Visitors!

Greg's parents, whom the kids call Mum Mum & Granddaddy, came into town this weekend for a long overdue visit. And, they brought a special visitor, this guy:

 They inherited Ripley from their daughter this summer (Thanks Gena!), so the kids got to have a furry friend around for a few days. As you might imagine, one of our kids enjoyed that more than the other did :) (Anytime throughout the weekend, if we couldn't find Abby, we just had to go into the craft room where Ripley's cage was set up, and she was singing/dancing/drawing or tap-dancing for him. Yes, she found a new BFF. She preferred him in the cage though, because when he came out he jumped on her a few times.)

Friday, after the Givens arrived & the kids got used to the dog, they played 2 new games: Qwirkle and an updated version of Magic Mosaic (making patterns with colored wooden pieces). Both were  huge hits! Then we topped off the night with dinner at Jason's Deli, yum!

Saturday, while I was helping to host a neighborhood baby shower, Greg & his parents took the kids to a local park. As usual, fun was had by all. Nate went through his exercise routine on the obstacle course, and Abby went straight for the swings.

 Saturday afternoon, I took the kids to a good friend's 4th birthday party (Abby's boyfriend, David). It was a costume party, as you can see. And these ninjas meant.serious.business!

 The highlight of the party was a magician!! He did a great job and kept all the kids (& parents!) attention. Love all these little laughing faces.

Chandler & Nate volunteered to help with one of the tricks

Princess Abby with her favorite ninja, Miss Alba

Abby's BFF Mia came dressed as Cinderella too!

Ready to hit the pinata!

 After a long & fun-filled party, we came home to a wonderful meal cooked by Greg, and the kids were all too excited to tell everyone about the birthday party. 

They really got a kick out of playing with Ripley's leash, so here Nate decided to take Abby for a walk. Ha!

 Speaking of walks, the kids & Granddaddy took Ripley for a walk around the neighborhood Saturday night, and apparently things weren't moving fast enough for Abby. At one point, Granddaddy saw her praying and looking up at the sky. He asked what she was doing and Abby replied "I'm praying that you can walk a little faster!!!" :) My girl, she's a nut.

Sunday, we took Mum Mum & Granddaddy to mass and continued our tradition of getting donuts at Krispy Kreme afterwards.

The rest of the day was spent playing outside, watching football games, playing games, walking Ripley, playing dress-up, and drawing pictures. It was a fun-filled visit!