Up, up we go

Mack finished her Kindergarten book before Christmas so today I took to the park and then to Barnes and Noble to pick out a new one. Flipping through various kindergarten books, I quickly realized that Mack is ready for the next level up! So we swiped up two reading books and a math book and then I let Mack roam free through the books. I will never forget the sight of her, flitting through the children's section, scooping up books by the dozens. If I had a million dollars right then, I would have bought her every last book there. She must have whispered " I just wish I could have all of them" five times before we left. I understand that feeling, too, and often have to fight that urge myself. She settled on a snakes and reptiles book she found in the bargain area and has already had it read to her twice. I just can't get enough of that little girl.

Daddy date

Mack's school is having a daddy/daughter dance next week. Unfortunately, Mike has to work that night. After hearing Mack talk about how much fun it would be, Mike was racking his brains to figure out a way to take her. Coincidentally, he heard an announcement on the radio about a daddy/daughter dance being held this weekend in Greeley. Mike has this weekend off so he made plans to take her.

Mack was excited to lace up her sparkly dancing shoes. Once she did, off they went to Noodles and Company for dinner before they headed to the dance. Along the way, they met several other couples who were headed there, too. When they arrived, they were greeted by a reporter from the Greeley Tribune who interviewed them about the event. Despite the fact that Mack " Only dances at home" they had a great time together! 

Mike is far and away the very best father I know. It brings such joy to me to see him playing together and learning together with our kids. These days , these " every day" things, are building a foundation for a relationship that will out last tantrums of every kind- baby to teenager. No matter what life throws at them, Mike will be there , gentle and ready, an active participant in their lives.

My Mx2

Wacky Weather

Mack feeding Sonny on a jacket free day

After six days with highs only in the teens, Colorado has turned up the heat! We're hanging tight in the 50's and 60's and my spring bulbs have started to bloom. I love the warm days but it seems like we should have a bit more winter before we confuse the plants with this kind of weather. You can bet that we've taken advantage of the nice weather, though. Mason loves the swing Grammy bought him this fall and Macky and I have invented a new version of tag with Ellie as our third " person" . I've also tried to chase out the nasty cold viruses but opening the windows on the mild days. Despite it all, I sure hope we get some big time snow soon. While the mountains are rolling in feet upon feet of snow, we on the plains have had a measly 8 inches of snow so far in 2013.

Scientist at work

Our little scientist was so excited when she tore off the wrapping paper to find Grams and Papa had gotten her a beginners microscope! After seeing how interested Mackenzie is in seeing all things tiny, Mike ordered her some high quality slides similar to what he used in his ( first) masters degree! The two of them spent an afternoon squinting at the tiny cells of a dogs esophagus, various plants and other animal cells.  She's so impressed when I tell her that her daddy spent many years studying biology and, as a nurse, is a scientist as well.

9 months

I can't believe that Mason is 9 months. He's growing up faster than any of us like!
Here's a bit of what Mason is up to now:

Waving
Crawling
Pulling up
Cruising between furniture/people
" Hi!"
He's gone from 2 teeth to 7 in just a few weeks and loves his food. You can tell when he stumbles upon a new favorite by his " mmmm mmmm MMMM " noises. He loves potatoes and any kind of meat. Baby food in a pouch is a must for our mornings along with cheerios or other cold cereal. The only thing he's rejected is broccoli but we'll keep trying. Maybe one day he'll change his mind.

He's the BIGGEST charmer and he loves to be out and about.  He's battled one yucky cold/tummy virus after another the last few months but he remains such a happy little guy. I've met lots of interesting characters thanks to Mason's love of waving. No one can resist coming to say hello to this sweet , smiley baby.

When we drop Macky off at school, the kindergartners are outside playing and Mason giggles, wiggles and screeches at them , wishing he could be running and playing, too! At that rate he's doing, it sure won't be long.

He's due for his 9 month well child exam ( woohoo for vaccine free appointments!) next week. I'm excited to see how much he's grown.

Papa brings a chicken

One of my dads favorite things to do with all of the grand kids when they are babies is to bring in a chicken for them to see. True to tradition, he came through the door a few nights ago carrying a Rhode Island Red hen who was not the least bit happy with where she found herself.

Remember my post about how rough Mason can be?
This girl would have lost a handful of feather were it not
for the quick reflexes of Aunt Carley

Macky was right there next to Papa, ready for her turn to hold
the chicken. She's quite the animal lover.

 " Don't we eat these?" 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bittersweet

JoAnne Ellen Phillips
1933-2013

It has been a sad week for us as my grandma's long journey with cancer ended. Being with her in her last few days made me realize how lucky I am to have had my grandparents as long as I have. Mason and Mackenzie are lucky to know three of their great grandparents ( Mason won't remember his encounters with Grandma JoAnne but I've got pictures to jog his memory).

Grandma was a beautiful woman. She was never with out her lipstick and a brilliant , pearly white smile. Her favorite color was red, which complimented her naturally rosy cheeks. I remember as a little girl thinking she was Lucille Ball. She had a fiery streak and a bit of a quick temper ( which she passed down to each of her 6 children, my dad getting the heaviest dose) . I described her as sassy but she was the 9th out of 12 kids and her sister said it was "survival" . 

Losing a grandparent feels a bit like losing part of history. Suddenly, I am full of questions I never got to ask her. I feel honored to have been able to spend the last few days of her life with her . Holding her hand, examining the lines of her face as I scoured my brain for all the memories I've collected over my life was a gift to me and, I hope, a comfort to her. Though her life is over, I do know that she makes the most beautiful angel and ,somewhere in Heaven, she is reunited with my grandpa and has kissed the face of my brother and that thought brings comfort to my heavy heart.