Michigan Week 1

Hi everybody! After an uneventful (dare I say pleasant) flight up to Detroit, we are having a lovely time with Grammy & Grampy. We are all enjoying the change of scenery even though it snowed and hailed the entire first day we were here. Schooling for Sean hasn't been much of a change since Grammy and Grampy go to work everyday. The kids got a little rambunctious when we had a full-house this weekend for Grampy's 60th birthday party. Sean has regressed a bit from my last post waxing about how he's handling frustrations. Twice he's gotten so frustrated that he's kind of stormed up to his bed to relax. I guess that's better than staying around and getting more upset but I've talked to him about taking a deep breath and walking away when he feels like he's overwhelmed with those strong feelings. He had one opportunity to try that this morning when he hugged Cathleen for longer than she wanted but he said he couldn't turn around and walk away but later, she said stop about something else and he did walk away...

The best part about being here is having help in the evenings. After dinner (or sometimes during) it's time for Kieran to hit the sack so I take him upstairs and Grammy and Grampy tackle dishes and getting the other two to sleep. Of course, by the time evening comes around, I'm worn out and if we were at our own house without any help, I'd definitely have a MUCH harder time cooking, cleaning up dishes, brushing teeth, reading books, etc. Such a great idea to visit Grammy and Grampy!

I brought my ancient iPod so the kids could listen to audio books, violin songs etc but apparently I forgot the charger, though it's checked off on my packing list! Pea was listening to Jim Weiss reading Goldilocks and the Three Bears. We love Jim Weiss' reading! 

One of the first nights here in Michigan. Kieran was sucking on some chicken and broccoli. He only lasts 10 minutes or less in the high chair so I have to be careful to put him in right as we are ready to eat!

More smiles from Mr. Smiley.

Snuggles with Grammy after she comes home from a long day at work. A long time ago, I told Sean that a nice tight hug is nicer than a limp, loose one. He started doing boa constrictor-type hugs and that was funny for a while but now it actually hurts. After about 4 days, he finally started more gentle hugs.

Sean loves to pull everyone in the wagon and Kieran was having a great time, being held by his big sister. 

Walking around the sandbox.

Kieran does not like being on his big squishy belly!

He does like to sit up and scoot around at his discretion. He scoots in the seated position on a hard floor.

Jim carpooled with Jane one day last week so we had a vehicle. We found a nice wooden playground where the kids played for hours.

Working on a cucumber very intently.

Aunt Erin held Kieran and judging from the smile on his face, he liked it!

Kieran enjoyed Grampy's balloons.

Cathleen, Madelyn and Sean enjoy a yogurt snack.

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Uncle John, Grampy and Sean went fishing one day. They didn't catch any fish but Sean had a great time!

Grampy knows that if he wants nuts and raisins in his birthday cake, he'd better measure everything out beforehand! Just to make sure they weren't "forgotten."

Cathleen was Grammy's helper making the cake and frosting while the boys fished. She had a great time!

Since we've been here, Kieran has been working on his downward facing dog yoga position. Sometimes, he moves his left foot back and forth. 

Probably the best group photo of the kids. :) We didn't even try for a posed one.

Grammy found Kieran's tickle bone!

Sean loves his little brother sooooo very much.

Chewing on something while smiling.