Grandpa McKinstry came to visit!

One of the family members we didn't get to see while on our trip to the the Midwest was Grandpa McKinstry. Since he lives more towards the middle of Illinois and we were in the southern portion, it would have added a lot of extra driving to an already long trip. Thankfully though, we knew it would only be a few weeks before we'd get to see Grandpa anyway. 

For each of the kids' birthdays, he makes a special trip in to celebrate with us at their parties. This time though, a big wrench got thrown into our plans. A hurricane off the eastern coast caused tons of rain in our area, and due to flash flood warnings we ended up having to postpone Reid's party until the following weekend.

While it was disappointing, we tried to make the most of it. Thursday night, after he arrived, we had our own little celebration, starting with dinner at Cracker Barrel.

There is not a lot to do on a rainy day in our area, and we didn't want to travel to any nearby towns due to the weather, so Dave had the idea to go to the pet store for a fun evening. Definitely a good choice...Though the kids have been several times already, they are so excited every chance they get to visit the animals.

The reptiles were the biggest hit this time.

I think this is such a sweet picture. I love how they love on each other.

 

Rather than rushing around the next morning to get all the party stuff together, we got to relax.

Now that I am homeschooling, I haven't been able to attend MOPS because I don't have childcare for Caleb during that time frame. Since Grandpa was here though and Dave was off, I was actually able to go this time. What a nice treat for me!

I saw on the MOPS Facebook group that they were making wreaths and was excited since I'd never made one before but was interested in learning.

Meanwhile, the kids were home enjoying some good play time with Daddy and Grandpa. I did a little school work with Caleb before I left, so the rest of the morning was carefree and full of creative play.

When Grandpa got there Caleb exclaimed with excitement, "We've got a really nice room for you, Grandpa...well until you notice how many spiders are in there..." Later that night, Hadley, who didn't understand that he was going to be staying with us for a few days asked, "Why are you still here?" I love the humor that comes from their innocence...but I may need to work on teaching them some hospitality etiquette. :)

That afternoon while the younger kids were sleeping, Grandpa got to sit in on a science lesson as Caleb made a sun collage, created mini books, and reviewed space vocabulary.

The rest of the day was just as slow paced and relaxed. So often when Grandpa comes to visit we are busy preparing for parties. With Caleb and Hadley's birthdays being in the spring, often we even have Easter in the mix. In some ways having to cancel this time around was a blessing because we didn't have that rushed feeling. Everyone just lounged around, enjoying the quality time as the rain continued to pour outside the window.

Saturday, both Caleb and Hadley's soccer games were canceled. However, Hadley had a make-up dance class that morning (from when we missed because our trip). Thankfully, that meant that Grandpa got the chance to watch her!

He took some pretty cute pics.

 That night we did a little more celebrating. Grandpa gave Reid his present...

Aunt Amy sent this gift.

What did Grandpa get you?!?!?

Caleb played with this box of animal cards a good portion of the weekend. He'd take out a stack and resort them alphabetically, learning and talking about the animals as he went. I think he may have talked Grandpa's ear off. 

...then we had cake!

 Reid loved it and asked for seconds. When he asked for thirds though we had to put our foot down.

The rain even interfered with our church plans Sunday. Originally, we were supposed to be join another church to do a camp out and then have an outdoor service at the campsite. With the weather though, of course that didn't work out. Instead, our pastor ended up inviting everyone to his house for a fellowship breakfast.

Once we got home there were naps and more playing.

While Caleb wanted to play with his animal cards most of the time while Grandpa was here, Hadley just wanted him to have picnics over and over and over and over...

That evening the kids went to Awana like usual, and Grandpa got to tag along.

Hadley earned her Cubby vest! She was so proud!

She also got her new workbook.

The multi-day birthday party continued after everyone got home. Reid had a present from my college roommate Jen that had arrived in the mail. The kids had as much fun with the giant red sack it was wrapped in as they did with the gift.

Our last morning together, Grandpa squeezed in a little more play time before his flight. The kids were so disappointed to see him go home. Caleb said, "He hasn't been here very long." Hadley even got a bit weepy.

I miss him too! He entertained my kids, helped with the dishes, and even swept under the table. He's a pretty good house guest. I even teased him that I need him to come more often so I can get a break....he made my job easy! Come back soon, Grandpa!