Visit from Grandma Normie, and the Omaha Zoo

Recently we got to spend two weeks with family. First we hosted the Cassidys, and then we got to follow it with a visit from Grandma Normie. By the end of that visit, Simeon looked at me and was wondering when the next visit from his grandparents was going to be. Of course they love the the extra attention and time with their family members. Simeon especially took great joy in waking up Grandma Normie in the morning. It's like he knew it was his job.

We had lots of fun with Grandma. We got to take a trip to the newly remodeled cathedral in Sioux Falls which is absoutely stunning. I would say it's more majestic than the catehdral in Helena, which is one of my favorites. Simeon exclaimed, "Mom, I like this big church; it's pretty." We went to the library, the park, the ice cream shop, walked around campus, and concluded her trip with a trip to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. The orangtans, gorrillas, and birds were the kids' favorites.

Notice the Catholic medal around his neck...probably evangelized by the Jesuits.

Mischief Makers

Simeon is almost 3 1/2.
Joe will be 2 in two weeks.
Two boys.
Two very onery boys.

(sigh)....Two mischief makers.

You don't have to be in our house long to witness some kind of mischief. Joseph is the lead mischief maker, and Simeon is easily influnced, and thus the follower mischief maker. Don't believe me? Well...let me give you some concrete examples of what mischief looks like in the Cassidy household.

What can we scheme next brother? Soaking our new clothes hasn't filled the fun for the day.
The naked moneky hang.
What's wrong with swinging over the top bunk to wake up my brother at night?
Will you stop touching me!
What Mom. I swear I didn't do it. (Anyone know how to toddler proof a lazy susan, so I don't have to puppy dog protect my kitchen?)

Even though when their play together much of the time leads them to mischief, it's fun to see them be buddies.

Just doing laps around the house.
I told you I was tougher.
The challenge.
The warning.
The chase.

Boys and Big Toys

Growing up with sisters, I never really realized the fasicniation of little boys and big toys. But we definately got a taste of it when Grandpa and Grandma Cassidy came. We were at the park, which is two blocks from our house, and were waiting for the Cassidy's to pull with their bus. The Lions Park has about five camping spots, a nice little play area, and a place to dump waste. So it was a perfect for our out of town guests.

Then it happened. They pulled in, and Simeon was in the middle of the parkway. He turned and looked at me with pure excitement and joy and just exclaimed, "Wooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!" He knew his grandparents were coming, becuase he had been reminding me about it day and night for the past three days. Then he peceeded to run towards the bus exclaiming, "That's my Papa! And that's MY bus."

We didn't hear an end to it for the entirety of their trip.
"Mom I need to go ride in my bus."
"I need to help Papa with my bus."
"This is the boys bus Mom."