grandma's house

Things Garrett Loved at Grandma's House:

• Her DVD collection, particularly Tangled, Charlotte's Web, and Curious George.
• Her children's picture book collection, particularly Curious George Goes to the Hospital and the I Spy books.
• Her toy collection, particularly the vintage Discovery Toys "hockader" (translation: helicopter).
• The mountains. The first time he noticed them, he exclaimed, "Mom! Look! It's pyramids!"
• The bed he slept in and its accompanying accessories, particularly the nightstand drawers, lamp, and clock.
• The backyard climbing tree.
• The backyard water faucet, which he and his cousin Henry used to "wash the grass."
• The garage, the concept and contents of which never ceased to amaze him.
• The laundry room, which he referred to as "Grandma's Laundromat." Apparently he wants an in-house washer and dryer as badly as I do!
• The ice and water dispenser on the refrigerator.

Things Caleb Loved at Grandma's House:

• Grazing on food he sneaked out of the cupboards. He ate anything he could get his hands on, but his particular favorites were the animal crackers, vanilla wafers, and the box of Kix (which he'd carry around the kitchen with his arm in up to his shoulder).
• The button that turned on the standing lamp.
• The buttons and knobs on the stereo.
• The Blue's Clues dolls that belonged to Aunt Chelsea and which she retrieved during an excavation in the basement. The collection included a plush Blue, Magenta, and Steve. Blue was his favorite.
• Locking himself in various rooms throughout the house.
• The magnets on the refrigerator.
• The stairs, which he mastered while we were there. He can now go up and down standing upright with or without holding on to the banister.

Things Both Boys Loved at Grandma's House:

• Kicking and throwing balls in the backyard. Heck, they both couldn't get enough of the backyard period!
• Rides in Grandma's red wagon.
• Riding in a car.
• The bedroom closet (even though it resulted in many pinched fingers), which they'd pretend was a spaceship or rocket.
• Running in circles. Grandma's house has a lot of rooms connected circularly.
• Riding Dobbin the Wonder Horse.
• Their new Uncle Dave, who they'd frequently beg to come play with them, and who always so patiently obliged.
• And of course, everyone at Grandma's house: Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Chelsea, Uncle Tyler, Aunt Amanda, Henry, Peter, Uncle Riley, Aunt Chelsea, Baby Chloe, Aunt Katie, and Uncle Dave.
  

I think it goes without saying that both boys (and let's not forget their mother) miss Grandma's house and everyone in it! Thanks for letting us come and giving us such a great time!