Today is the DAY

Heather is coming for the weekend. She has been marking off the days. Grandpa and I will pick her up when she gets out of school today. Fun times ahead.

We arrived at Heather's just before she got home from school.  We were waiting in the drive way.  Very excited to see Natalie and the children.  The hardest part of the day was leaving Sam behind.  He was crying even though he and mom were going to make a Cosco run.  Hopefully it will not be too much longer that we and his parents will feel that he can sleep over without them.  However, Natalie did say that she was sure that if he did come poor Grandpa would be absolutely worn out playing and caring for him.  He is a man's man.

The ride home started just the way we thought it would.  "What should we do now".  We played the spelling game, the princess game and the quiet game and before we knew it we were at our home.  Heather is getting very good at figuring out words when you tell her letters.  She is learning her sounds.

The hardest part of the whole weekend for Grandma is coming up with something that she will eat.  She is doing much better but it  is still a challenge.

For sleeping I decided that it is just too cool to sleep on the floor by the side of our bed.  (Her favorite spot), so we blew up the air mattress and she and I slept in the family room.  First night not so great ---- she does take the whole bed with moving around, the second night much better.

On Saturday it was off to the movies to see "The Chipmunks".  Aunt Tonya, Kelsey, Nate, MacKenzie, Grandpa and I joined her.  It was a cute show that she enjoyed along with the popcorn, drink and treats.  After the movie Heather, MacKenzie, Grandpa and I went to Maddoxs for lunch.  (thanks to the Nielsens and Ryan Firth Family)

The drive home was crazy.  We started the quiet came about three times, until we finally got close enough that Heather could handle it.  She is the one that was in charge and we laughed and laughed.  She is such a darling little character. 

Later in the evening we had a special visit from her Aunt Lisa and her cousins, Carli, Kaden, Brittani, Kevin, Kinley and Gracie.  Then it was time to take a worn out MacKenzie home.  Not a dull minute when Heather visits.

Perhaps the most beautiful event of the weekend was on the drive home.  Again we were playing games and laughing.  When we passed Aunt Lisa's work place I showed Heather the beautiful American flag on the end of the building.  I asked Heather if they said the Pledge of Allegiance at her school.  I started with the words - "I pledge allegiance to the flag" ---she did not say yes or no, but in her very quiet voice I heard the words - "of the United States of America."  It took me back a little bit so I asked her to start over and say it in her louder voice.  "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all".  She knew every word and they do say it at her school.  I am so glad as well as so proud of this little one and those who are teaching her the blessing of being and American.

Sid, Natalie and Sam had stayed home from church with colds.  They were doing some better and felt good about the work they had accomplished for the weekend. 

We so love Heather to come.  However,  I feel so bad that when she gets home she gets cross and has a hard time sharing with little brother.  I know that this is normal but look forward to when she goes home and is just happy.

After a quick trip to the Despain's we headed home.  Tired but grateful to be parents and grandparents.  Love you.

Great spot to watch movies.  We watched Toy Story 3, Cinderella II (twice), Little Mermaid, and Monsters.  We played go fish, crazy faces and animal rummy ---(no not by the rules - they were written too small for Grandma to read)
And when we weren't doing this grandpa and I ran the rope so Heather could jump rope --- glad for this big room.  Then we read her cute story book.  That is she read it.  She memorizes so fast when you read her something.   Did pretty good.