When Katelyn was just a few months old my parents decided to move across the country to help with my mom's arthritis and allergy problems. For them it has proven to be a great move. My mom has improved tremendously and her quality of life is just so much better in the warmer, dry climate.
I was bummed. We were so close and still had weekly dinners, not to mention Katelyn just adored her Grammy and that baby didn't care for many people. I was trying hard not to be selfish but it was hard!
I worried that my children wouldn't have a relationship with my parents only being able to see them a few times a year. Over eight years has passed since they moved and we have added three more babies to our family and I am happy, very happy, to say that I needn't have worried.
My kids have a great relationship with my parents. They love each other to pieces. There is never shy moments between them no matter how much times has passed and no matter how little the little ones are.
Just being together is special.
And so very wonderful.
The quality of time spent together is so much better then it would be if my mom was still living here.
They have a bond that ties them.
And enjoy similar things.
Even something as silly as putting socks on his ears makes memories.
So this year we were even able to spend Grammy's birthday with her.
And then use washable markers to color her hair a rainbow of colors?
Really the answer is quite simple.
It was CRAZY HAIR DAY at school....
To see these boots at Walmart a few weeks ago!
So excited, in fact, that I bought the next size up from what he wears normally because they didn't have his size and I fell in love with them!
A week before his party I was driving along and was chatting with Maggie and Ben in the back seat. I said to Ben, "Do you want to have a birthday party?" He thought for a minute and replied, "Cow Cake!" I laughed, this kid loves cows and loves cake!
Katie also without doubt or a moments hesitation chose a chicken and she loved every bite.
Then it was gift time and, again, Ben was adorned with wonderful and beautiful gifts! 
Ben loved all his gifts and is still enjoying them.
Hi Leah! Could you be any cuter? I don't think so!
Ben turning two wasn't the only milestone of the day either... Auntie Jen, who is very scared of cows, actually wanted one of the little cows we bought for Ben's little friends. Baby steps...
Julia, what is that face you are making???
He did, however, care very much for his "cow shirt" and was proud as could be every time someone mentioned it.
And the children have fun...
Whooshing down the hill in our back yard....
Watching them walk around so graceful was a sight for sure.
This zoo has a high deck set up so the visitors can feed the giraffes.
That was quite an experience. A slobbery, but great experience.
Look at her, isn't she just so beautiful?
The kids really enjoyed this experience almost as much as I did.
There is no doubt that this was my most favorite part of the zoo that day!
And so very wonderful.
The quality of time spent together is so much better then it would be if my mom was still living here.
They have a bond that ties them.
And enjoy similar things.
Even something as silly as putting socks on his ears makes memories.
So this year we were even able to spend Grammy's birthday with her.
Grammy loves teaching them all about horses and taking good care of them.
