Gram is: GREAT!

We were lucky enough to have Debby spend a few days with us over her spring break.  Nolan -- and the pups -- (well, and Mikel and I!!) were in seventh heaven.  It went by too quickly!

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Gram is: SPUNKY

We had some great park-going weather.  Gram is up for anything.

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Gram is: HELPFUL.
 It bodes well for me that she can't seem to sit still, especially considering that we had been in our new house for only a couple of weeks and there was plenty to be done...
This photo was taken during nap time when I had been relaxing in the hammock.  In an effort to get Gram to relax, I poured her some tea, stocked her with a lifetime supply of RealSimple magazines, and assigned her a seat on the shaded porch. Paradise, right?  10 minutes later, I glanced over, saw an empty seat... and came inside to find this.

.Putting our guest bed together.
...I will say.... As I write this, we are anticipating more company this week, and I was sooo glad that the bed is ready to go!  :)  So, thank you, Debby!!

I needed to get the Jeep's oil chnged (long since!), and Debby kindly did some babysitting so that I could accomplish that in peace.  So thankful that she did because it ended up being a long appointment, and I just got to enjoy it a bit.

I EVEN got to run by the grocery store, where I snagged this sample and didn't have the share it with anyone!  Oh, how spoiled we ALL are when Grandma comes to visit...

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Gram is: PATIENT
On a particularly sunny morning, Debby, Nolan and I payed a visit to the zoo -- a favorite.

Debby is so patient with Nolan when he resists the stroller in favor of walking on those wobbly little legs.

Beautiful zoo day!

I have always wanted to ride the train thing at the zoo where the driver tells you all about the animals - where they came from, how old they are, unique things about them...

What were we thinking?  Nolan was done after about 7 minutes (as was the little girl with the *piercing* voice in front of us) - and we still had 25 to go.  Oh well - at least we can say we've done it.  :)
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Gram is: COMFY
Nolan experienced 2 "firsts" that week:  1 happy, 1 not so happy...
1) His first McDonalds Coke and fries combo

... and 2) His first big-time walking calamity with a face plant to the cement pavers outside.

Some attention from Gram stopped the crying - and bleeding! - pretty quickly.

Everyone is a fan.  The pups hardly leave her side when she is here - especially Khaki who cried like a baby when Debby walked through the door that first night.

Khaki got up in the morning and ran straight in to see if Debby was still here or if she had dreamed it.

This pose is a common theme.

 Debby, you're lucky Mikel and I didn't just crawl up there too.
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Gram is: as LOVELY as the AZ springtime :)
One evening after Mikel got home, we all walked down the road to the beautiful Marriott resort grounds.  It's so nice to be in an area with endless sidewalks and walking routes.
- On the way -

I think Nolan found that binkie in the depths of his stroller seat.

Once we got there, we had to let someone out so he could show off his walking skillz and enjoy that beautiful green grass.

A favorite picture! (see how lovely??)

Ever since we had Nolan, I have been made more and more aware of the special relationship that is a boy and his mom.  So thankful for the love we all get to enjoy from you, Debby.  Thank you for sharing one of your most precious with me.  :)
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Gram, we are counting the days until you can come again.  You are full of energy, life and love.  You whipped this house into order after our move; you "ooh and aah" appropriately over any meal we fix; you're up for anything and demand nothing.  We are so lucky to have you.

We love you.  Thank you for spending your spring break with us!!