Oliver, Trenton, Sheryl and Jim came for a visit on Saturday. Then Trenton stayed with us while the others went to a party in Milford, PA. We had some great times with Trenton. He's growing up so fast, as is Oliver. Look how big he looks! Almost 3 months old and almost 3 years old!

Oliver smiles and talks to Grampack.

Guess who took the next 3 pictures? Well, if you guessed Trenton then you were correct. He took many good ones, very artistically, too. He knows what to do with a camera and he knows it's not a toy.

Trenton enjoyed playing Play Doh just before bathtime. He is amazing in so many ways. We stick to his schedule and discipline here and he knows it. The only thing that's different here than at his home is that our TV is on more, his shows as well as ours. At bedtime he'll say "one more book" or "one more story" then he knows it's time to go to sleep. He loves to go downstairs and play. We didn't let him know about the downstairs until November and now it's part of his activities here. First he was absorbed by the pool table. We let him roll the balls around. Now he can play darts, too. We watched a Wiggles DVD, listened to a CD and went on the computer where he played an online video game, I kid you not!!! I never ever imagined when we finished this room when Jason was around the same age, that we'd be playing here with our grandson. And just think, in 2 years we'll be playing the same sort of things with Oliver! Now that makes me quite happy.

Trenton said some amazing things this visit: "What were you doin' before, yoga?" (He saw my yoga mat on the floor downstairs, he's seen Sheryl do yoga). When we were in "his room" I was sort of talking to myself when I said, "I wonder how you put water in the humidifier?" He said, "Grandma, the directions say to take the cover off and add more water." When we were playing with a motorcycle in the hallway, Grampack came over and Trenton said, "Grampack, are you going to join us?" Sometimes he sounds so much older than his years. He's been exposed to so much, so many activities, so many people, so many positive experiences and he's taken it all in. Way to go Sheryl and Jim!!

Three K's snuggling in their pajamas the next morning.

Playtime in Howell

It was great to spend some time with Sheryl, Jim, Trenton and Oliver today. We played with lots of Trenton's new toys.
Trenton's learning how to play Memory Game.

Oliver's learning how to communicate.

Oliver is such a happy baby.

Look at the body on this kid! Those thighs, those creased arms, that tummy, those cheeks! Sooooo kissable :-)

Trenton received a harmonica for Christmas. He and Daddy play a duet while Grampack holds a sleeping Oliver. It's amazing what he sleeps through.

Who needs new toys when you have such a great imagination? Trenton is portraying the Statue of Liberty.

Oliver is all swaddled for his afternoon nap.

Ice Storm

We woke up to an ice-covered world yesterday morning. Can you see that the driveway is solid ice?
We've never seen this happen. Each blade of grass was coated with ice.

This dogwood tree looks pretty in a frigid, icy sort of way. There was some melting today but not much.

A monumental feat

Jim has just completed the Across The Years race in Phoenix, Arizona. He ran 101k or 62.758 miles in 24 hours! Check out the excellent website and also click on current standings to see Jim's stats. The picture above, from last year's snowshoe marathon in VT, appears on his biography page. He ran over 47 miles yesterday from 9 AM to 10:30 PM. Then he slept for a few hours. When he woke up this morning he ran another 14 miles! He ran more than ever before, achieving a monumental goal for himself. He'll relax and enjoy the festivities today and return tonight on the red-eye. We're so pleased and proud.