Time with Daddy and Grandma

The last week in July and the first week in August Natalie was on vacation. We had planned this a while back, so Danny was able to use the last two weeks of his paid family leave during this time to stay home with the kids. The bowling alley hands out a card so that kids can bowl a free game every day. Danny took them almost every day. I was able to meet them one day during my lunch hour. Andrew had been before with some friends so he knew what size ball to get and how to get shoes. Claire had never been bowling before so we had some challenges with getting the ball all the way down the lane.

Despite the challenges with the ball, Claire had beginners luck and ended up beating Andrew 82 to 68. This was due mostly to the spares that she got, so once we explained to Andrew how it worked, he tried really hard the next time to get spares.
Danny took Andrew to a camp the first week in the mornings, they came to see me at lunch time and he arranged play dates. To bet the heat in Texas, Danny's mom came for a visit. Andrew and Claire were so excited to see her. Andrew even made a list of all the places he wanted to go. I think they actually got most of them covered. They went to Gilroy Gardens, the movies, out to breakfast, bowling, and miniature golfing. It makes me tired just thinking about it. Jan got to see Grant's love of water. They played in the backyard pool and of course Claire had to get in as well.
Jan also watched the kids for us so that we could go to dinner alone. The first time for quite a while. She held Grant over and over while he went down the slide and even got Claire to "catch" him.

Andrew really needed a new backpack and shoes so Danny, Jan, Andrew and Claire went in search of these things. Claire didn't really need a backpack, but she fell in love with this Hello Kitty one. Claire wouldn't turn around in this picture so that I could get a good view of the backpack. She proceeded to fill it full in anticipation of school starting - which isn't until after Labor Day.

I had to go on two business trips during this time, so it was great to have Jan's help with the kids.

Luckily we can Skype, but it is always nice when Grandma comes for a visit!