While I would LOVE to live much closer to family (can’t tell ya how jealous I am of you if you can call the grandparents over for babysitting or dinner on a moments’ notice), there’s something special about having an entire long weekend together where they get to see how Elise eats, sleeps & plays.
And let’s be honest—the sleeping in, being alone in the bathroom, and not having to make breakfast or change some diapers for several days is a nice perk too.
This month, we had two separate weekends of such wonderfulness. Nana & Papa Idaho visited a couple weekends ago and then Nana & Papa Kansas were here last weekend. We got a picnic lunch, picked them up from the bus station, and went right to nearby Kelsey Creek Park to soak up the nice weather.
They have a farm too! Probably not exciting for Nana & Papa, but it was for Elise.
Friday evening was the first night of the Juanita summer markets, so we all braved the crowd and enjoyed the food & playground.
{if Elise shares her berries with you, then you know she really likes you.}
Apparently we were in the market mood, because Saturday we went to another farmer’s market and enjoyed seeing all the local vendors and eating some shave ice.
…and then about 2 seconds later I learned my lesson in wearing a white shirt around a toddler with bright red food coloring.
Todd and I had other plans/parties to attend in the afternoon, so it was nice to be able to leave Elise at home for her afternoon nap and then head out to the nearby beach for an evening splash-around (when I say ‘beach’, it’s on a giant lake, not the ocean).
I don’t even remember the last time I actually got to spend Mother’s Day with my mom (probably was back in 2007 before I moved out here), so that was a really special treat to get to hug my mom and tell her Happy Mother’s Day in person. And of course, share the day with the little girl who made me a mommy.
Ha, what a perfect picture! I love that sassy little girl….the attitude is what’s quite a bit more difficult to love.
We finished out their stay with my dad’s (and probably Elise’s too) favorite thing to do out here—a bus ride downtown and a ferry ride over to Bainbridge Island and back.
If only airline travel was as easy and fun as ferry travel, we’d see the Nanas & Papas a lot more.
In the meantime, we’ll just keep enjoying their visits until ferries can fly. Looks like our house is visitor-free until July, so if you’re looking for a wonderful vacation spot this summer, let me know. Elise likes to entertain. 
