Carson-cute

I was talking to Carson about pets the other day and we were going over a list of animals that would and would not make good pets.  When he mentioned that fish could be a good pet, I agreed, but said it would be hard to put a leash on a fish and take them for a walk.  Carson didn't miss a beat and replied "Yes you can Grandma.  You put him in a little jar of water with a lid and carry him around with you!" 

Never a Dull Moment

On the way to school Monday morning, driving from my house where we hit rush-hour traffic, Ruby says "Grandma, at this pace we will never get to preschool!" On the way home from school while sitting in traffic I got a text message and was quickly looking at it -- Ruby said to me "Grandma, keep your eyes on the road!"

Near my house are speed bumps in the road and the kids like to put both hands up as we go over them. I was joining in the fun when Ruby says to me "Grandma, keep both hands on the steering wheel!"

I think we have a back-seat-driver in training............................... yikes!

On the way to school Monday morning I told the kids their mommy was running in the Boston Marathon, right then. They were wearing their new Boston Marathon t-shirts to school. On the way home from preschool on Monday, Ruby asked "Is my mommy still running?" (No darling!)

We just got in the car and I was starting up the engine. I had a Michael W. Smith CD in and it started to play. It was the beginning of a new song and Michael was playing a piano solo to start off. Carson says "that sounds like music Schroeder plays on Charlie Brown!" Then the song actually starts and it is AMAZING GRACE. From the time the twins were very little they used to request that song be sung to them at night before lights were turned out. It was sweet to have them both recognize the song and be happy it was playing.

Funny Sign

I was walking the dog and came across a lovely home with nice landscaping and a well manicured lawn. There in the yard was a rock with a sign engraved on it (it could have been a fake rock).

Unattended children will be given a

latte and a free puppy!

It made me laugh out loud.

Easter at the Jones'

What a gorgeous day we got for Easter Sunday. We spent it at Grandma Carrie's and Grandpa Ray's house, complete with a ham dinner, egg hunt and the famous Jones' croquet game!

Ruby was entertaining herself with these Jones family photos. We snuck up on her talking to the pictures and the little dolly next to her.

Can't hardly wait for the hunt to begin. Here they are peeking outside with Aunt Lindsey.

Pause for one photo with Grandpa Ray before the hunt begins.

Time to dump them all out and see what they have. They were perfectly content with no candy inside the eggs. Grandma Carrie put a few small items that represent the true meaning of Easter and they seemed happy with that. (please, no one tell them about Easter candy!) They asked that the eggs be hidden again so they can hunt them after naps, which of course we did. Almost as much fun the second time around for the kiddos. Then the kids hid the eggs for their parents to hunt.

The famous Jones family croquet game. I grew up playing but haven't played for decades. I don't believe Kristin has ever seen her mother play -- and she was surprised that I even know about the game! When the kids got up from naps, Carson came outside without his pants on and immediately got right into the game with his Grandpa. And he was pretty good, too! They won!

Who taught him to stand that way???? Such a cutie-pie! Gotta love those strong, muscular legs!

If case you wonder why so many of the posed photos do not include Carson -- it's because he is so busy running around being a boy! It's hard to catch him long enough for a posed photo.

Fun At Grandma's House

My little street artist. Carson really got into these drawings (and his clothes were covered with chalk!) But, hey, when the sidewalks are dry long enough, we make them the art canvas! There is a park 1/2 mile from my house and we walk there when the sun is out (or when it isn't raining).

Coloring Easter eggs is such fun.

PALM SPRINGS VACATION!

Last week Kristin, Ruby, Carson and I enjoyed a fabulous 7 days in Palm Springs -- compliments of my parents. Over 30 years ago my parents purchased a one week time-share in Palm Springs and it has been a wonderful tradition for us to travel there for a week in the springtime. The first time Kristin went she was only 5 and Katharine was 19 months. By taking the twins down we now have had 4 generations of my family enjoying the warmth and beauty of the desert. We all have sweet memories of our time with my folks and this past week we made many more memories.

On our final leg of the trip back home, Kristin said "Mom, we made memories that won't soon be forgotten!"

The following group postings are done in order, starting with the shuttle bus ride that took us from our parked car to the airport and ending with a Subway sandwich on our way back to Portland. Since Portland doesn't have any direct flights to Palm Springs, and since Portland charges $200 MORE per ticket for the pleasure of an annoying all-day adventure to get to Palm Springs, Kristin and I drove to Seattle where we caught a direct flight into PS. This was the twins first airplane ride, and they were so excited and eager to get going. I'll have to say, their behavior was near-perfect the entire trip (and that's coming from a grandma who isn't afraid to count to three or give time-outs!) I don't believe there was one time out the entire trip. Both kids had window seats on the plane, and were so enamoured with their surroundings. I was sitting next to Ruby and she said some quotable things -- "Grandma, this is going to be the greatest day of my life!" Then, as we were still sitting on the tarmac, she said "Are we almost there?" WE HADN'T EVEN TAKEN OFF!!! But with plenty of things to keep them busy and snacks to munch, they did exceptionally well for the 2.5 hours flight.

Shuttle Bus, Security, Waiting to Jet Off to Palm Springs

We parked at Doug Fox extended parking and took their shuttle to the airport -- who thought it could be such fun! Before we took off, the driver let Carson sit in the driver's seat -- but I hadn't gotten my camera out yet. (oh, by the way, Carson put his hat on that way!)

Hold on, little Ru!

Holding his mommy's hand while we rode -- probably his first time of being in a vehicle, outside of his car seat!

Carson suddenly got shy at the security check.

Carson was so great with hauling this carry-on bag. Kristin and I really had our hands full and needed his help, and he is so strong, he pulled it the entire time. (not a real great driver, though, and kept running into us)

FIRST Airplane Ride

We had the very last row of seats, with Kristin and Carson on one side, and Ru and me on the other. Carson was looking at one of Kristin's fashion magazines!

Ruby was glued to the window for a long time, and kept saying "are we going to be as high as GOD?"

Since we were the very last seats, we were the last to get off. I had both kids over with me while we were waiting, and Ruby was watching all the people that she really hadn't seen before. I don't think she realized we were not alone!!!

Firemen to the Rescue -- Palm Springs

We had a rental car and rented car seats. Neither Kristin nor I could figure out how to get them safely installed, and the rental car guy said by law, he couldn't assist us. But there just happened to be a fire station next door to the airport and we were rescued. After Fireman Ron got the seats in, he asked if we wanted to see the trucks -- boy did we!!!! This was an extra added bonus we didn't plan. Here Fireman Brett is posing in front of the big trucks that are used for airport fires. The kids were very comfortable and pleased to be with these firefighters -- since Carson talks about wanting to be one when he grows up!

THANK YOU PALM SPRINGS FIRE FIGHTERS!

Yeah for the Pool!

On our first morning Kristin had gotten up early to take a run (in preparation for the Boston Marathon she is doing April 16th). I didn't want to take the kids in the water without her help, so we walked around and saw the pool and felt the water. I LOVE the look of sheer joy on Ruby's face as she touches the pool water for the first time!

Here they are ready for the pool, but waiting for their mommy to be ready to go with us. Little Missy learned what the term "sunbathing" meant.