My latest whim ended up with mom and I going to play with Stacey for a few days. I think the kids were excited to see us. Although Grandma still gets first preference from Zoey, this year was an improvement on the way home....at least my name was added in there as "Grandma Heidi" (If I answered...."NO! NOT YOU!) The kids were excited that we could have a sleepover at their house too. The next day, I literally got the crap beat out of me. (Note to self....next time send uncles a few days before to use up kung foo, sliced up, monkey moves etc.) and the dog didn't kiss me either.

I do recommend that whispering sweet nothings in ears be practiced a little with Zoe. I would whisper " I love you a bushel and a peck" in her ear and she would repeat it to her mom like I was telling her a slam or something.....yelling "BUSHEL AND A PECKK."

Now, I have to give some props to Stacey....She has passed me up in a few areas. 1) she has painted most of the rooms in her house 2) tasteful furniture has been added and looks really nice 3) The girl can cook.....no really.....she can. Stacey made homemade bread and lasagna (no frozen foods, kits...from scratch and really good!) and she was very graceful in letting me be the boss after I pointed out that I was 5 years older than here and that some things I can't explain to her until she is 30. LOL.

Paul even took a few days off. We took a train to Chicago (2 hrs) to the museum campus and visited the shedd aquarium. The weather was beautiful and the scenery by Lake Michigan was cool. At the aquarium I saw two newbies.....a sawfish and a guitar fish. I also have to say that 4D sponge bob was cool too.
Chicago Dogs......from a stand. Hot Dogs with bulky toppings that include a sliced pickle, fresh tomatoe, onions, peppers, mustard and relish. Mom and I split one but, it was all for the experience. For some reason ketchup is a no no. I even saw a book on it at the airport. Gonna have to research that one.
Traveling the town was also fun. bus, train, shuttle, tram......and confusement. But at least we got to get a feel for the city. I was surprised, it was nice and a cool place. We also had true Chicago Pie Stuffed Pizza at Gandolfos (??) MMMMMM. I will never see pizza the same again. The kids were good and next time we know we want to see Navy Piers.

Paul the super hero held down the fort and tried to study for a girls day out. Shopping that included walking the cat walk, a girddle that does Mrs Doubtfire in reverse, a store that can put even me into a size 3 pant. Oh, ice cream before dinner at the Bone fish grill where Stacey showed me up by eating baby fried calamari....WHOLE mini-octupus in tact and deep fried. However, Stacey also learned that octupi have beaks and we all had fish dishes. Creme Brulee was fabulous...the brownie fair. It was a good time with just the girls and celebrating mama's birthday. I miss those days.... Afterward we took the kids shopping and for a treat. BACKUGONS are popular and we squeaked out the last ones in the city for Ethan. Jameson got a shooter and Zoey got a very cute,,,,,yet annoying baby. Even though I never heard of them....backugons are famous here in Idaho too.

We all cried when it was time to go home. Ethan went hysterical and was even upset he didn't have moms autograph! (this was awesome) I will note that I did NOT get an autograph from my own mother, must be a grandkids exclusive. Thank heavens we still had some of Jamesons amazing art and a pen! Zoey even was sad. I feel bad leaving the kids with Stacey and Paul who was 'spose to be studying. I'm sure they were as tired as we were. We boarded on time! We left ground a bit late....arrived on time. I had a good visit with Grandma Kramer and loved her red sequin hat. Checked in late and made it just in time for boarding. Damn, why does SW have the remote gates. Ran in my socks even.

Kallee had a fever when I got home so we both slept for a few days, then I took my sick days and didn't hit work Sat., awoke Sunday afternoon. OOOPS, missed pack meeting and the primary program. We'll see how it goes.........Kallee is feeling better. Tomorrow Hailey has a game and I gotta get my fanny moving in the a.m. to get Gene to school. Two days left to see if I can walk back into work and reality.

Still haven't figured out Buys xmas. Braydon would like a $100 bill and a live pet. Kallee would like colored pencils and a real dog. Hailey says show me the money and a stocking.

It was a fun trip. I'm excited for next year. I miss them already.

kaiiee. :-) "love Kallee"