a little snow -

It has been a few years (or so it seems) since we had one of these, measurable snow and we got less than promised -wouldn't you know it and despite the cold, I had to go out and check out the out-of-doors. The day was cold, gray, and quiet and and did I say cold.

Not to deep, about 4-5 inches or so, mostly little ice pellets or sleet that fell on top of a couple of inches of real snow.
when the snow melts we will have an abundance of daffodils. There are a bunch just about to bloom and more and more on the way.
and traffic was limited to the mail and the newspaper, so as I mentioned it was very very quiet. - and cold -- a great way to have a weekend with staying home as the featured event. Now we are talking.

Scooter Riding

I still have lots of photos from my visit - so indulge me while I reminisce! One sunny afternoon we all went outside to enjoy the warm weather. While Julianna road her bicycle, she let Lydia try out her scooter. Lydia had some success?!

Pretend Cooking

One thing that Julianna and Lydia enjoying doing is cooking - both real and pretend. We did both on several days. Here are photos from one enjoyable morning!

Feeding the Animals

Julianna and Lydia enjoy pretend cooking and pretend feeding - mostly feeding babies but in this case, animals! Great Grandmother Hodges sent the zoo animals - we had a great time playing with them on several occasions, Mom - thanks!

We Made Puppets

By the time you see this post I will be on my way home. It was a wonderful visit - my visits here are always wonderful and memorable. And leaving is always sad.

While I was here we didn't do as many crafts as we normally do but we did make hand puppets! Julianna made a hippo puppet and

Lydia made a lion puppet.

Playground and Dinner

When Matt was in town last Sunday the family went in to town to a favorite playground. Julianna and Lydia played and the whole family enjoyed the warm afternoon sun - one of my favorite parts of the day!
While the children played with Daddy, Laura, Isaac and I walked around the complex looking at expensive new single family homes (rare here) and a few townhouses too. We all met at a "Bali" style restaurant with fancy dishes and posh couches.
The girls ended the day by playing with (and chasing) marbles that a little boy had at another table.

Washing Dishes

I (Grandmama) have decided that I am more of a photo journalist than a story teller. Laura would beg to differ with that because she has more than once suggested that I (and you too Granddaddy) take a photography class. My theory is that if you take enough pictures as least some of them will be good. I took about 30 of Lydia as she washed dishes one morning for about an hour - you get to see the best!

Taking a Bath

Julianna and Lydia really like taking a bath -it is quite a game for them. Here they are attired in the latest in swim wear - underwater goggles for diving for bath toys.

While we were playing in the bath, Mommy went outside and she said we were laughing so hard she could hear us - from the 4th floor!

We did have a good time as evidenced by the photos.

We finished up with some water flute music.A good time was had by all.

Going Shopping

The other day Julianna and I went to the store for a few items including dried beans for the bean bags. Here's what the route to the store looks like.
On the way there is a public bus stop. Usually there are a lot of people waiting on the bus but only a few were when we passed by. Some of the older men and women don't actually get on the bus - they just sit and watch the action. Perhaps Granddaddy and I will do that one day with the locals?!
When we got to the store, Julianna posed out front.
Inside Julianna procured a shopping basket.
Then we walked the aisles looking for all the items we needed.
Finally we went to the cash register where we checked out. Julianna did such a good job as my shopping guide, she got to choose a little treat for herself and Lydia. All in all a very nice outing - kinda strange though depending on your 4-year old granddaughter to do all the translating!

Isaac in the Sun

Sitting in the afternoon sun coming through the living room windows is a favorite past time here. It's been pleasantly not so cold this trip so most days three layers keeps your warm indoors! Isaac enjoys the sun-sitting too - he's so easy going and smiles all the time! Some favorite toys - a ball and one of his sisters' toy rolling pins which helped him produce his first tooth break through a couple of days ago!

He's a handsome boy in his "little man" clothes and the delight of the household!

Whole Lot of Dancing Going On

There's a whole lot of dancing going on in this household - I get treated to a show at least once a day. "Fancy Nancy" Julianna leads the way getting appropriately attired and doing lots of twirls.


Not to be left out, Lydia joins the fun!

Then a pause for appreciation from the adoring audience of one - love from Grandmama!

An Independent 2-Year Old

The other afternoon after nap, Lydia sat in the late afternoon sun and put on her panties (she wears pull ups while she sleeps). After several starts, pauses, stops and re-starts, finally success! Love from Grandmama!