A Different Friday Duo

Only Louise joined Logan today on "Adventure Friday". Jenn had a playgroup planned at her house with Carl, Gus, their friends and moms. It was time with just my two littlest grandbabies!! This time Logan was the "big guy" and he enjoyed his role. He loves to hug and give kisses to Louise, and is learning to trade toys when he wants what she has. I can't believe how well she is crawling around now. She can get to whatever she wants! Keep the gates shut!

They had tag-team naps so we only needed one crib. We did have a moment for a "CHEERS!!" with the bottles....won't be much longer I'd guess.

Jenn and the boys came after lunch to pick up Louise...and Carl ended up staying on to play with our big box of little legos...his very favorite activity. I love these kid-Fridays!!

Breakfast At Curran's

No pre-school today, no tutoring for Poppa...so we took Carl and Gus to their favorite breakfast hangout...Curran's. (or Coo-rans to Gus) It's such a special "hometowny" sort of place. We used to take our kids for breakfast before school on their birthdays. And now it's the favorite place for our grandchildren! I think Chuck took Carl for his first Curran's breakfast at 8 months!

Drawing on the backside of the kiddy placemats at Curran's has become almost a ritual. The boys describe the scene, who's in it, and all the details while I create it with crayons. Today Carl's was Molly's (their chocolate lab)doghouse....(which she doesn't have!)...and Gus's picture was "Molly riding in the bike trailer with mommy driving the bike!!!...and a flag on the trailer!!" We all placed our orders for the usual daily specials. It was decided that Carl had the best way to eat pancakes....the conveyor belt method! Poppa and I are really lucky to have such great breakfast partners.

We brought them home to our house to wait for their mom to come by to meet them. She came with Louise....which gave us a chance to see her with her new crawling skills! Soon she was getting all around in the kitchen. And she found the cookbook shelf!! Louise, it won't be long until we have fun with those!!

Quick Morning In and Out

Logan made a quick in and out this morning...how exciting!! His mommy had to be at work at 7:45 today, so she brought him by at 7:15. Who's ready for breakfast this early??? Not Logan!! But it was time for the Logan Jammie Show at the top of the stairs. "Aren't I cute?"
After a few encore preformances it was time to get dressed, eat some breakfast, find the jacket and mittens....and Poppa taking Logan out the back door and down the alley to "Lainy's House" for daycare. Bye Logan!! Have a good day!

Poppa's Firetruck

Poppa found an amazing Tonka Fire Rescue Truck on Craig's List, and just knew that our grandchildren really needed to have it. The 3 foot long truck drives by itself forward and backwards....the ladder goes up and swings side to side...and there are sirens and lights!!

He invited Carl and Gus for a Saturday morning surprise and went to pick them up. They were excited to go to the store and choose their own morning treat...chocolate-toed bear claw for Gus...
....sprinkled cake doughnut for Carl After our snack, Poppa had them sit in the livingroom with their eyes covered.."no peeking, Gus!"

Then Poppa started the firetruck driving into the room with its lights flashing and motors rolling! They jumped up and ran to him to find out what this great surprise was! After a brief inservice from Poppa, they were soon old pro's at moving the ladder and driving the truck.

Carl was quick to investigate all the levers...and Gus discovered buttons Poppa hadn't even noticed!!
They both took their turns running the machines. What fun!! Great new exciting toy! Wait until Logan sees it!! Wow!!

It's Friday again!

It was another Logan and Gus Friday at Grandma and Poppa's house. Logan was here by 8, and Gus by 9! What kind of adventures can we have today?? We played a round of "recycled plastic bag soccer", did some creative coloring, went to feed Dotty, the cat of the next door guys vacationing in Mexico....and walked/ran down the block to see what else might be happening! Days are never dull with these two!
Jenn arrived with Louise and Carl in time for lunch. Louise had been carsick, so Jenn decided to give her a quick bath in the kitchen sink. The next thing she knew....Gus had stripped down and wanted a bath in the other side!
We got to see Louise's beautiful red curls after her bath! Won't be long until she can have a toptail! She was wearing the little white poncho Jenn and Krista wore when they were her age! I absolutely love her chubby little hands...and her blueberry eyes!

