Getting back to normal

What is normal?
I will not bore you with too many details but the three weeks after coming back from the Azores were packed full. Our calendars were really really full and we had to watch it not to get ourselves into trouble time-wise.

But it started off leisurely with a soft-boiled eggs breakfast curtesy of Helen's hens. We had just a few left.

And of course we wanted to see the boys (and yes, their parents too, ha-ha). Sarah frequently invites us to lunch or dinner because it is easier on their turf. The boys were "helping" to cut up dessert. OMG they love to help.

On Fridays when Sarah is off work she likes to come over to us for some playtime and lunch. Omi found paper so they could trace the cookie cutters Auntie Helen had sent with us from Nashville and Omi found even some children's scissors. Have I mentioned that they love to cut things?

Somehow the "building" Caleb had made from pages out of a creativity magazine by cutting and pasting ended up on his head.

That evening we attended a big celebration for Father Lee at our church which was very nice.

Next day (Saturday) was one of the lectures we have season tickets too. We try to never miss the Richmond Forum because it is always so interesting. And we were not disappointed this time either.

Quite often it turns out that our season tickets to the Sunday afternoon opera fall on the same weekend too like this time. We also make sure that we are early enough not to miss the lecture beforehand. Dr Glenn Winters gives us insight which makes seeing the performance even better for us and he is also funny.

Ha-ha, a big event! My orchids are finally blooming. These remind me always of my mother. She had one like it but with yellow blooms. My flowers always give me great pleasure.

March 1, this year on a Friday, is of course a very important day. Sarah's nanny was on vacation and we had volunteered to sit the twins in the afternoon. Kathy, the "other grandmother", had visited and wanted to take Caleb home for the weekend. James and I almost didn't notice what day it was but when we did on the way home we decided to go out for dinner to celebrate.

Yes, 44 years ago this day we had met for the first time. What a blessing that was. 

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday more babysitting. Alarm clock at 5:30 am to be there at 7 am. We kept saying that we know why the Lord gives children to young people. But we had a lot of fun of course too. 

I noticed though that Owen sticks his tongue out when he is intensely working just like my mother, his great-grandmother Ulla.

When Colin saw that I took a photo he wanted to see it. He also wanted to see a photo of Colin (he said his name instead "me"). It is so nice that they are talking now.

The puppy Stella is as "lively" most of the time as her human brothers. Just laying there playing harmless was rare.

While I stayed with the twins, James brought Caleb to his preschool in the morning. When he picked him up again one of the days at 2 pm he took him for a treat. Donut or ice cream? After thinking seriously it was Sweet Frog. It is the grandparents' duty to spoil, right? Or is it a privilege?

Besides all that and other appointments I managed some sewing. I am participating for the 4th year with the Cotton Robin, but it is a secret until the "big reveal". James is involved with my sewing by giving his opinion. It's fun.