Just us Grandmas

So, last Thursday I drove to Lakewood to drop off Faith and Cameron plus Jessica's two youngest, Cole and Lindsey at Kathy's house. Kathy had asked Amy if they could come spend some time with her while her AZ kids were there for the summer. Since Amy's schedule is so weird and she is still traveling to Phoenix each week, she just couldn't figure how to make this happen. Well, I wanted to visit with my parents and spend the night with them but I always have grandkids with me when I go that far, so it all worked out. I dropped the kids off then went back to Covina to spend the day/night with mom and dad. I had a nice lunch with them and then we went to the stores- KMart, JoAnn's, Staples and Dollar Tree.  I dropped them off to let them have a rest and then I went back out to get my haircut. We then dined together for a nice leisurely dinner and were back in the apt. by 6:00 PM. They were pretty much done for the evening. We all read books, mom did some needlepoint and dad turned on the news. There was a thunder shower which took us out to the patio for a spell, but other than that, it was a pretty boring evening. They both retired to bed at 7:45.  Well, I tried to read myself to sleep, but even that didn't work. I watched some TV, went back on the patio for awhile and then finally fell asleep about 10:00. But it was hot (no, not Blythe Hot, but uncomfortable and humid) and mom does not like the air conditioning. It's not that they don't run it because of money, mom just prefers "real" air. But even sleeping in front of the patio door which was wide open, there was not a breeze and I had ceiling fan overhead on full blast.  So, I woke up a few times and was glad when they got up at 5:30 AM, because I went in and took a cold shower. After a nice breakfast at 7:00, mom and I went to a few more stores (a party store that she always wondered about, Rite Aid for her shower caps, and Fresh and Easy Market because dad doesn't like to go there- even though she bought nothing) I then packed up my car and headed for Lakewood again. Kathy and I had decided we would do something with all the kids that day and Brandie had the day off, so she and kids were meeting us too. We met at the park where Bailey and Ella were having swim lessons. We had talked about going to the beach or to a museum, but nixed both ideas because 1) it was too hot and 2) it was after noon already and going to museum that late would put us in LA  traffic coming home. So we went to Josh and Angie's to swim. The kids had fun and we got to visit and catch up. In the afternoon, Josh came home and planned to clean the pool, so we got kids out and headed back to Kathy's.  Josh and Angie then created camp Middough in their backyard and had us bring the kids back over for the night. They had 2 tents (boys and girls) and a fire pit for roasting marshmellows and making s'mores. We had pizza and sat around the campfire while some swam and we played campfire games like "telephone". It was a nice way to spend the evening. Alisa spent the night too but Robert was catching a flight at 5:30 AM the next day, so he couldn't stay. But Ray's family was all there for the campfire part and the swimming. Kathy and I then went back to her house for a good night's sleep.  Angie was planning pancakes for the morning, so I knew I had time to go shopping for awhile before the kids would be ready to come home. Kathy planned to take advantage of a quiet house and clean and do laundry.  I hit some yard sales (just across the street from K's there was a block yard sale- 20 sales within walking) I didn't get much, but it was fun going. Then I hit a few more stores. There was a sale at JC Pennys on dressy dresses and I decided to look for something for the wedding (for those that know, yes, I still have the other one but it needs altered and I'm not so sure about it anymore). Well, I found two and couldn't decide on my own, so I left.
Kathy had gone and got the kids and texted me, so I went home and then we decided what to do for the day. We decided to go to Cabrillo Beach and aquarium. The aquarium was cheap but everyone loved it. It had a touch tank and research center too. Ray and the big boys went with us too.When we got there, they were turning cars around because parking lot was full, but Kathy knew a back way in, so we got in and had great parking spots. After the aquarium, we went to the beach but didn't think we would stay too long since it was windy (sandy) and water was cold, but we ended up having to drag the kids away about 6 PM. Most of them spent most the time making a huge city with a mote all the way around it. On the way home, Kathy and I decided to make a simple dinner of deli roasted chicken and mashed potaoes. We got all the kids showered and in pj's and eating on the patio in just an hour or so. Then her and I went back to JC Penney's to see the dresses (she had an additional coupon and it expired that day).  I got a dress and I'm happy.  We returned, had some ice cream bars and put everyone down for bed. I then left Sunday morning to head back to Blythe but brought Josh and Alisa back with us (Anthony missed out again because of football conditioning).  They are getting a ride back on Thurs. with a friend from Blythe going to see Brandie. 
I have to say, it was so much fun having all the grandkids together without the parents or our husbands around to set parameters- we did what we wanted whenever we wanted to.  We got in a good visit and it was all good. Once again, I am hoping to post pictures soon.

grandkids' visit 2010

 I don't have pictures to post yet, but wanted to journal about this visit.  On Monday June21st,  Brandie drove 14 yr old Josh, 7 yr old Robert and 4 yr old Alisa to Blythe. Add them to 11yr old Cameron and 9 yr old Faith and it was a fun mix.  Amy was working so Brandie & I just hung out with the kids.We pretty much just swam and played Wii/ DS's all day. On Tues. June 22nd Ric arrived with 8 y old Alainna, 6 yr old Isabel and 1 yr old Seven. It was late evening, so we just ate dinner and got ready for the night. Ric left early AM on Wed. to drive to Phoenix to pick up 12 yr old Mary Beth from the airport. So, again, we just hung out during the day because temp. was over 100 everyday and closer to 110 a few days. Ric then left early Fri AM to go back to Phoenix airport to fly out to New Orleans to join Diona who is attending a 2 week class for her job. They enjoyed 4 days together in hot and humid weather while we were sweating it out here. But the kids didn't seem to mind. They swam off and on all day and night. Most of the time, Amy took all the kids except Seven to her house to sleep (one big cousin slumber party). Ray and I enjoyed our alone time with Seven in the evenings and Seven got Grandpa in the swimming pool every night. Seven sleeps well and wakes up in a good mood at about 6 am. He loved going out in the backyard in the mornings because he isn't allowed out during the day. After a couple of days, all the kids, including Seven, got used to our big dog Belle and Cam & Faith's little dog, Roxy and they were always under foot too. It was actually chaos during the days with everyone staying in most the time, but it worked. Cousins can argue and disagree, but for the most part they get along great.  Ray and Brandie came back on Saturday to pick up their kids and stayed through Sunday. Everyone made it to church on time (if you allow for walking in on opening hymn).  I hope primary survived the Bolton evasion.  Poor Mary Beth is too old for primary and does not attend church at home, and she did not want to go to Young Women's, but she too survived.
Unfortunately, Faith developed a headache and then a fever last night and has not been able to play with cousins today. But, we expect her to be back in form soon.  Diona will be arriving in Phoenix on Friday afternoon and Ric will once again make that trip to pick her up. They will stay until Sunday AM, then head to Ray and Brandie's to see them and others for a few hours but then will begin the long drive home. They plan to spend Sunday night in Sacramento with Dee's family and then be home by Monday night to return to work on Tues.  It has been a great visit even if exhausting at times. Grandkids really rule our world!