Thanks Mom!

My mom came into town this week to meet Josie, play with Clayton and Noah, and help out around the house. I cannot express how wonderful it was to have my mom here. My mom is the absolute BEST! I hadn't seen her in over a year and it was such a relief to see her and spend time with her. The week was mixed with fun activities, house/yard work, shopping, and sitting around talking. I had intended to take tons of pictures while she was here, but I just kept forgetting. I was having such a good time visiting with my mom that taking pictures was the furthest thing from my mind. I did manage to take a few though.
Like this cute random one of sleeping Josie. I can't believe that she's going to be a month old tomorrow! Time flies!
We started out the week getting the gardening done. We have a planter box in front of our house that has been dirt and rocks for a few years now. We've been wanting to fix it up for years but (1) we weren't sure what to plant and (2) there were always more pressing things for us to spend our money on. Since my mom is a hard worker and a great gardener, she suggested we finish the planter box. We ended up planting two different kinds of Hostas (a green leafy plant that grows really well out here). It looks great now, and I know that it will look even better in a few months - once my Hostas have a chance to grow and settle a little.
Noah is a great gardener. He was very excited to help us plant.
I had to throw this one in just because he's so cute.
My mom wanted to make sure that she had many 'adventures' with the boys. She took them on walks, bike rides, and picnics, took them to lunch at McDonald's, bought them shoes at Old Navy (which Clayton is freakishly excited about), and played endless games of duck duck goose, Hi Ho Cherry-O, and anything else that the boys could think of. They loved the attention that Grammy gave them.
One of the stores on Church Street was displaying art work from Clayton's school in their window. We went to see Clayton's art. It was really exciting to see his dreamcatcher on display in the window of a store!
Clayton pointing out his dreamcatcher. I'm glad that my mom was here to see this!
We brought a stroller to push Noah in, but he had other ideas.
Clayton with his new red flip flops that Grammy bought him.

We took a lot of walks/bike rides while my mom was here. I just thought this was cute. Noah and Josie usually ended up like this by the end.
Grammy pushing the boys in the backyard. She basically did whatever they asked her to!
As we were taking my mom to the airport she kept saying that she felt bad because she felt like she hadn't done enough while she was here - so not true! She did almost all the housework, let me take long naps during the day, and watched the kids a couple of times so that Justin and I could go out. Basically, she looked for things that she could do to make life easier for Justin and myself and did them. She kept asking what we wanted her to do and if we couldn't think of anything, she found things to do! We would come home from being out and the kids would be in bed, the house would be clean, the laundry would be done, and she would be sitting watching TV or reading. She made everything look so easy! I have no idea how she did that, but I hope that I can be like that someday!
Three generations.
The kids and my mom. Clayton was especially sad to see her go. It always makes me cry that we don't live closer to my parents. I love Vermont and I love our life out here, but I know that my kids are missing out not having Grammy and Grandpa close by.
Enlarge this picture to check out the panic on Josie's face. Pretty funny.
This is my favorite picture of my mom's trip. We walked to pick Clayton up from school and she brought his bike so that he could ride it home. He wanted to hold Grammy's hand while he rode. It was such a sweet moment and I'm glad I captured it. It melts my heart to see how much this little guy loves his Grammy. They really have a special relationship. He begged her not to go - a sentiment that I shared 100%!
We love you mom! I'm so glad that we got to have you for a week. Trust me - you are missed! We are counting down the weeks and days until we get to see you again!