Grrrrrrandma!

 The title is supposed to be said in a wailing Emerson voice.  That's what's been happening anyway for the last week since my mom left after visiting us for a week.  This is the first time that he's gotten really really sad when someone has left us after visiting.  We've had a lot a visitors and it seems like we're always visiting Utah, but he's just catching onto the fact that grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles can't just pop in to say hello all the time when we're living in Ohio and they are in Utah.  So even though I wasn't the one who started all the crying when it was time to say goodbye, I was crying when E had to say goodbye because he was sadly clutching Pooh Bear while begging Grandma to stay.  And now every time I tell him "no" or talk in a stern voice, he'll start bawling and say "Grandma!  I want Grandma to come back and play trains with me."  The funny thing is, it's not like my mom undermines my disciplining efforts or anything, so why he thinks she's a big softie is beyond me (and her!).

We had a great time while she was here even though it rained anytime we tried to go out to do something.  It was still fun though.

 Sammi with her polar bear friend.  She actually cared about the animals while E just kept asking about the train.

 ...Illustrated perfectly here.

 Luckily it stopped raining long enough for the train to start running again and THAT crisis was averted.  Phew!

 Documentation that I am a bad mother and let my kids watch TV.

We went apple picking in the pouring rain even though you can't tell in the pictures.  We were dang quick, and at least it wasn't crowded.

Isn't Grandma cute in her little hoodie?

Here's the woman of the week...or month in Emerson's mind.

Thanks for coming, Grandma!  Thanks for the hours of train play, book reading, snuggles, and yummy food!  You are sincerely missed by all, but most vocally by E.

P.S. Can I just point out how appropriate Sammi's animal print leggings are for the zoo?  They are.