So what exactly is it that the girls play everyday

This is a picture of a typical play scene at Grammy's.  The girls started with one activity, which spiraled to another and then another and pretty soon there is just a big mess of stuff in this little sitting room that is quiet the circus act to get around.  Usually it starts with the old records and farm implement books in this one book shelf, then that leads to needing to go to someones house and so the doll houses come out and they play with those and then somehow kinda put themselves in the dolls world and decide they are tired from all the activities they are doing and so they go and get pillows and blankets and they play sleeping for a while and then it kinda repeats itself.  The stairs are a super fun play toy too.  The upstairs act as desks for a teaching a class and the downstairs act as desks for the girls to sit at and have an office.  They are playing so well with such a small amount of toys.  The first thing I am doing when we get home is getting rid of and putting away a bunch of the toys.  They have way more than they need.  Yard sale here we come.

Ways to help Grammy

One of Allie's favorite things to say lately is, "is there anything I can do to help?"  I love it when she says it; I also cringe sometimes because having a "helper" is usually more work for mom-and it has proven to be more work for Grammy but she hasn't seemed to mind (though the fact that she needs a power nap everyday is proof).

The girls have helped make breakfast

 They have helped Grammy make some use out of all those old dance medals for mine and Steven's that she has been saving.  The girls have been earning these for trying new foods and taking medicine.

 We've helped Grammy go through all her records by throwing them down the stairs like Frisbees (breaking some in the process-meaning the pile will be made smaller because of this).

 We have successfully sorted out the small ones (that fly really great) and the large ones (that make a nice loud thunk when hitting the floor).

 Allie helped vacuum with Grammy's little vacuum that doesn't make too much noise which is perfect for Allie.

 And we have helped grammy get in touch with her childhood side by playing Barbies-which has also helped to lose a few small pieces thus making the clean up a bit more of a breeze.  

Tag You're It

Here is one more video left over from the Grammy visit.  I came into the kitchen one evening because I could hear squealing and laughing and this is what I found going on.  Bless my mom.  She was such a great play mate for the girls.  We miss her.

Last pictures from Grammy's Visit

I am trying to get caught up on family events.  These are the last of the pictures and videos from Grammy's visit.  She is gone now.  She went home on the 13th of November.  Allie woke up the next morning and ran through the living room to the kitchen and then stopped and went back the living room where Grammy had been sleeping and said, "where's Grammy?"  I said, "Remember she had to go home."  She said, "I want her to come back."  We had a blast while she was here.  

Here is Grammy doing puzzles with Brailie and Brailie is showing Grammy her tongue.

 Here is Allie doing puzzles too.  They had such a blast together.  I think my mom sparked some new immagination in Allie and creative play ideas.  They were always together laughing and rolling on the floor or doing something crazy.  What a great chance for them to bond.  Allie can't wait to call her on the phone now.

 Here is our attempt to get some good pictures together of the girls.  However the "girls" were so cranky and so we weren't too successful. 

Playing with Grammy

We have had so much fun playing with Grammy.  She is leaving us now this weekend and we will miss her.  She is so good to play pretend with Allie.  They play people's, shopping, farm, school bus.  She has been on the floor rolling around, playing tag, up and down and around the house.  My mom has been such a good sport.  And any time my mom refers to herself as Grandma Allie says, "no-you're not Grandma.  You are Grammy."