Spending A Week With The Grands

Last week Andrew and Nikki went on a cruise to New Mexico. I went to their house and stayed with Haley and Mason all week. Although I have probably never worked so hard in my life, I still had a blast. I hope I never forget how Mason sang with me as I rocked him, or Haley putting her little face right in front of mine to say, "you are the best!" as I read her books. And no, everything wasn't happy all the time. I dealt with meltdowns, naughtiness, and frustration at times. But, the love that spilled over in my heart was undescribable. 

I gave them lots of baths.

They both love taking a bath, and I am so glad. They never once complained about it. Haley loves letting the water run over her head.

 I told her to let all of her hair go over her face and I would show her what a hairy monster looked like. I took her pic to show her.

Haha!
Mason was happy and content to pour water from one container to another.

When it was time to wash him, he would get really mad, especially if I had to wash his hair. He was usually ready for bed as soon as he got out. Taking a bath made him sleepy.

Several days I took them outside to play.

I made Haley a flower headband.

She loved it, and the next time we played outside, she started picking flowers for me to make her another one.

Usually Haley rode the tricycle and Mason sat on the bicycle while I guided him holding the handlebar. I just had to stand on one side of him and hold the handlebar. It rode so smoothly and didn't hurt my back.

I didn't get a pic, but Mason loved pulling and pushig the wagon around the garage. 

Some evenings I let them ride on the front porch while I sat on the steps and relaxed (NOT!) Hahaha. I had to make sure Mason wasn't getting the rocks out of the planter or trying to jump off the steps. I also had to make sure Haley didn't ride her tricycle down the steps. Really tho, I enjoyed watching them play. Haley kept saying, "thank you for bring us out to play." She is so sweet and thoughtful.

There were priceless moments that thrilled my heart.

We also played with the playdough, and Mason didn't put it in his mouth. (yay!)  Haley made a mermaid.

I thought it was an amazing job for a three year old.

Nikki had left a note and surprise for Haley when she was a good girl. It was paint and suncatchers. In the evening after supper (when I remembered) she painted. Nikki drew Haley a picture of them because Haley loves drawings.

Haley was thrilled with it and hugged it to her.

Isn't that just the sweetest thing!?

One day I decided to steam mop the floors. Haley helped too.

The day I cleaned her room, she kept me entertained by dancing on her desk to the music on her CD player.

At night time, after getting them to sleep, I would fall into bed exhausted. I usually slept wonderful and even better than I slept at home. Andrew and Nikki just bought a new mattress and it is the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. 

In the early morning hours, Haley would usually come to my (their) bed and go back to sleep. Most of the time I hardly roused. I got up before they did because Ryan would call me before he went to school and  I didn't want to wake them. It was so sweet to see them sleeping.

If only Ryan had been able to stay too, everything would have been so much better. It was really hard being away from him, and he didn't like it either. I was so anxious to get back home at the end of the week. He really missed me, and it made me feel good. Maybe I am doing some things right as a mom. :) Ryan doesn't show a lot of affection, so I was surprised that he missed me. I love him more than words can say!! He is still my baby boy. ;) (don't tell him, tho)  

This week Ryan had two end of the course tests on Monday and Tuesday. He asked if he could stay out of school since he didn't have anything important. I told him if he would help me work. So, today we borrowed Papaw Sha's truck and got mulch for the landscaping. We worked and worked and were so tired. I weeded and he mulched. I am so happy with all we accomplished but there is still a lot I want to do. Mark came home from work and said it looked so good. :)

Ok, I am off here to wash the dishes. I have been consistant in getting my dishes washed every night. Yay! It feels so good to get up to a clean kitchen in the morning. I hope you all have a safe, wonderful night, and a blessed day tomorrow.