November 26 with KT

Saturday Night:  I left Meijer Gardens and drove over to Jesse's to pick up Kaity for a few hours. We hung out over here, ate some sandwiches, watched a few "funny" animal videos and then drove over to Altitude. Kaity was very much hoping Ayden would be there too, but he was not. Another one of her friends (whose nickname is "Blueberry"--why? Because he has very dyed BLUE hair!) was there -- and did they EVER play rough! Yikes. Kaity has a LOT of rough-housing in her and doesn't back down a single bit. The only negative thing that happened tonight was one of the times when Kaity was "falling" off a platform onto a trampoline, her knee bumped her lip (with a lot of force), caused her lip to bleed and swell--so that was less than pleasant.

I took this picture with my phone BEFORE the crash between Kaity's knee and lip occurred. She loves it here at Altitude. For some reason, I think this will be her last year of "playing" this rough! She is still very much a child (this is good), but is so quickly becoming a young woman. Please help Kaity, Lord Jesus, to find her hope and strength, her love of life IN YOU who loves her eternally. Give her eyes of faith to see You working in her life and in the lives of those she loves. Please show her how to know You as her Savior and her King.
 

November 25 Gardens (cont)

Saturday afternoon (cont):  After we finished up with the reindeer, we walked around outside for a bit and decided to go to the Japanese Gardens. It was pretty COLD outside, so some of the kiddos were not very happy about being out in it; but they all did okay and we enjoyed a nice walk.

It's difficult to explain this little garden ... it's beautiful, truly it is--but it is man-made, which is okay--don't misunderstand me. But there are two "waterfalls" here (totally not natural) and lots and lots of gorgeous trees (God made those, no mistake), and it is a beautiful little place. It doesn't give me "thrills" like Lake Michigan does, or majestic mountains, or dear little birds that God created ... but it has its own beauty. Whoever designed it was an artist and had a true appreciation for beauty.

Here are Aidan and Erin exploring a little path OFF the main path. The last time I was here, I was alone (with my camera) and I did the same thing! Any off-path was a sure thing for me.

I love to watch children explore, don't you? They are so sweet, so curious, so happy outside.

Their little faces ...

Erin is posing for a picture Kelly was taking ... super sweet.

Our very dear Kelly ...

This is Aunt Shannon! I can't even begin to say enough nice things about her. She is such a joy to be around. I'm so glad she was able to come to town and be with everyone here for awhile.

Look at the ICE!!!!

Erin and I walked back to the conservatory together, hand in hand. Erin wanted me to take a picture of these bird feeders ...

Going from the 30's outside to the 80's inside fogged up my camera lens, so the picture below is a little misty looking ...

Erin, examining the beautiful ornaments ...

Aidan too ...

And then I had to get going! It was time to pick up Kaity from over at Jesse's ...

November 25 At the Gardens

Saturday (early afternoon):  I was invited to meet Dylan, Kelly, the kiddos, and Aunt Shannon over at Meijer Gardens to see the international Christmas tree display and the trains, etc. YES! I love being able to be just the grandma that comes along to enjoy rather than the grandma that is responsible for the care and well-being of the grandkids. That's selfish of me in the extreme--but there you have it. I took tons of pictures! It was so much fun to be there with these dear folk.

The ratio of FOUR adults to FOUR children is amazingly easy ... and fun ... and time to be treasured for sure. Here is Dylan with Brendan looking at the trains. Dylan said Brendan and he visited each of the international Christmas trees and enjoyed examining their beautiful and unique ornaments--oh the joy of a one-on-one for Brendan and Dylan.

Little Cal was with his dear mama, and was enthralled by the very cool trains. I just realized I haven't a single picture of the trains. Essentially, the trains are laid out as they are each year with tunnels and overhead bridges, etc. in a historic Grand Rapids setting. They are super cool to see. Cal is all about trains.

We were informed there were actual REINDEER outside at the Farm. Aunt Shannon was already outside with Aidan and Erin, so we met them over at the Farm to pet the reindeer.

Brendan is a friend to all animals. He basically has zero qualms about approaching them or touching them. I think this might have been his first encounter with reindeer. I know it was mine!

Meet Nelson and Lizzy. These are juvenile reindeer. Aren't they darling?

Brendan, gently touching Nelson on his antlers ...

Here are a few close-ups of Nelson ...

Lizzy took a real liking my voice !! Isn't she the sweetest?

This is AIDAN (below). This is as close as he got to the reindeer. He is his own little person, Aidan is. He is cautious in most activities until he feels comfortable with what's going on. This is as comfortable as he got with Nelson and Lizzy.

I love you, Aidan! 

Mr. Cal decided he wanted a closer look at the reindeer until Kelly actually did what he asked her to do!

THEN he did not want to get any closer to Lizzy ...

... he wasn't going to have anything to do with touching her.

I'm usually the same when it comes to animals; except that since I am now officially an OLD lady, many of my former fears have dropped away! I can even (almost) kill a spider now without screaming bloody murder ... AND going out to Deer Tracks Junction and holding baby pigs and goats have been helpful too. In my household of origin (!!) there were NO PETS ALLOWED whatsoever ... nada! So I was never really around any animals, other than over at my friend Laurie's house and her two poodles (Spunky and Misty).

Anyway, this was rather a momentous occasion: my first meeting of any reindeer whatsoever! I liked it very much.

November 23 The rest of the day

Thursday:  I asked Jesse if I could watch the Lions game over at his place this early afternoon. Jesse has a really good sound system and large screen TV--plus, he's a loyal Lions fan and knows all the vital stats, etc. I wasn't sure who else would be at his place, but I was delighted to find Christopher and Kaity watching the game too. I so rarely get to see Chris! And did I take a picture of him on this occasion? N.O. The game was already in progress (with the Lions losing) and it was an intense game from start to losing finish! Kaity was watching the game, but mostly she was wanting a lap (mine) to lay upon while she slept. This was very precious for me because Kaity is growing up super fast and doesn't often cuddle with me anymore. I love to cuddle. I had two solid hours of warm Kaity all snuggled up with me. It was heavenly.

Chris had to leave right around half-time to go over to Ella's. About 10 minutes after Chris left, Matt came! Wow. I was so blessed to be able to see him too! Everyone had to put up with my very loud protestations throughout this losing game. Try as hard as I might, I could NOT contain my distain!!

Dinner was planned at 4:00 over at Dylan and Kelly's; so after the game was sadly over, I said my goodbyes to these guys and drove on over to eat dinner. Kaity was pretty out of it while I was leaving ...

I only took TWO pictures over at Dylan and Kelly's!! It was too busy to do otherwise. Lots of delicious food (thank you guys) and lots of fun kiddos to play with.

Cal eats his pumpkin pie and whipped cream
with JUST the whipped cream ...

We ate our meal, and then I had such a nice time with Kelly cleaning up afterwards. Most of the kids went downstairs to play after they were finished eating. Their Aunt Shannon is staying with them for almost a week, a real treat, since she hasn't been to Grand Rapids in several years. So Kelly and I had the kitchen mostly to ourselves (except little Cal hung out with us too) and had the nicest talk as we were cleaning up. 

It was a very good day, truly one to give thanks for.