Cozy Afternoon

Nuthin' special...but really special. I dropped by Jenn's house to bring a them a meatloaf Poppa had made (his specialty!) and ended up spending a wonderful chunk of the afternoon with them. I had made a quick stop at Betsy's Back Porch, the local coffee shop, and picked up two Chai Latte's and a hot cocoa. Gus and Louise were napping and Jenn and Carl were making their special homemade granola. The three of us enjoyed our treat and talked about fun blogs online, and crafty stuff. Carl was busy playing with his cars in a cookie sheet full of oatmeal, beans, and rice.

Gradually the other two joined us, and we wiled away the afternoon sitting in the kitchen, eating apples, talking, and checking out interesting websites the boys wanted to see. At one point I had all three of them on my lap watching a mini-video of "60 seconds in the life of a humidifier"! Jenn thought that was pretty funny!! "Up to date techno-Gramma!", she said.

A Logan Sleepover

Krista and Aren decided to celebrate Valentine's Day on Saturday evening, and 'Poppa' and I said we'd be more than happy to have Logan for a sleepover. He came at 6:30...and had his second supper with us. Great appetite! After we had ice cream, we got busy playing with the cash register as well as all the remotes, electronic devices and the "clicker" on my car keys. I was alerted to the fact that he had located my keys when I heard my car alarm go off and saw him pointing the black device towards the window, thumb on the panic button. Cute!!
Time to get him into his adorable penguin pj's and talk to him about where Logan would sleep. First he ran to our bed...giggled and climbed up there pretending to sleep. Then he toddled off contentedly to the "pack and play" we had set up in my art room, threw his stuffed animal and blanket over the top and was happily lifted in. He settled right down, and we didn't hear a peep from him until 6:30 am when we heard the sweet sounds of his singing and jabbering in there.
Breakfast time in "Logan's Chair" and some chasing around...get dressed...chase the cats.. new words for Gramma and Poppa...."Kitty, Up, Down, Hey Dude!" His Mama came to pick him up at 9:30 because we had company coming for brunch at 11:00. Time enough to "de-Loganize" the house.

Friday with the Boys

Today Logan came in his 'jammies straight from bed. I love the warm, wet, sweet little guy all bundled in his jacket, scarf, mittens and hat. He's always so excited to be here, and I love dressing him and making his breakfast. Blueberries and bananas along with the Cherrios today! He's trying new words....Beebee, Shoe, Poppa, Toe...it won't be long until he has a language explosion.

Gus came at 9:00. Jenn had to take Louise to the ENT doctor to have her ears checked again. I think it's so much fun when the two cousins spend time together. Gus gets to be the "big guy", and Logan has a chance to learn how to play together and to use some of the big boy toys. They're really funny when they interact. Gus is never quite sure what Logan is going to do...and Logan is often not really careful.
They had their morning snack at the little table "Poppa" made. We moved it to the kitchen so I could keep a better eye on them while I tried to get a head start on lunch. They were so cute eating their raisins and Clementines, drinking apple juice in sippy cups!

Then it was time for serious playing. I was even lucky enough to be invited to a concert on the wooden drum instrument. "Gwamma, we'll play a concert for you!!" said Gus. He was pretty intent...Logan was for awhile, too...but this stick thing works great for all kinds of places....oh...the legos, the hutch, oooo--nooooo...not Gus' head!!! Back to the music and dancing. We put on the CD's and did the hokey pokey
Jenn came back with Carl and Louise. She'll need to have tubes put in her ears in March. We'll get through this too. Lunchtime..sloppy joes, oven frenchfries, carrots. Where did their appetites go? It's just too exciting to have cousins together, and play with the toys at Grandma's house. A few rounds of "Buck Buck Chicken" and now the new variation for Carl.."find the Blue Footed Booby" (yes, that's really the species of this bird!)

Carl and the Blue Footed Booby (check out the link!)

Jenn's three were packed up for home...Logan could barely keep his eyes open when he got down for his nap. Up in time for Daddy to come at 3:00. Another exciting and wonderful Friday at Grandma's house!!

