Matt and I braved flying with three children for the first time to come visit Grandpa and Nana in Tucson this past week. The kids, and the grownups, had a fabulous time. Most of that, of course, is due to Grandpa and Nana, grandparents/parents/in-laws/chefs/pastry chefs/entertainers/babysitters/french teachers/storytellers/etc. extraordinaire. However, the pool certainly didn't hurt - especially as far as Grady was concerned. He spent as much time as possible in the pool. And with his floaties on, he was quite proficient. It was exciting to see him swimming so well.
Clara also enjoyed the water, though not to the extent Grady did. She mostly enjoyed floating along making her supermodel faces.
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| Daddy's been hit! |
Theo made one venture in, which he enjoyed, but for the most part I kept him out because the sun was so intense.
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| I swear, he liked it |
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| Hanging with Grandpa poolside |
Another big highlight of the trip was the visit to the Tucson Children's Museum. The museum is pretty incredible, and kept going and going. Grady's favorite part was picking the magnetic fruit. Clara's was putting on the hat.
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| Post-mask-making cuddles |
The kids always enjoy the storytelling skills of their grandparents as well. Nana and Grandpa bought Grady a book in French, which Nana read expertly. (Well, we assume, since no one else could read it.) And just cuddling and hanging out was at the top of the favorites list too.
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| Little smiles |
It was a wonderful visit. Grady is already asking to go back.
Even the travel went fairly smoothly. Grady was entertained by a movie, Clara was entertained by coloring and speaking very loudly and a little nap on the return flight, and Theo was entertained with milk and funny faces and a little nap.
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| Matt being read passages from the bible while Theo does a no-look hair pull |
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| Tuckered kiddos post-Tucson |
The trip was the real highlight of the past few weeks, but a few other things of note -
Theo moved into his own room this past month. Sleep has marginally improved. We had a small streak going of one wakeup at 2:30 and then up around 6. He sometimes (almost always) adds in a wakeup before 2:30, but for the most part he's improving.
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| Weirdest sleeping position yet- arms raised, hard to capture, but super cute |
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| First night in his crib |
Theo also remembered how to roll back onto his back from him tummy. We had a solid month of him rolling onto his tummy without remembering how to move back - and being pretty upset about that - so this is a big development!
Grady has been making big strides in French lately. He seems more interested in learning, which has inspired me to try to learn again too. Thank goodness for free French apps! It's a bit daunting, but I'm enjoying the challenge.
Other than a minor setback with a bad tummy virus, Clara has been a complete joy lately. Tantrums are down to an all-time low, allowing us to see her sparkly, funny, quirky personality.
We are looking forward to a visit from Uncle Cliff, Aunt Susie, and cousin Brandon later this week. It will be the first time Clara and Grady have met their cousin, so we are all pretty excited!
Here are a few more pictures to share.
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| Clara - climbing superstar |
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| First time eating breakfast with this guy |
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| Clara being helpful |
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| Sunflower awe |
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| Clara looking grown up |
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| Clara not looking grown up |
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| Grady modeling his new legwarmers |
