Grandparents are the Greatest!!

We've been so blessed by my parents' visit right around when Penn was born and then the fact that Gramma, my mom, is staying in town to help us through this transition.  Yesterday we had a great visit with Nana & PopPop as well.  Koen and Tavin were so excited to see their grandparents, have some quality time with them and of course, introduce them to our newest family member, Penn.  Here are some images of all the grandparent love these blessed boys have been getting...


Gramma brought a present for each of the boys and we've been so busy with all that Doug is doing with the big boys that we haven't needed the distraction.  Finally, the other night we had some down time that needed to be filled and it was a perfect time for a little unwrapping.  

You can see that Tav quickly figured out that his gift had one of his favorite characters...Lightning McQueen!

Look how happy he is about his "Ligh-Ligh" shirt!

Koen also got a Lightning McQueen item, a beach towel.  He loves it.  He's been wearing it as a cape and keeping it on his bed in his room.  Good job, Gramma, these guys definitely like their gifts.

Tavin got to open Penn's gift (Koen had helped Penn open a package we received from Aunt Abbie earlier in the day).

Then Tavin got to show it to Penn.  Penn looks super psyched. =)

Thanks, Gramma.  As if you haven't done enough already!


So, yesterday was our special visit from Nana & PopPop.  They arrived around 11am.  Koen was so excited!  Tavin was affectionate right away too.  Koen barely left PopPop's side all day long.  It was so sweet to see how much he enjoys his grandfather.  He looks up to him in so many ways.  Koen loves talking about PopPop's woodworking shop, his woodcarving and fishing hobbies.  Lots of fun times ahead for PopPop with these Melder boys I'm sure!  Nana couldn't wait to get her hands on Penn.  She's such a natural with little ones.  Penn was so comfortable in her arms and didn't seem to want to miss a minute of his time with her.  He had one of the longest wake-times ever while Nana was entertaining him!

Later while I was nursing Penn, the big brothers got to open some gifts from Nana & PopPop (we always say that presents aren't necessary, but these boys get so spoiled from their sweet grandparents!, thanks for the fun distraction Nana & PopPop!).  Here are some brother photos as they patiently waited to open (Doug was photographer since I was indisposed)...

Tavin got a fun book and he was so excited about it.  Koen also got a book (Nana is a pro at picking out great books!).  He was thrilled to find out it has an audio CD so he can listen to it during rest-times.  The boys also got Veggie Tales band-aids and toothbrushes.  So funny how kids love getting toothbrushes.  They both brushed their teeth before nap due to all the excitement. =)

Before nap, Tavin got to read his new book with PopPop.  So precious!

While the big boys napped/rested, PopPop got his hands on little Penn.  I love seeing the boys with their grandparents and extended family.  We are so blessed to have such caring family members.  Look how precious of an image...

While all 3 boys' naps/rests overlapped, Doug and I got to play a great game of Rook (which Doug and I won by the way) with his parents.  One of our favorite ways to sit around and catch up and have a little fun.  It was fun to just relax and play a game for a change.  We look forward to our next rematch! =)  After our game, I had to feed Penn again (man, feeding the little guy every 3 hours really makes the days fly!) and Koen got up from his rest.  We all had a great afternoon visiting and then had a lovely dinner together before Nana & PopPop had to hit the road and head home.  Thanks so much for making this special trip to meet Penn and see us.  It was a great visit and we look forward to the next one.