More Grandkids

Another day with the grandkids. No, that isn't the only thing I do in life. The other days I work, work, work, and work. Grandkids are my occasional break from work. Heidi went to her scrapbook retreat and we had the kids for one of her days gone. The rules at Nonna and Poppa's are slightly different than the rules at home (and the rules we had for our kids). We play, I don't get quite as stressed about messes, and a random jumping on the couch is OK.

Deegan spent about half an hour or more wrestling, punching, throwing, slam-dunking, and whatever else this poor alligator could handle. It reminded me of the All-Star Wrestling matches of the 80's.

It is funny how much a five-year-old can imagine and do with a stuffed animal!

Sy was a little more tender and careful with her animal.

Deegan roping the steer from the trampoline. Standing on the tramp puts him closer to the height of sitting on a horse to rope. First throw, first catch! After this one, he seemed to get a little less careful and a little more cocky. He didn't catch again until he stopped and listened to instructions from Poppa.

Sitting on the tramp.

Deegan insisted I jump on the tramp with him, so I did and Poppa held Sy while he watched us. We jumped, cannon-balled, played tag, jumped some more, and when Nonna stopped jumping was told in no uncertain terms to start jumping again. Sy joined us for a few minutes of gentle bouncing and loved it!

Deegan and I made M&M cookies, I made those yucky "pigs-in-a-blanket" that I thought I would never have to make again, had quiet time watching a movie while Sy slept. When Poppa came home (the weather got better) we played outside, Deegan fed the calves and stock, drove the truck, checked on Optimus Prime Rib, and had one heck of a good time with his Poppa.

Birthday Girl!

Syeira turns one! Nonna forgot her camera! Thank goodness for cell phones that have a camera!

Nellie (Sy's aunt) had prom that same night so we all went to Grandma Julie's house for birthday and prom preview. Julie made appetizers and finger foods and Heidi made a cake. Mikie and Cherisa met there as well.

Sy opened presents, with a little help from her thoughtful big brother. One gift was a tiny little ring that she is trying to take off of her finger right now. It was fun to watch her play with the ring. At one point I noticed it was on the finger on the other hand, then she was chewing on it. Finally, Heidi had to take the ring and put it away.

Sy's very favorite gift was this little stuffed Elmo toy. When Elmo's mouth opens, he talks and makes sounds. Sy first would just open Elmo's to hear him talk, but then would just shake him and get the same results. It was so fun to watch her figure these things out.

Josh pulled out Nellie's old dirt bike and amazingly enough, Deegan's feet touched the pegs (but not the ground). They started up the bike and Deegan took off, with a little help getting started. He was a natural, no surprise there, and went around and around without wanting to rest at all.

Another fun day with grandkids. What a blessing to be so close to family and have time to spend with them.

Soccer!

Deegan and Syeira stayed at our house Friday, Friday night, and Saturday morning. Heidi went to San Francisco with her mother-in-law to see "Wicked" and enjoy a weekend of fun. We had the kids until Josh could be home with them on Saturday and Sunday. Of course, Friday night we played too long and went to bed too late. Saturday morning Deegan had his first soccer game so we took the kids to Vernal to watch the game and meet Josh.Deegan is practicing with Poppa. I don't think Dee knows that Poppa coached soccer at Union High for several years. Deegan was so excited to play!

The coach is giving last minute instructions. Deegan had only had one practice and when the game started, he was frustrated because the other kids were kicking the ball and not letting him have a chance at it. He really did not understand the game, and that, combined with little sleep the night before, provided some emotional moments. When Deegan came to sideline, in tears, Josh and Mike (Poppa) helped explain and then motivate Deegan to go back on the field and try again.

So excited! Deegan scored a goal (for the other team). He was so proud of his accomplishment! Thankfully, no one criticized or made fun of him. Everyone congratulated his fine skills and suggested that next time try to make a goal in the other net.

Even Sy clapped for her big brother!

End of the game cheers and some pretty pleased team members.

After the game, Deegan and Josh spent time kicking the ball around, passing, dribbling, and shooting. Josh is really a good dad and Deegan adores him.

Hiking

One of the favorite nearby places to hike is Papago Park. Roux picks his own route and we follow. First the lake to see the ducks and geese, and then to throw little sticks and rocks into the water. (Do all boys love doing this? I remember my sons doing the same thing!)

