Grandpa Jim is Here!

The holiday season is upon us...and we are happy to be filling our house with 

little bits of Christmas magic...and also a visitor!  Yes, yes, Grandpa Jim is here from Oregon!

He brought with him some unseasonable warm weather for Ohio ...so we've been 

able to really get out and have some fun. He also taken on the

role of babysitter for a few days too :)  So, these pictures are a combination 

of his and mine. It's fun to get a little glimpse of what Max is up to during the day

(including, but not limited to - playing with every single toy, not wearing pants, 

not napping, and asking for "Sago Mini") 

Grandpa Jim babysat on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday....

and I know from experience that it is no easy task to take 

care of a very active toddler - round the clock - but

he has certainly risen to the challenge! He

kept Max occupied and happy - even squeezing in snacks, lunches, 

and selfies! haha!

Once the weekend hit and the thermometer hit

62 - we ventured over to a new park on the Scioto River. 

It had two play structures and ample chances

to toss rocks into the river. Max loves to throw

rocks but then got a little miffed when his pants

got dirty. 

After our adventure on the river, we squeezed in a visit

to Oakland Nursery.  They had a Santa with virtually no line - 

and Max had almost no interest in seeing him.  He tolerated it 

for about 30 seconds and then demanded we go on 

(another) carriage ride. 

On Sunday, Papa Rob and Grandpa Jim went to see

the new James Bond movie and Max and Mama went 

to see Auntie Stacy!

The weather was outstanding (again) and so we got to 

play outside on the playground, walk around her pond in search of frogs, 

and give Penny her new Grinch bandanna! 

We also gave her a new chew toy (it was a big, pink, Pig)

but Penny loved it so much, that she ripped it to shreds in about ten minutes. 

RIP Pig. 

After his nap, we went on a neighborhood walk (in search of our beloved 

blow mold penguin that disappeared from our yard on Saturday evening).

Though we did not find the penguin - we did run across some pretty sweet

inflatables.  I used to be an inflatable hater.  I could not even stand them 

one little bit.  Why would you want to have that in your yard I scoffed? 

Unfortunately, when I saw how much Max loved them, I became

an inflatable believer. Cue me, searching the interwebs high and

low for a mini snow globe.  Did you know they are also super expensive?

The people in my parent's neighborhood who have like ten of them, 

likely have about $1000 wrapped up in those crazy things! 

I'm very clearly getting off topic here - but it's wild!

We capped off Sunday evening with ice cream at UDF. 

I tried the Chocolate Chip Peppermint Stick and it was yummy!

Max tried the mint chocolate chip (he's usually all about the strawberry). 

All parties were happy with their respective choices. 

We also exchanged gifts - but Max flew through those....so alas, no pictures! 

Max loved playing with his new blocks (and knocking them down). 

Not pictured - his love of the cash register too - it

has "his cards", as well as dollars/coins, and whole lot of other bells and whistles. 

Monday (after an enormous tantrum over socks) - we

made it to Zoo lights too!  I kind of forget how

unique and special the whole Wild Lights experience is by about 

mid December.  However, walking around with Grandpa Jim

made me appreciate it all over again!

The lights truly are quite stunning! 

Max loved the train and carousel rides too!

By Tuesday - Grandpa was ready to chill 

and watch some Paw Patrol :) 

haha!  I know that feeling all too well!

The TV quickly becomes my best friend. 

What a treasure for Max to spend so much time

with Grandpa Jim!  While we didn't squeeze in our 

normal trip to Franklin Park Conservatory...we

were able to get out and visit and do so many of our 

beloved places and things. Thanks for being part of our

holiday season Grandpa Jim! Can't wait to see you again!

Xo