I decided to fly one more time to Peoria before heading back to Iowa. There were lots of grandchildren activities this past week and I wanted to share in the fun! I arrived on Monday, April 15 and picked up Drew at school and then we drove to the day care to get Ryan and Kayley. All were really happy to see me, even Ryan! He remembered me from their Spring Break trip to AZ evidently. Yay!
Tuesday Ryan stayed home with me but Drew and Kayley went to school. Megan was in Miami until Wednesday night so I am glad I was there to help out. I picked Kayley up after her lunch and Drew rode the bus home which is something he does not normally do. Usually he stays at an after school program until Andy gets him after work. He is a bit hesitant to ride the bus but he did just fine and I was waiting by the door waving. :-)
Wednesday morning was Grandparents Day for Drew's kindergarten class so I was so glad I was there to be a part of it for him. They sang us a song, taught us some sign language, took our picture together and we colored the frame for the picture. Drew did not want me to leave and wanted to come home with me but I finally talked him in to staying in school for the rest of the day and said I will be waiting for him by the door when the bus drops him off. Well......that didn't go so well. They have early dismissal on Wednesdays and I didn't know that so was not standing at the door to greet him. In fact, the door was still locked and he was knocking and finally rang the door bell. He was not a happy camper, to put it mildly. I felt SO bad but he forgave me and said that I didn't know about school getting out early. Whew! Here is a portion of the song the kindergarten children sang for the grandparents:
Drew and Grandma at school
Thursday brought Grandpa to Peoria! It is so wet (big change from last year!) so he cannot get into the fields. He decided he wanted to join in on the fun, too. That night Drew's kindergarten class and the first grade classes gave a concert. It was such fun watching him perform. He is such a shy young man but he was very animated singing! I think Grandpa was glad he was able to attend!
Friday Kayley stayed home from school with Ryan so we could enjoy them both. We didn't tell Drew that Kayley was staying home as that would not have gone over too well!
Saturday was a big day for Kayley and the entire family. It was the March for Babies sponsored by the March of Dimes and they were the Ambassador Family for the walk. Megan gave a short talk before we took off and they led the group when they departed on the walk. After the walk we returned to the Riverfront in downtown Peoria for sandwiches and there was a bouncy house and games for all the children. The weather finally turned nice and it couldn't have picked a better day to do it since all the activities were outdoors. One of Megan's friends from Chicago drove down to participate which was really nice. She also had Peoria friends and their children walk in our group. It was a great fun-filled day for a worthy cause.
Introducing the Ambassador Family
Getting ready to walk!
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Kayley's picture board for the March for Babies
Kayley had a great day. As we were getting ready to leave she said "I love the March of Dimes" :-)
Kayley and friend poop out so Drew gives them a lift.
Bouncy House
Sunday brought Mark's visit to an end as he took off for the farm late that morning. I watched the kids while Megan and Andy went furniture shopping for a bedroom set.
Monday was time to head back to the airport and my flight back to AZ. It was so hard saying good-bye to everyone. I suppose it will get easier some day, but I don't know! Here is one last video of sweet, sweet Ryan:
Megan, Andy and the children flew to AZ last Friday and spent the week with us. We had such a wonderful time and enjoyed every minute! They flew back to Peoria this morning and Mark headed to the farm at the same time so you can imagine how lonesome old Grandma is feeling right now! I have lots of great memories to get me through, though!
The weather was picture perfect their entire stay and we did lots of fun things. The highlights for the kids were the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, the Phoenix Children's Museum, an amusement park for children called Enchanted Island, and a Diamondback's game for Drew. Kayley and Ryan stayed with me while everyone else watched the longest game ever in Chase Field history....16 innings! They got home very late and Drew made it through the entire marathon of a game. Wow.
Megan and I took Drew hiking at Pinnacle Peak and he did very well. Kayley said she wanted to hike so we took her to North Mountain. Let's just say she didn't do as well as Drew. :-) Another morning Megan and I hiked a 5.5 mile trail up the mountain and had a great work-out.
Megan and Andy were able to meet with old friends while they were here and they enjoyed that time. Megan also visited her old law firm one afternoon.
Mark and I were so happy that they came and cannot wait for them to do it again. :-)
Some highlights of our week:
Our day at the train park
The Phoenix Children's Musem
Easter Sunday
Enchanted Island Amusement Park (This one is a bit noisy!)
Last night we stayed at a hotel so that they would be closer to the Gateway Airport for a VERY early morning flight. I invited Lisa and she brought son Taylor and grandson Daniel Jr. Junior is so cute and such a contrast from my blonde and blue eyed grandchildren.
