Grandma's visit! And Happy New Year!

Grandma arrived last Saturday! After a frustrating day at the airport, she finally arrived around 11 p.m. Natalie was so excited to wake her up Sunday morning! We had such a nice time with her this week, and glad that she was able to have a longer visit this time!

Sunday we went to church, then got Oliver down for a nap, and Natalie, Grandma and I spent the afternoon shopping. Introduced Grandma to Cuban sandwiches.

Monday, I dropped Natalie and Grandma off at As You Wish - a local pottery painting place. Natalie made Grandma a snowman ornament, and Grandma made Natalie a penguin statue. I left them there, and took Oliver to meet Mitz at Home Goods. Bought a few things, then we went back to pick up G and N - after Mitz and I chased each other around the parking lot in our cars - don't ask. We all had lunch, then got the kids back for nap/quiet time.

Tuesday - Natalie's friend Trinity came over to play for most of the day. Then we had an early dinner, and headed out to Zoo Lights - Aunt Jamie came along with us. This is the first time we went in Phoenix and it was beautiful - really well done.

Wednesday - Trinity came over again, and we all went to the "big park" - about a mile from the house. Got McDs for lunch, then I left the girls with Carol while I took Oliver to the doctor - raging case of croup again, and he was prescribed steroids for a couple of days. Then Jon got pizza for the kids and Grandma, and we headed over to Nicholas and Rex's for dinner - had a nice night out - thanks for babysitting, Grandma!

Thursday - Grandma and I took the kids to the zoo during the day. Didn't know it was snow day there - the place was packed - but they had two areas with some snow. Natalie loved it, of course. Oliver, not so much. He's definitely our Arizona native! He thought it was fun until his hands got really cold, then it was all over - big drama. But he kept going back for more, then he'd get cold and upset. The final time, I was so proud of Natalie.... Right after she dumped snow on him (and he found that funny), he played a bit, got cold, got upset, and instead of ignoring him, or calling for me, I watched her take him by the hand, and every so gently led him down the snow hill over to me. It was so sweet to see her caring for her baby brother like that. I got a little choked up. Oh, and we all got to feed giraffes! Grandma and I got slimed a little, but that was OK. The kids loved it - it's such a neat experience. Got the kids back, nap/quiet time, I started cooking. Mitz and Pops came over for dinner and the evening. We had Chicken Saltimbocca (and mine/Cook's Illustrated was better than Bucca di Beppo's, so there!), crash hot potatoes, steamed broccoli, and Tres Leche cake for dessert. That cake is divine - my first time making and trying it and it's so good it's unreal. Got the kids to bed, and the adults sat around and drank and played poker until well in to the New Year! Mitz brought several lovely appetizers, I made hot crab dip and we had chips and salsa as well. One of the best evenings we've had - lots of laughter, obnoxiousness, some vulgarities, and just a general good time!

Happy New Year! I'm adding Tday, Christmas and N's birthday pictures now. I need to get the ones from Grandma's visit uploaded and edited - will try to get that done over the weekend.