Fun With Grandpa Trost

Grandpa Trost arrived on Saturday, March 17th, and the kids couldn't have been more excited to see him!  Nana REALLY wanted to come along with him, but she was in the heart of her busy season at work.  We look forward to her visit in late May.  Grandpa's backpack was FULL of some of their favorite treats, including: Kids' Z Bars, Teddy Grahams, graham crackers (nope, you can't find those here), fruit snacks, and Pez candies.  He pulled so many gifts out of his suitcase that I began to wonder if he packed any clothes for himself in there.  Nana had the gifts wrapped by color in tissue paper...blue for Dylan, pink for Amelia and orange for Cora.  Great idea!  Amelia loved her nursery set for her new dollhouse and the pajamas that matched Cora's.  Dylan was thrilled to get some of the cars he had on his wish list for his collection and a Manchester United soccer jersey. 

I am all clean.  Who is coming?  Oh, Grandpa Trost!  Yay!

Cora loved meeting Grandpa Trost!

 Amelia saying, "Oh this is just what I wanted for my dollhouse."

Dylan is in heaven with his new cars.

My first attempt to take Cora's picture in her St. Patrick's Day onesie...she was too tired.

Ahh, much better.  A sweet, sleeping leprechaun

We put in the movie Puss in Boots to give Grandpa a break and let him rest a little, but his two buddies wouldn't leave his side.  No worries, Grandpa snuck in a little nap during the movie. 

SUNDAY: Eric, Dylan and Grandpa went to a football game (soccer).  They saw Manchester United play.  They said the stadium was packed, the crowd was loud and rowdy and they had to stand most of the game.  They had a great time and said it was worth the 2-hour drive.

Great pic of the Trost boys!  3 Generations!

 

Grandpa and the kids built a "hotel" out of Jenga blocks and wooden puzzles.

MONDAY: Grandpa was on baby duty while I took both big kids to school in the morning.  He came with me to pick up Amelia from preschool at noon.  We walked to pick up Dylan at 3:00.  Amelia did not want to walk or ride on the buggy board, so Grandpa pushed a stroller and I pushed a stroller.  Anything to keep the kids happy.  When I walk to get Dylan, I bring his scooter for him to ride home.  It is about a 15 to 20 minute walk which is great exercise.

Playing on the swings after Amelia's preschool.

Playing Dylan's new ring toss game from Uncle Jeff, Aunt Paula, Emerson, Ethan and Vivienne

TUESDAY: We took Grandpa into town to show him Chippenham.  Of course we ended up in a sports shop, and we walked out with two new soccer balls.  One was white and green and one was pink. 

Amelia riding her bike

Amelia in the sports store trying on soccer cleats.  This girl loves shoes!  She seriously thought I was going to buy these for her.  She doesn't even play soccer!

Grandpa and the girls enjoying lunch and a special treat

Grandpa and the girls in downtown Chippenham

Rough life

We had to spend a little time at the playground.  I was not sure who might fall asleep in this swing...Amelia or Grandpa?

Girl time in Cora's crib

Hanging out after school with Grandpa

Cora and Daddy at dinner Tuesday evening

WEDNESDAY: We took Grandpa to Lacock Abbey and Village.  This was my first time going into the Abbey.  Several movies were filmed here, including Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice.  It is a country house built upon the foundations of a former nunnery.  The history here is just amazing.  To walk through the cloisters and rooms and think that people lived and prayed here over 750 years ago blows my mind.  And the village itself has so much character.  Only a ten minute drive from our house, this is a place I will take all of my visitors.  

Standing in front of the gates at Lacock Abbey (It is in the background)

Amelia standing in front of the Abbey...gives you an idea of how tall it is.

The cloisters (hallways on the inside courtyard)

Amelia and Grandpa in one of the rooms, possibly the chapel

The toy room with a beautiful rocking horse

Walking through the village

Naptime after a busy morning at Lacock Village

THURSDAY: Today was the best weather of the week, so we kept Dylan home from school to spend a fun day with Grandpa.  We went into Bath to show him the city area.  We spent most of our afternoon at Royal Victoria Park.  The kids kept Grandpa busy playing, and they all enjoyed an ice cream too!

Using the pully to scoop up sand

Dylan climbing the big spiderweb

 This was hilarious!  Grandpa in the wagon and the kids on the horses.  Grandpa was shouting, "Giddy up!"

Diaper change in the passenger seat

I held Cora all wrapped up for while and then she snoozed in the stroller.

Time for a little soccer! (Or should I say "football"?)

They loved this!  Wish I had video!

FRIDAY:  Eric worked in the morning and was able to spend the rest of the day with his dad and the kids.  They went to a National Park with tons of deer.  I stayed home with Cora for some much needed R & R.

Enjoying some time with my feet up and little Miss Cora on my lap!

He sang songs to Cora all week: 99 bottles of milk on the wall & Yankee Doodle were 2 of her favorites!

We had such a fun week with Grandpa!

Time really does fly by when you are having fun.  This week sure did.  We are all tired, especially Grandpa.  But we saw lots of neat places and made many wonderful memories with him here this week.  We played with dart guns, built hotels, had races and horseback rides with Grandpa.  He told stories at bedtime.  The kids' favorite is his personalized version of The Three Little Pigs.  No one tells that story like Grandpa Trost.  And even though he snores, Amelia slept with Grandpa most nights.  Although, she snores too so it was like two peas in a pod.  Oh how we wish he could stay for another week.  We miss him already.  Thank you Grandpa for such a great visit!  We love you and miss you lots!