyn was willing to sneak a book into Grandma whenever she got a chance, not to mention the fun time she had with their dog, Casey. Isaac even lost his second front tooth just a few days after his first one. This one he decided to yank out himself.

Poor Eric didn't get to enjoy as much time because he was back and forth to Tucson almost everyday trying to find our house, getting everything taken care of, and getting things set up for school. He even had to miss our trip to the lake which was a big bummer. The rest of us had fun! My brother Steven, his son Tillman, and my nephew Chase met up with us at Lake Roosevelt where we spent a few hours out on the boat.

Tillman

Ashlyn enjoying her favorite part of the ride.

Chase and Isaac out on the tube.

Grandpa and an enthused Ashlyn

Carter driving the boat. Good thing Grandpas hand was still on it!

Carter in the lake with Grandma. MAJOR accomplishment! When we first got to Thatcher we had to do some serious convincing to get him to go in their pool. He finally has learned to trust his life jacket and after giving himself several pep talks (it was pretty cute to watch) he finally made the plunge.

Chase, Carter, and Isaac on the tube. Even more of a phenomenal accomplishment than getting in the lake. Carter was a VERY brave boy and was quite proud of himself. So was I!

Isaac looking handsome. Isn't it beautiful at the lake?

Ashlyn finally sacked out. What more comfortable place could there be than on Grandma's lap with Casey close by?

The boys were long overdue on haircuts, but I kept putting it off because it's such a dreaded project. Isaac somewhat willingly submitted, but Carter was pretty set against it - as he is every time - hence the dread. Grandpa came to the rescue and Carter happily got in the chair because Grandpa was going to cut his hair and "not a girl!" If only I had known that was the problem....

Carter started to feel bad that Eric was gone so much and decided he wanted to make him a present. My idea of drawing him a picture wasn't good enough, so he swindled Grandpa into helping him make a rubberband gun. He came up with the idea all on his own and even drew up the plans on the clipboard. You can't see them because they're in pencil, but they're there. Grandpa was a good sport and went along.

Carter sat up on the work table the whole time with his clipboard and checked things off as they were completed. He makes a great supervisor!

Isaac realized that Carter had a great thing going, so he talked Grandpa into helping him make a boat for Eric.

They painted them and everything. Here is the boat mostly done. Grandma found Isaac some fabric for the sail and helped him attach it.

Carter and the rubberband gun.

The next morning Grandma got out some boxes and wrapping paper so that they could make their gifts official. I just told them to hide it behind their backs!

Ashlyn decided she needed to make something for Daddy, too.

As much as I had wanted to move right into my own house, I am really thankful for the time we got to spend with Grandma and Grandpa. My kids, especially Ashlyn, haven't known them very well because we've always been away from Arizona. It was wonderful to see them bond with their grandparents and develop a relationship with them. I am blessed with great parents! Thanks again for all of the spoiling - especially for me! Love you!