Gather. Rinse. Repeat.

Gather together.

Rinse off the day (tub time).

Repeat - for the next five days.

And, that is exactly what we did this past week.  Gather.  Rinse.  Repeat.

Our days blurred together.  With the houseboat not in the water yet we found ourselves being creative.  If you saw Monday's post, we did the same the rest of the week.  But added more.  Building forts.  Created with Lego's.  Rode on a pontoon boat.  Watched the Royal Wedding (okay, they were not real troopers here, and I had to stop and restart it - but he did come running when I yelled they were going to kiss....).  Went to the park.  Poured over family photos (Maddie LOVES to look at her Mamma).  Threw rocks.  Got dirty.

Every day possessed new challenges.  We were never bored.  Tired, but not bored.  They slept hard and fast.  Awesome for me.  And, most importantly, I learned a lot from them.

I learned Maddie wakes up looking like a Fraggle Rock and has the most unbelievable smile.  It's like having a puppy.  Oh, so happy to see you.  If she had a tail, it would be wagging.

I learned your house is never 'baby proofed' enough no matter what you think.  Silly me thought they would not touch this or that.  BaaaaHaaaa!  Things she handed me I did not realize were missing or at her level:  lighter, screws (???), toothpick flosser, coins, clippers - two pairs we thought were gone for good, and a deck of cards, or, umm, partial deck (still haven't found the rest).

I learned right before you think you are going to lose it, you get a second wind.

I learned that as a grandparent you have much more patience.  I owe that to having more time.  You have all the time in the world for them.

I learned I would do it again in a heartbeat.  But, it would be nice to have them separately.  Having them one-on-one gives them special time with the grands.  Jack's only special time was when Maddie was sleeping or he got to go to work with Opa (which, I might add, was limited as Opa was down for the count most of the time - so Yes, I had three babies at home)!

My favorite phrases heard this week:

1.  Noooooo Maddie!  I want the Barbie with the pink dress!!

2.  Oma!  I got the booger out!  It was a BIG one!

3. Guess who is very, very good?  I am very, very good.

4.  That is an excellent idea!  (When asked if he should be able to stay up to wait for his parents to come).

5.  I need the constructions so I can make the Lego's.
6.  MammaMammaMammaMammaMammaMamma (while clutching the phone after Momma has hung up).

And for your viewing pleasure, here's some of our week....

Oma almost dropped her camera trying to get down fast enough to catch her!

No shrill at Oma's - or Time Out.

UPS let Jack test drive.

Jack's turn to pour.

Maddie would rather eat than pour.

Spoon lickers.

Walking in the woods.

Some cute kids in the woods.

Jack getting big air on the destroyed fort.

Maddie flying high.

Cookie helper.

Taste tester.

Time Out sucks.

Tah-Dah!

We actually had pieces left over...

Back side...

After backside leaned against the wall, hmmmm.

 

 

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Forgot about Barney for three days, then realized how great he is...

UPS finally showed up when Maddie was not napping.

Boat day!

Jack LOVES to ride in the boat!

He will soon have a job at the marina!

Look closely...he got a bulls eye!

Last, but not least.  Here is my new treasure.  We took the kids flea market shopping on Easter (our anniversary) and found this deal and yes we brought it home with the grandkids!  Under 20 bucks!

So, in closing, I also learned what a good mother my daughter is and what a great job she is doing.  I have well-behaved, polite, sweet grandkids.  All her hard work is paying off.  I am lucky.  Very lucky indeed!  Thanks for letting me watch the kiddos!