The Grandchildren

Sheila's daughter, Liza, had to work this weekend so we had a nice visit from the grandchildren over this rainy, snowy and damp Memorial Day weekend.  When Liza returned to the house after work, we dug into a nice barbeque pulled pork dinner with homemade cole slaw and homemade french fries.

Even though we were stuck inside the house, we had a really nice time.  You can view all 28 photos here, at my Zenfolio account.  

Someone is now comfortable on her feet...

The kids are getting big very quickly.  At 13 months, both of the kids are standing now when they feel the need but Mackenzie appears very comfortable on her feet.  She has no problems getting to her feet, bending to pick things up, standing again, taking a step, but still seems to prefer to crawl when she needs to get somewhere.  There is no doubt that crawling is still easier and faster for both of them...  but not for much longer!

Uncle Adam set up some of his trains for the kids.  While he was setting up the track, Lukas occupied his time by climbing up, down and all around the big Lionel train set boxes.  Then Lukas decided he needed to help Uncle Adam with much more track and trains than was necessary by completely emptying both train set boxes and was generally hindering the effort to set up the trains so...   Grandma rounded up the kids for bath time.  Luckily for everyone involved, the kids love being in any sort of water, including bathtubs, so there were no complaints nor crying, just excitement.  While they were off splashing around in the bathtub, Uncle Adam finished putting together the train set without interruptions.

Quiet time with the grandchildren...

When the kids were dry and in clean clothes again, they came out to the trains running around the tracks with the horn blaring.  Mackenzie seems to be drawn to the figurines and buildings, while Lukas gets excited over the trains themselves.  Since Kenzie likes the figurines and buildings the most, I suppose we should look into a nice Fisher-Price dollhouse for her soon.  It is pretty obvious that Lukas would like any trains...  or boats...  or cars...  or trucks.  I find it interesting watching behavior and interests evolve in any child, or adult for that matter, but it is even more interesting when watching this evolution in twins.

Lukas trying on his new life jacket...

Grandma got some quiet time with the babies too.  That little bit of down time seemed to be enough of a rest for the kids to get recharged in time for mom to arrive.  Even though there was a lot of eye-rubbing, there was no way they were going to give in to the need for a short nap.  I do the same far too often although I may whine more!

While dinner was being prepared, Kenzie and Lukas tried on their new life jackets that we recently bought for them and any other little ones wanting a ride in one of our boats.   Now the kids are ready for some flat-water kayaking this summer!

I'm sure my mom was smiling down on us as the kids tried on their new life jackets.  For those of you who are not a sibling, cousin, aunt, uncle or simply a childhood neighbor, I should explain that my mom was the self-appointed and resident "life jacket monitor" at Brant Lake for the entire family and even the extended family.  I don't think anyone in my family can see a life preserver of any kind without not only remembering my mom, but hearing my mom yell "Where's your life jacket?"  So, I'm sure my mom was smiling down on us as the babies were trying on their new life jackets.

I will close this blog entry with an amusing photo...  I tried firing off about six photos of grandma holding her grandchildren but Lukas just kept sticking his finger up his nose!   There is always one clown in every group photo who just won't listen!