Grandpa and Nana Come to Visit! Part I

At the end of November (and beginning of December) we enjoyed a visit from my Dad and Step-mom (Grandpa and Nana).  This was the second time they had come to Dallas and the first time they stayed longer then 24 hours.  It was such an awesome visit.  I am so appreciative of the time they took and money they spent to come visit.  I LOOOOOVED having them.  It was nice that they could enjoy our new house, have their own space in the house, plus have extra space where Brittany's family could hang out here as well without it seeming like we were all smashed into a small place.

Max was, as he always is, shy at first.  Nana knew how to break the ice - go outside!

Max going for a walk with Nana.

My cute boy

Here's a 180 degree view from our front door of how the neighborhood is growing and changing.  It's amazing how fast these houses are going up.

Maxwell playing catch with Grandpa.  (This melts my heart.  I know my dad is a great Grandpa when he's around his grandchildren but this was really the first time I got to see it in action with my child.)

Joe - such a happy guy!

We headed to Costco to pick up some groceries for the week and unexpectedly do some Christmas shopping, too.

Max let Grandpa carry him into the store.

We found this little recliner.  I didn't buy it but I SHOULD have!  It would have been perfect for Max in the media room.  But, I'm too cheap and talked myself out of it.  I thought he looked so big sitting in it.

Once you let Max out of the shopping cart, he doesn't want to go back in so he ends up being held most of the rest of the time.  Grandpa completely spoiled him and held him quite a bit and kept him entertained.

At first my dad wanted to buy Max this HUGE stuffed dog as his Christmas present.  I wasn't keen on it AT ALL (really, who DOES want a stuffed animal that is 5 times your child?!) but realized I was being a party pooper.  My dad and Marriann were wanting to spoil Max a little bit, just like grandparents have every right to.  This is what I have wanted for Max, why was I getting in the way and being the downer!?  So I shifted my attitude and let them have fun.  They eventually decided to ditch the dog (THANK YOU!) and went for this rocking horse that neighs and moves his tail.  It was big for Max but I knew he'd enjoy playing with it for a long time.

Playing the keyboards with Grandpa

Nana got out the hand puppets and all the kids had a good time with that.

Hayden loved sitting next to Grandpa.  Boys and their electronics!

Nana reading books.

Max riding his new rocking horse.  And by riding, I mean sitting on.  :)

We made dinner - Tilapia with steamed broccoli and quinoa.  My family isn't big on fish.  My dad used to threaten us when we were not behaving by saying that he was going to make Halibut for dinner and we'd have to take at least one bite - it was awful!  So when Peter and I found that we like the Costco Tilapia pan seared with Creole seasoning, Brittany was extremely skeptical.  I promised her she'd love it.  So we made it this night for everyone and it was a huge hit.  I think everyone had seconds!  Super easy, healthy, and yummy too.  Plus, Peter is usually the chef on this one and that's big bonus points in my book.

That night we all went to show Dad and Marriann the cool lights synchronized to music at Frisco Square. 

Grandpa and Nana spoiled the older boys with these light sabers.

Everyone!  (Max fell asleep in the car so he slept through the excursion.)

Me and my sister!  Definitely related!

It was colder than usual.  Poor dad was freezing, I think.

Hayden putting his sword to use.

Dad treated us all to yummy gourmet cupcakes that we enjoyed at home.  I love Marriann's face in this - she makes me crack up!  She's such a ham!  I am grateful to have her as part of our family.  She's a wonderful person.

We got to enjoy late nights of chatting.  I used to get annoyed by how my dad would go on and on and on when I was a teenager and just wanted to end the conversation and go do something more "important".  Now, I am so grateful for his willingness to have long, in depth conversations.  I appreciate his experience, wisdom, and insight.  I love my dad so much.  I am lucky girl to have him for a dad.

Also, good chats with Marriann!