It's Always Fun When Grandma Comes!

Let's travel back in time again to the middle of March when Grandma Susie came to visit during Spring Break. We had so much fun!

Here we are picnicking outside the Henry Doorly Zoo.  Yummy bananas!  They'd fit right in with the orangutans.

Our kids don't get much punch, so Eli's drink was a real treat.

Our Brooklyn McCall is certainly growing up.

A few years ago they tore down Rosenblatt and built a new stadium to host the College World Series.  This commemorative ball diamond marks the spot where the stadium used to stand.  Here's Eli rounding third.

Talia on her way home.

NomiAnn and Papa Kay were able to join us for the zoo picnic and excursion.

When riding a komodo dragon, it's best to mount a sculpture instead of a live one.

Susie and Brooklyn's turtle is a bit less dangerous.

Wow, something's sure got Papa K amused!

Grandma Susie likewise seems quite entertained.  So what is it?

This Siamang gibbon was hilarious, marking its territory through the most outrageous hoots and howls.  As you can see, Siamangs inflate their entire throat to "sing."  And I thought my kids were noisy!

A visit from Grandma Susie was the perfect excuse to ride the carousel.

Here's Brooklyn with Baby Annika.  Brooklyn is so wonderful with her little sister!

The peacocks are some of my favorite zoo residents.

Eli asks the kid goat, "So when I'm done brushing your hair, do you think you could help me with mine?"

Talia Lily has been working very hard at growing some new teeth.

Annie Mae hitches a ride back to the car on Papa K's shoulders.  Fortunately she seems to be behaving herself.  A few times she's taken after Mike Tyson and chomped her grandpa's ears.

Saturday March 15th found us in Red Oak, Iowa where we ran the Shamrock Shuffle.

We were so lucky to have Grandma Susie there as crowd control, even guiding the troops through the 1 mile course.

Our speedy Daddy took first for the entire race, a feat that Brooklyn considered worthy of a homemade ribbon.

Jason and I stood out as the only ones not dressed in green.  Oops!

When the race was over I looked down and decided that I need new running shoes--pronto.  Thanks to the small field of competition, I also took first for my gender and age division.  As this was the inaugural year for Red Oak's Shamrock Shuffle, we look forward to defending our titles next year.

And now for our annual St. Patty's Day dinner.  Eli looked quite dashing in his green vest and beads.

Brooklyn snuggled in with Papa K in their favorite recliner, checking out some hilarious limericks like: "There once was an old man of Esser, whose knowledge grew lesser and lesser.  It at last grew so small, he knew nothing at all, and now he's a college professor!"

Annika in her cute green bows...

...and Grandma Susie in her fantastic top hat.

Many thanks to my parents for hosting our St. Patrick's Day dinner, including some lovely decorations.

On the menu, of course, was corned beef, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, green beans, green jello, Irish soda bread, and a yummy key lime parfait.  What a perfect farewell meal before saying goodbye to our grandma the next morning.

Thanks again for your visit, Susie.  We love you!