Grandpa and GiGi visit Raleigh

My dad and grandmother headed down to Raleigh for a long weekend. My grandmother, who lives in Iowa, drove up to my dad's house in Minnesota where they then drove to Wisconsin to catch a plane back to Minnesota and from there headed here to Raleigh. And they think people from the south are strange. They flew in Thursday evening and headed out first thing Sunday morning. It was a short visit but we kept busy and had an absolutely wonderful time. The first thing we did was take them to the Disney Store at the mall where Grace was spoiled rotten with toys, princess dresses, shoes, and hairbands. She was in HEAVEN! Isaac was happy just pulling things off of the shells and ticking off the lady working behind the counter. Grace was thrilled to have some extra attention and TLC and of course Grandpa and Grandma were more than happy to provide the spoilage. Isaac was a little unsure of our visitors and was convinced that I was going to leave him- so it took a while for him to warm up. But he too eventually enjoyed the extra attention- especially when he was dancing. Here is Grace in her new Cinderella dress and shoes. She loves her shoes so much. They really are adorable.

Isaac wanted to get in on the action. Grandma made sure his tiara fit just right. Sid was beside himself.

Grandma and Grace color-it-up in Grace's princess coloring book, no less.

Here Grace is showing Grandpa her scrapbook at the speed of light. Poor Grandpa didn't really see a thing and probably only understood about half of what Grace explained. He hung in there, though. Got to give him credit for that.

On Saturday morning we headed downtown for a belated St Patty's Day parade (was rained out the weekend before). We all had a fabulous time. It was cold that morning- high 40's with some fierce wind- but we all bundled up and best of all- found a seat on the sidewalk right outside of a bakery and coffee shop. Dad and Grandma were relieved to see that. We all hung out for a while before the parade and drank some hot chocolate and chased the kids around. When the parade finally started the kids were thrilled. Truthfully we all had a great time. Grace loved collecting candy and Isaac shook his booty the entire time.

I know this is hard to believe- but my dad has a coffee in his hand.

My Grandma always did such fun things with Ben and me as we were growing up. It was such a privilege to take her to something fun with her great grandbabies.

Grandma and her name sake Grace Kathleen.

Grandpa was so happy when Isaac finally let him hold him!

Good ol' Grandma wearing the big green hat. She is such a trooper.

One of the dancers pulled Grandma into the street and the two of them tore it up! It was hilarious.