Abuela aka "Grandmother"

The Visit...

Two grandchildren accompanied by their father, our oldest son, arrived by plane from Mexico the evening of December 30th. Even though it was 10:30 PM the children were excited about seeing "Abuela" ("Grandmother" in Spanish) and "Pop's" Christmas tree and decorations. AND probably more excited to see what Santa had left under the tree.

   Carmen noticed almost immediately upon seeing my nativity scene that Baby Jesus was not in the manger. I showed her where I had placed him, just waiting for her arrival. Carefully Carmen put the Baby Jesus where he belonged. Christmas for us had begun!

  Presents and surprises were handed out and there was so much excitement. Bedtime was late but who was worried about that??

  New Year's Eve we gathered our belongings and drove to the deer lease, mearly a one hour and twenty minute drive away. Friends were gathering for the annual year end festivities, eager to welcome in 2011. Barbecuing and cooking was well underway. My husband and son took the children to the deer blind to see the deer and photograph them. They loved it!

  The party was great and the children enjoyed it as much as the big kids... us!

  Sleeping in late while the dads hunted I prepared a big breakfast with friends.

  After three nights we made our way back to our home. We had a "play-date" with Nancy's (Nancy's Notes) daughter and grandchildren. What fun!

  Carmen and I enjoyed a little retail therapy and I treated Carmen to a mini-manicure. Pink polish of course!

  Shopping was the major sport almost until they left. Living in Mexico there are just things that you think you have to have from the U.S.  The mall, Sephora, Best-Buy, Dillard's, Macy's, lunch at Pappadeaux's and then pizza while seeing old friends was how the day was spent. Evening entertainment along with packing was watching "The Wizard of Oz". Fun! No fear of the monkeys!! What's "wrong " with kids today. No Fear!! Isn't that what the t-shirt says? Guess it's right. (Is that good?)

They have left...

A very early morning trip to the airport to get them on a flight to Guadalajara, a few tears,  breakfast at iHop to delay walking back into a very quiet and empty home. It was a whirlwind visit full of activity, fun, no rest, constant washing, fun, cooking, fun, eating out, fun... well, you get the picture. Grandchildren are so precious. It was great to have them here in our home along with their dad, our oldest son. We are feeling the let-down but starting to plan for a trip down to see them.

Time to start 2011 with new plans and goals. I'll leave that for Monday!

I'm linking to

Show and Tell Friday

at My Romantic Home

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

My posting is not about a home or decor or the latest craft,

but these grandchildren are the most wonderful

creation in my world.

An interesting transition... my grandchildren speak Spanish as their first language, however, Carmen speaks English as well. David has not started speaking English yet, but does understand it. Carmen was doing a lot of translating in her mind.. and before the visit was over I was no longer "Abuela" but "Grandmother". She says it so sweetly I keep hearing her little voice over and over.

Just made a fun discovery.... Carmen and I are almost the same age and in first grade when this picture of her was taken and the one of me on my first day of school!

Abuela aka "Grandmother"