Papa and Grandma Lena Came To Town

Maddie and I just spent a stress-free week with Papa and Grandma Lena.. I don't get to say "stress-free" very often when it comes to my new(ish) role of stay at home mom.. it was nice to have the extra help. All the other grown-ups had to work on most days but not us! We got to PLAY! They stayed at Pam and Alyx's house so it probably helped that I didn't have to cook or clean the house more than normal.

Matt and I even got a Date Night! Woohoo.. we went to see Avatar.. cool movie that we otherwise would have waited to see it on DVD but it was sooo nice to leave the house and have some fun with just the two of us.

I have to say, she was the sweetest girl for everyone! She's been giving the best hugs and her spirited personality (while sometimes challenging) was really shinning and I couldn't have been more proud of her. She knows so many words... today she said "bless you" after I sneezed! Ok, she isn't PERFECT! She did wave her hand in the toilet and say "wha-wha" this morning too!

Here she is showing Papa her new shoes that Grandma Lena bought her.


Grandma and Maddie


We did a few "new" things and some old standbys that I thought the grandparents would enjoy.

We went to the Underwood Farms in Somis. They have a small petting zoo (with no actual petting) but had goats, an alpaca, chickens and some sheep to feed and watch. Mommy learned an important lesson.. let the kid play in the mud, you can always take off her pants before putting her in the car seat. Thank you Papa for that reminder. No pics because I forgot my camera (duh!)

We visited the Clubhouse Funzone, a place Matt and I took her awhile back. She still loves to be pushed in the cars and play in the houses.


We fed ducks and played at the park at the Thousand Oaks library. The squirrels were a wee bit aggressive but Alyx was with us to make sure none of them attacked! :) Note to self - next time bring MORE BREAD and an ear of corn!







Rock Climbing!


On the one rainy day, we enjoyed brunch with Maddie's Aunties and stayed for dinner to visit with Pam's folks. We absolutely adore both of them and amazingly it was the first time Matt's dad has met Pam's family. I imagine Lena was star-struck as she heard stories told by Pam's dad about his days working in "the biz". :) He's a great story teller and has met with some amazing people. Pam whipped up a turkey and made the most amazing turkey sandwiches! Who does that?! She's so good to us!

I wonder if Papa was trying to figure out a way to ship this box to Colorado?


A huge THANK YOU to Tommy, Pam's brother. This guy is sooo sweet. We don't see him very often but he left a Daisy Duck for Maddie at her auntie's house.. She said "ooooh!" and gave it the mostly lovingly hug.


Sunday we enjoyed a beautiful day at the Santa Barbara Zoo.. It's a pretty small place but the views certainly can't be beat. Miss Maddie cannot be contained for long and soon begged to be released from her stroller.. "Up, Up, Pleasssseee!" Once she was free, there was NO stopping her!






Fun with her aunties








Famous Dimino Family self portrait.. + Lena :)


I had to include this one.. see the lady between Alyx and Pam in the background? She had a very rough day with her kids running amuck, but looks like she wanted to make a funny face but thought otherwise, last minute.. maybe she was hoping she'd fall off the train and not have to deal with the bratty bunch she was with!



I'm not sure who was pooped more at the end of each day.. Maddie or her grandparents?!
We had a great time and can't wait to see you guys again!