Our fun weekend with the boys

Okay, okay!!  I know it's been over a week here.  First of all, I didn't write anything because my week was just too mundane and uninspiring.  Then I didn't write anything because I was too busy having fun.   So here was the fun part.

On Friday we met up with Sam near Harrisburg to pick up Sammy for the weekend.   It would be Austin's birthday on Saturday, and we wanted Sammy to share in all the fun.  Here's the first picture of him Friday evening as he watched a video and ate clementines - his choice of all the things I offered him.

On Friday morning we met Lori and Austin at Elite Gymnastics for their open gym.  It took Sammy a bit of time to warm up to all the people and activities, but by the time we had to leave he was having a blast.

After Dick got off work at noon, we went to the warm therapy pool at the Y.  Austin's twin friends were there too, and the three of them were having the greatest time jumping in and swimming.

Sammy again needed time to decide if he liked it.  When Dick first took him in, he was not at all happy about it, as you can see here!

But then Dick put him on his back, and in no time at all he was having so much fun, getting braver and braver.

Of course, playing in water makes for tired little ones (and big ones), so we all went home for naps, then met up at the bowling alley in the evening.   Bowling, pizza, birthday cupcakes, birthday gifts, and games.  The twins' family was there and also Lori's nephew William.  Not the 30 kids like last year's party!  We had a lot of fun.  Even I tried bowling for the first time in a long while.  We won't talk about scores!

I loved Austin's expression when we sang "Happy Birthday" to him!

Oh dear!  I know some of you will be very offended by this, but Grandpa was having fun helping the boys hunt wild animals.

I wanted a picture with our two little boys, but that turned into a major case of silliness!

When we got home Sammy played with a belated Christmas gift from Anthony and Lori.  He was very intent as he  built something.  I heard him say to Dick, "I'm almost done building.  Please don't talk to me."

Actually, Sammy had me giggling a lot.  He says such funny things all the time.  Here's what I posted on Facebook yesterday:

Some good ones from Sammy so far: 

Last evening after stopping at Dick's shop to pick up his truck, I followed him home. At some point he got out of sight, and Sammy wondered where he is. I said, "He drives too fast and got away from us!" Sammy said, "You must drive really fast. Mommy and Daddy do."

A while ago I was going to let him eat his hot dog on the sofa with a tray, but he insisted on coming to the table. He said, "I have to eat at the table because I might get food all over the couch. Daddy says that all the time."

Asking if he wanted any more food, he answered, "Yes, I want to grow up like Daddy does."  

And his favorite new saying is, "I just don't know what to do!"

This morning we took him to our two church services.  At Fillmore, Dick was reading the opening scripture, which was from 1 Samuel, when God called the boy Samuel in the night.  Sammy perked right up when he heard Dick read the first,  "Samuel!"  When Dick got to the second "Samuel!"  Sammy said, "What?"  Everyone laughed, because most of them knew his name.  Well, that made Sammy laugh too.  He was having such a great time!  Of course, Dick really emphasized the third,  "SAMUEL!" and once again Sammy answered with a loud,  "WHAT?"  It was just too perfect!  And so very, very cute!

At Houserville he had a good time too, playing a little piano with me, "helping" Dick play bass guitar for a bit.  He is SO tuned in to everything musical.  This morning it was the trumpet that totally mesmerized him.   I also got this video of him during Carol's prelude before the service started.  As you can tell, he feels quite at home there!

This afternoon we came home for naps again, then around 2:45 we headed to Jenn's parents near Harrisburg.   I was eager to see this little sweetie pie.  She's been sick, but is starting to feel better. 

We had a really good time hanging out there, watching football, eating some birthday cake (chocolate with peanut butter icing!) that Jenn's mom had made for her in honor of her upcoming birthday on Tuesday, talking and laughing.  Bianca settled into my arms and slept for about half an hour.  I just love her so much!!

So now, back to another regular week. EXCEPT!!  My piano lesson schedule changed to a different time slot, and I am now able to take my friend Peg's Strong Women exercise class on Tuesday and Thursday evenings right after work at the office.  I took it both days this past week and really loved it.  I'm just so happy to finally be getting back into some fitness with accountability.