Valentine Treats

Valentine Ice Cream Sundae Kits delivered to each of the four families for Valentine's Day dessert!!

Breyer's Vanilla Ice Cream, Homemade hot fudge sauce, Valentine sprinkles, heart candles, jelly hearts....and lots of gramma and poppa love!!

Recycled Toys

Everything old is new again!! Yesterday Chuck and I were cleaning the attic (yikes!) and went way back to find some of our kids' old toys to bring out for the grandkids. Toys recycled 30 years later! Exciting! I scrubbed them up, and looked forward to today when Gus and Louise were coming to spend the day. Jenn had found an all day conference about a small farm and sheep cheesemaking that she was anxious to attend. By making arrangements for Carl's pickup from pre-school, and an afternoon with his friend, I was able to take the other two and Jenn had a wonderful day to herself!! And what a super day we three had!! Gus was so excited to play with the cash register (of course it is not computerized!) and Louise loved the old dolls that used to belong to Jenn. I was so happy they all cleaned up so well...and that the kids loved them.

Gus also found Krista's dollhouse and the box of furniture we had located...and decided it was fun too!! I'm afraid that 2 is still a little young for those small parts, but he certainly enjoyed himself for quite awhile!
My parents came by for lunch and to see the little ones. How pleasant to have Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa enjoying these little people. I really think my parents have seen my grandchildren more than they did our kids growing up...now that they live nearby.
Jenn came back at about 4:00, bringing Carl with her. We had time to enjoy some tea, and talk about her conference. I'm so happy she had the opportunity to get away, learn something new, have space from her kids, think about the future....and I love to hear it all!! Hug/Kiss!! Hug/Kiss!! Chaos time for leaving! Love those kids!!

Early Morning On Ice!

There we were....8:30 Sunday morning sitting in the Polar Ice Arena watching our "Grandkid on Ice!!" Natalie (8 years) plays hockey for the Red Wings in the North St. Paul league. How exciting to watch her out there! Amazing to see her fall and recover...and to get the puck and move it down the ice...FAST!!! Unfortunately, they didn't win, but that's not what it's all about. I really enjoyed the action!
We brought coffee and doughnuts....Valentine sprinkled ones for the girls. Sammy (5 years) was excited to get hers! She loves the social part of the hockey games..meeting her friends to play.

We left the arena by 9:30 a.m....time for the next shift to get on the ice for a game. We headed off to a local cafe for some breakfast. Natalie was so hungry!! Just shoveled in the eggs, hash browns and bacon. Hockey can really create an appetite! And socializing with friends can make waffles and bacon taste great!

Fun time catching up with the family and all the things going on in their lives. The 25 miles distance makes it a little more difficult to see these grandchildren very often.

Natalie is #11!
Natalie "faces off!"

Friday FUN Day

Just the usual Friday to have Logan here. I love having the time to spend seeing what each grandchild is about....all alone. Logan and I had a super time. He was feeling so much better today. Valentine's Day is almost here and he loved the decorations I had put out. Why do Grammas decorate? Well....for little guys to see and touch and investigate and enjoy!! And he did! Kissing the little bears, touching each and every ornament on the Valentine tree. We talked about all the fun things, trying out new words. Grammas love to take time to let them explore.

Today was also a good time to bring out some old toys that surfaced....the wind up wobbley animals our kids loved so long ago. How did I manage to keep them together?? I'm not sure, but Logan certainly got a big kick out of them. He's my little mechanical genius!! Kept him busy for a long time. His attention span seems to have increased. He loved the wobbley penguin, goose, squirrel and lady bug!!

It's amazing what he's capable of at 19 months!! He loves anything electronic or mechanical!

Logan is so excited and happy when he arrives...and when he leaves in his daddy's arms, we watch him going down the sidewalk waving and blowing kisses! Every Gramma's dream!

