Daddy Flies Out, Gramma Flies In

On Saturday we had to again bid farewell to Douglas.  We had a nice family morning first though thankfully and then just as we dropped him off, we picked up my mom (yay for Gramma!).  

Anyways, back to our morning.  Koen and Tavin started some new swim lessons.  They are unfortunately all the way out in Robinson, but after just one lesson, I'm telling you it's worth it!  Our gym lessons were nice, but not very organized and didn't prove extremely helpful due to large class size and not much routine.  These swimming lessons (British Swim School) are organized and productive.  As a former swim instructor myself, I was thrilled with the instructors and their approach.  I can't wait to see how the boys thrive.  They both did really well in their first lesson.  Here's a picture of them in their class-color swim caps.  So cute!

Doug hung out with Penn (so he wouldn't be jealous about getting in the pool) and they had a lovely, chilly nature walk.  Penn had a blast!

After swim lessons, we all did some errands together (which I thought was fun, but I think Doug was sort of over it after our second store).  Then we had a quick lunch at Chick-fil-A before dropping Doug off at the airport and picking up Gramma.  Having to say goodbye to Douglas/Daddy, was made a lot easier by at the same exact time saying hello to my mom/Gramma.  Right after the airport, we headed to little Marshall's first birthday party (a shared party with his little friend, Lincoln).  Here's a few shots I got of them "eating" their first cake.  Happy Birthday Lincoln and Marshall!!

From there we finally took Gramma home (we had been out of the house since 8:15am!).  We've had relatively simple days since she arrived, although I've been cramming in as much work on the kitchen project in as possible with the backup.  For instance, on Sunday, my friend Taylor came over for the afternoon and evening to paint the kitchen and Gramma had Melder boy duty.  The weekdays are flying by with the school routine, etc.  Gramma is finding lots of time to bond with Tavin and especially Penn this trip (Penn has no time constraints except naptime =)).  Tavin has learned how to play "Sorry."  He asks Gramma to play every afternoon.  He is getting good at it!

We've had some beautiful Fall days, so we've been getting the boys out in the fresh air as much as possible.  Gramma has been a huge help doing much of the swing-pushing (Tav and Penn are sooooo into the swings!!).  Here's Penn swinging on Gramma's lap with "Barkers."  Penn doesn't like to let Gramma out of his sight!

This morning Gramma and I took the little guys to Farmhouse Playground at Highland Park.  Tav and Gramma had a little walk to explore.

Penn was waiting for their return.  Hi "Bah-Bah" (that's how he says "Gramma").

Penn got some attention from Gramma though too (on the swings of course).

This evening we got all 3 back out to Osceola before the sun set.  Koen was running around with kids his age, so I still haven't caught a pic of him with Gramma yet, but of course, there was more swing time for the little guys and Gramma.

So far our week without Doug is going along well.  Can't wait for his return, of course, but so thankful for my mom being here for backup and company (and just some much needed time together!).