Bryson's Lady

If Bryson had to pick his leading lady, he would pick Grandma Ellen. These two are buds, and adorable buds at that. He really enjoys his time with Grandma Ellen, my theory is that he has figured out she won't tell him no like his mom! She is defiantly doing what grandma's do best, spoiling grandkids and giving them things she wouldn't have given her own kids, but giving them to ours because she can!!!

The First Lady

Girls Inc. had a luncheon and brought The First Lady in as a speaker. 

Dr. Seuss

Toady is Dr. Seuss Day! The kids got excited this morning and decorated the hearth will all the Dr. Seuss books and then got dressed for the big day. Mason wore his shirt to school, his class didn't do much to celebrate, but Ellery had crazy dress day. We put her hair in pig tails and braided in a pipe cleaner so we could bend her hair in place. Next time I will put a pipe cleaner in each strand so I have three rather than one to bend. It worked out well, but three would have been even more fun and bendy! She enjoyed wearing different socks and shoes for the day. Grandma Ellen made an appearance at her school and read her class a book. 

I was inspired by a craft she made in MDO the week prior. It was a cute hand picture made into Thing 1 and Thing 2. I decided to try to do it on t-shirts, but bought red color shirts and I should have bought white. The project was already in progress so I adapted to make it work on red. They could be better, but still make me smile and I enjoyed making them!

Sleep Over with Grandma Ellen

The kids had their first sleep over at Grandma Ellen's. Bryson stayed at home with me while the others went off for the night! We all had dinner together at Grandma Ellen's and then the evening fun started. Rumor has it that they didn't get to bed until after 9pm, but had fun watching movies and playing. We did make these sweet Valentine's for Grandma Ellen,. We wanted to butter her up so we can do this again!

Lauritzen Gardens

Grandma Ellen had read that Lauritzen Gardens was having a beuatiful poinsetta show along with a mini train going all around the indoor garden. We planned to go before Christmas, but Grandma Ellen was really sick and we weren't feeling great either. Even after the holidays it was beautiful and everyone had a great time at least so I hear. Rob was able to spend time with him mom and the kids without me, while I worked on getting a few things accomplished at home with a quiet house! Did you hear those angels singing? I sure did! From the pictures they shared with me and the cute ones of Bryson exploring, no doubt a good time was had by all!

It was so nice out they even went up the stairs by the garden to see the train on exhibit from Union Pacific! HUGE

Happy Birthday Early to Grandma Ellen

Grandma Ellen is moving to Omaha, but first she is going to live on the beach for a month! Since she will be in Charleston for her actual birthday we decided to celebrate early! No objections by anyone in this house, and excuse to eat cake is always welcome!!!!

Charleston Shark Shirt

Grandma Ellen got Bryson the cutest shark shirt that says Charleston on it. The shark mouth lifts up to show some shark teeth. Bryson might not enjoy it, but when he wears it the kids enjoy looking at the shark teeth. I think Bryson just welcomes the attention! Very cute and thoughtful of Grandma Ellen to think of Bryson!

History in Charleston

We spent an hour downtown walking around the battery in Charleston before our sunset cruise. I spotted this bicycle peddle cart and flagged him down and requested a ride around the block. We sent the two oldest with Grandma Ellen and Ellery wailed like a siren the whole time. I am not sure if anyone else truly enjoyed themselves with listening to a "siren" the whole time.

Ellen and I couldn't stop staring at this soldier statue. For some reason we found his sword position hysterical!

Grandma Ellen and LEGOS

Grandma Ellen was brave and celebrated Mason's birthday party with him and a bunch of rambunctious kids! I think everyone had a good time. She was a huge help and helped out with Bryson during the party. We appreciate her help and support!

Grandma Ellen

Grandma Ellen came and met us in Hutchinson while we were back. She went though the Cosmosphere with us and as we were leaving suggested she take the kids though the gift shop. The kids were excited to pick out a play pack of astronaut figures and space ships. It is comparable to a green army man pack, but all space related. Grandma Ellen spoils the kids with all sorts of love!

Do you See a Pattern

Hmmmmm, Mason has been pointing out a lot of patterns lately. They have really been working this concept at school. I happened to see a patten with holding Bryson lately.

Christmas with Grandma Ellen

We had an early Christmas with Grandma Ellen. The kids were excited to see her, but even more excited when they saw that she had presents. The highlight was a spiderman punching bag that is as tall as Mason. For some reason they would say nibble every time they hit it? The really funny thing is that when Ellery was opening her present she ripped off the paper and stated look at my box with enthusiasm. She was throwing the box down without even looking inside of it. She was excited to just take wrapping paper off and happy to have received a box!

KU Basketball

We headed out to the Qwest center to watch a KU women's basketball game against Creighton. Grandma Ellen came into town and was able to join us for the big event. Bryson enjoyed some snuggle time with her while Mason and Ellery kept asking where the Jayhawk was. The Creighton Bluejay came over to give us high fives. Ellery thought the Bluejay was a Jayhawk, but Mason kept correcting her. We all had a good time at the game, but I think the real highlight came with the gigantic escalator ride. If you don't remember Mason and I got stuck in an airport for multiple days when he was younger and rode the regular escalators for at least 45 min. He must have some deep seated memory of it because he spotted these escalators and instantly requested a ride.

Bryson Blanket

Grandma Ellen knitted up a beautiful blue blanket for Bryson. She said it wasn't anything fancy and she just used yarn from her stash, but I think it is precious. I think it is something he will cherish forever from her. I have an afghan knitted from my Granny and Rob has one as well from his Grandma. Some things never go out of style!

Help from Grandma Ellen

While Rob was out in DC playing, Grandma Ellen came to help me out! A big thanks for all of her help with the kids!!

Grandma Ellen Passes Through

Grandma Ellen passed through on her way home from SD and we had a wonderful time with her visiting. We really enjoyed all of her help especially cuddling Bryson. He is getting better on not having to be held all the time, but I think Grandma Ellen really enjoyed her snuggling time with him. Thanks for all of your help! We really appreciate it and I know Rob is especially thankful for all of your ironing, I know I am!

More Visitors

Grandma Ellen stopped by for a visit on her way to Sioux Falls for a couple of days. I think she enjoyed meeting Bryson and holding him.
Uncle Tom was coming through town as well. He was thrilled to hold Bryson, as the kids were thrilled to see him.

Grandma Ellen Passes Through

Grandma Ellen went up to Sioux Falls to meet her great grandson and stopped by our house on her way back home for the night. The kids enjoyed seeing her and I enjoyed the company since Rob was working an over night shift. She did get to witness the slipping and sliding down the slide and even laughed, but was quick to console Ellery on her last slide. The rain did stop and it cleared up so we all were able to hit the pool. Mason was able to show Grandma Ellen how he goes under water and swims while Ellery showed her version as well, but her head never goes under. It is more of a dip our ears and hair in the water.

Legs Up the Wall

Grandma Ellen came up to visit and help us out after my eye surgery. The kids love playing with her and follow her around like puppy dogs. It was wonderful having the extra pair of hands helping with the kids and good company to chat with. She was attempting to get a relaxing moment with doing her yoga pose called legs up the wall when he little shadows decided they needed to do it as well.

Swim Little Fishies

We took the kids over to Grandma Ellen's pool and let them swim. I expected Ellery to cling to me more or watch from the edge of the pool, but she wanted to jump in and swim just as much as Mason. They both love the water, what a surprise. I am not sure what the 3rd kid will get, but when Mason was a baby we took him to swim classes. We haven't taken Ellery to any classes so I guess it can't get worse for the 3rd. It did make me realize I need to get Mason into swimming lessons before summer hits.