Sick Day

Logan was sick, and couldn't go to daycare today, so Krista asked if I'd be available. Of course!! I'd love it! Fortunately he wasn't so sick that he couldn't play, but had a snorty nose and cough. He's so busy, so fun. We kept busy with Logan's favorite toys.....



and watching the birds and squirrels in the backyard. I'm so happy that I can do this. This is where Logan belongs when he's not feeling well. Love that little guy.

Torchlight Parade

Last night was the St. Paul Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade...so what better way to experience it than through the eyes of grandchildren. We called to see if Gus and Carl would be available for an adventure. They were, and we were soon off for some fun. They were bundled in snowpants, puffy mittens, hats, scarves (Frank and Chuck are the scarf names...another story) and warm jackets. We stopped at White Castle (per Carl's request) for double cheese burgers and headed for St. Paul.

When we arrived in Downtown, it was apparent that parking was going to be a problem. Poppa dropped us off, we headed toward the parade, and planned to stay in touch with him via cellphone. As we approached the crowds, it was obvious that there was no way these two little guys were going to be able to see over adults six deep at the curb. Gramma did her best to lift them up several times, but we finally found a "thinner" spot and some people that were amiable to the boys standing in front of them.

Gus got a little nervous and wanted to go home when the Princes of the West started shooting guns....Carl was surprisingly brave. Poppa finally caught up with us, and we settled into parade watching. Near the end of the parade, the big "fire blasters" led the way for the Vulcans. Again, Carl did okay...he was following the story of the Vulcans winning over the King of the Winter to let summer come back....but Gus really wasn't very happy about it. He clung to me, and snuggled into my shoulder until they had passed. He felt much better after they had gone. They caught mardi gras beads, candy, and a woman gave them a fiberoptic lite.

We trugged back to the car...both of them swishing like troopers in their snow pants. Fireworks were supposed to happen over the Mississippi, so we positioned our car for the best view. And waited....and waited....and waited...... Nothing ever happened, even the other people waiting left. They were kind of disappointed until Gus suggested that we stop at Wendy's for a Frosty....and we did.

Back home to our house, into p.j's, just in time for Mommy and Daddy (and little Louise) to stop by for them on their way home from a dinner at friends. Sweet night. I LOVE the "Hug/Kiss, Hug/Kiss" requests before they leave.

"Buck Buck Chicken!!"

Fabulous Friday!! That's the day Logan (1 1/2) comes to spend the day because his daycare only works M-Th. He arrives at 7:30 or 8:00, and then we invite Gus (2 1/2) to come for Cousin Adventure day. I enjoy watching the two of them learn to play together and get along. It gets busy, and neither of them has really learned to play cooperatively...but we're getting there. The day is still filled with runny noses, slobbery kisses, potty runs for Gus, diaper changes for Logan, snack time, sharing, cars, and building blocks!






During Logan's naptime, I brought out a new stuffed animal I had found.....a chicken!! Gus and I had been to the bookstore, Wild Rumpus, several times, and he had been so enamored with the live chicken that runs around in there. So when I brought out the chicken today, we called him Henry the Buck Buck Chicken! But to hear Gus say it, is the best! We started playing hide the chicken....and Gus loved it! He'd cover his eyes and I'd hide Henry. Then as he looked, I'd make the buck, buck sound get faster as he got closer. It was hilarious to watch him looking. Then when it was his turn to hide it, I'd come out to look....and he'd get so excited for me to find Henry, that he would say, "Here he is Gramma! Look here, look here!!!" Then it was my turn again. I can't believe how many times we played hide the chicken!

Then there's Logan..such a busy guy!! He's trying to climb anything he can....especially if it gets him to something electric or electronic. Today he learned how to run the dimmer on the diningroom switch. Cool!!
Fridays are busy and wonderful days! Jenn comes to pick up Gus at noon after she gets Carl at Pre-School. So it's 4 little ones for lunch and chaos for awhile. Jenn and I try to catch up while we're tending to the needs of all of them. Logan is so interested in Louise...saying "baby" and giving her hugs. Scrambled eggs and English muffins today.
Jenn "released" her new blog to me today. It's so exciting...and so beautiful! She's really done an excellent job. Someday I'll figure out how to do some of the special effects...but for now, I'm just keeping up with my babies.