What does a chicken nugget say?

According to Gemma: quack!

She's been carrying around this guy or gal for the last few days and quacking. Or maybe she's clucking?

Monkey see, monkey do

Amelia was begging to go to the park this week. With temperatures in the 90s and a baby sister with the same personality as evil kenevil (she runs away, runs in front if swings, attempts to climb tall ladders from the top down, tries to climb up slides and eats rocks/mulch/sand), the answer had to be no.

We found a compromise with painting her toenails. She is a girly girl at heart and she jumped at the opportunity for some glamourfying. I didn't realize that when Gemma was emptying the bathroom cabinets, she was also taking notes. After every conceivable bottle was out of the cabinet, Gemma sat herself down with a Chapstick and went to work polishing her own toenails.

Monkey girl.

Grandpa

Grandpa Tom

12/20/24-7/23/13

On pirates

One of the added bonuses of this weekend was some special family time. My brother flew in from California and sister came with from the cities. My aunt and uncle are in town from Massachusetts. These are some of my favorite people and we don't see each other often enough.

Our families were staying in a hotel while in town. The check in process and unloading was underway. Even when things are going smoothly, checking this many people with small children is chaotic.

Uncle Mike went to drop some things in his room. Upon seeing the look on my face, he invited William to accompany him. (Big points awarded, points are redeemable for little to nothing). Later in the evening, Mike repeated the following conversion to me:

William: mike! Mike! I know a lot about pirates!!
Mike: really? Tell me 3 things you know about pirates.
William: sure! Pirates shiver timbers.
Mike: (tries not to laugh. You should never laugh in the face of a pirate expert) oh? Wow!
William : yeah. Sometimes the timbers get shivery.
Mike: I think it means that the ocean sometimes hits the boat and makes the boat timbers shiver.
William: (plowing on) the next thing is that the sails attach to masts and yardarms.

And the third thing is they speak their own language.

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Gemma's first m&m

My grandpa Budd has always carried m&m candies in his short pocket when there are kids around. I don't remember a time when he didn't have treats for me regardless of the time of day. It's a great ice breaker and the kids always come to him. Nothing warms you up to someone like chocolate candies.

It is no surprise my kids are delighted by this tradition. This weekend marked Gemma's first m&m from her great grandpa Budd. She wasn't sure what to do with it at first. Mama stepped in to give a little guidance. It only took one and she was great grandpa's biggest fan!

A compliment?

William: mom! I love your sunglasses!
Mama: thank you William (feels a little smug. Straightens up, smile on face)
William: yeah! I love them because you look like an insect! Giant insect eyes are so cool!
Mama: ... (Whaaa? Deflates)

The goal

The goal this weekend was simple: see my grandpa.

Accomplished. I held his hand, looked into his eyes and sat by his bed.

Unexpected was the look of pure joy this morning when he looked up and saw Gemma in my arms. "Hi baby!" He whispered. That smile, although intended for Gemma, sprinkled down I to my heavy heart and made me.... I don't know if there is a right word. It was a special moment.

I cannot thank my whole family enough for moving heaven and earth to allow me to see my grandpa. It was not an easy undertaking. But, every single person in my family did it without one complaint (okay, that is not quite true. They are kids after all. But, no one complained even ONCE about the situation. Just about normal stuff like being hot/cold/tired/hungry/etc.)

1900 miles and 26 hours in the car over 4 days. I sure do love these amazing kids- and John? You are a star. Thank you, thank you, thank you.



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