Then follow the stream and throw more little rocks and dirt. We have to look closely to see if there is anything interesting in the stream, but not so close as to fall in.

Next we follow the path that Roux chooses. Naturally he has to pick up sticks, play with the bugs, examine every little thing along the way, and tell us all about the wonderful things he has discovered. For me, the fun part was that he always had to hold "Nonna's" hand as we were walking. What a way to boost my self-esteem!

At the top with the hole in the rock behind.

Mom and son looking out over the view.

Roux and I (and Vi) had such a good time playing, snuggling, reading books, walking, and enjoying the grandma and grandson bond. He is such a sweet little boy and I love being able to spend time with him and his mom.

I can't wait until my next visit--maybe in May???

Easter and Arizona

This was my second trip to Arizona since Christmas. One purpose for going is to look at homes. Right now we could purchase a home down there and pay cash for it--no mortgage, a nice newer home, and year round sunshine. We would be closer to Vi and Roux, and my parents will probably end up in Arizona after being away for several years. So many plusses, but then there would be so many lifestyle changes. It is hard to know what to do right now.

The good thing about going--it is a great excuse to spend time with Vi and Roux.

Easter morning with Roux. He wasn't sure about this egg hunting stuff at first, but once he figured it out there was no stopping him! We colored a few eggs the night before and Roux was fascinated with colored eggs. After he went to bed, Vi and I hid the eggs around the apartment for Roux to find Sunday morning.

The icing on the cake, for Roux at least, was finding candy, treats, and even a dollar inside of the eggs. In the easter bags (not baskets) were bubbles, sidewalk chalk, books, and Easter clothes. You can see he was more interested in the eggs and their contents!

After breakfast, we packed a picnic lunch and went to Freestone Park (or something like that).

Vi and Roux walking around the ponds and looking at the ducks. Roux saw the bubbling of the water pump in the pond and insisted it was a whale--so then, we tried to find the whales.

Nonna and Roux on the merry-go-round.

Sidewalk art

Roux loves to draw, and is pretty good for a not quite three-year-old.

We spent a couple of hours at the park with lots of other people enjoying the day as well. As we were leaving, more and more people came. We timed it just right! What a fun and relaxing day.

Nonna and Poppa's house

A few weeks ago Heidi asked if I could watch the kids for her. I don't remember what she had going on. I arranged my week so I could help her out and spend time with the grandkids. Thank goodness the weather was sort of decent--still a little chilly, but bearable.

Deegan caught this little snake all by himself. He was so proud! He carried the snake around with him for quite some time. I seriously was surprised he didn't squish the innards out of the little guy, but when Deegan finally let the little guy loose, it slithered off.

Syeira and Poppa on one of the horses.

Nonna, Syeira, and Deegan on horses. It was still early in the year and the horses hadn't had been ridden over the winter. For this first ride we had to stay in the little round pen so we could "teach the horses some manners."

Poppa and Deegan went up to check on the new calf. Seriously, this calf was about 125 pounds when it was born. That is huge! Deegan named the calf Optimus Prime (transformer dude). Mike added the last name of Rib. Now the official name is Optimus Prime Rib.

Volleyball

Unshakable!!!

Somewhere along the line that became our slogan. We may get shook up a little with volleyball, but as women we are strong and unshakable!!!

City league volleyball came to an end last week. My one night of socializing and activity and now it is over. The ladies on the team are so much fun. When I am around them my mood lifts and I feel somewhat younger. Last week Liz brought the petitions (for a new rec center) for us to sign. When I filled in my age, she looked at me and said, "You really aren't 50, are you?" Yes, I am--but it made me feel good when Liz acted so surprised.

Smokin' hot ladies!

We took third this year--better than last year, but not as well as other years.

Full of excitement! You can tell all of these ladies are younger than I am. Some of them are young enough to be my daughters! Yet, for some reason our diversities strengthen our bond as a team.

Every year I decide I am too old to play, and then Carrie calls and asks if I am going to be on the team. How can I say no to that invitation? One of these days they will quit calling, and I will know it is time to move on. Until then, I will play with all I have.

Thanks ladies, for a fun season!