Noni and Grampa

Noni and Grampa were our inaugural UWS visitors, and I've been lonely for them ever since they left. It was so nice to have them all to ourselves ('cause I'm selfish like that sometimes!), and whether we were hanging around my apartment or we were out exploring the city it just felt special.

 

I realized a few things while they were here:

1. This house was MADE to be filled to the brim with people. Sure, it is small, but even with 6 people in 480 square feet it never felt cramped. Actually, it was quite the opposite. My apartment was full of love, joy and so much energy. It felt cozy and perfect (so much so that my grandparents cancelled their hotel reservations because they felt so at home here). Yes, if I could I would fill these walls with so many babies, you just wouldn't believe it. But I can't, so I expect you to come visit and help me out, ok?
2. My boys are so blessed with such wonderful grandparents, and so many of them. Because our family is so young, the boys have great, and even great-great grandparents in their lives. For most of my growing up years, Grampa was my only Grandfather. He is the best Grampa any girl could ever dream of having--kind, strong, fun and caring. He told us great stories from his youth and from the war and made us laugh with his jokes. My point is that on this trip more than ever I realized how blessed my boys are to have him in their lives, plus Noni and all of their other grandparents. They have A LOT of them (last count I think they have 7 Granpas and Grandmas, plus some adopted along the way!) Family provides such perspective and love.
3. Our sleeper sofa is darn comfortable. I tried it out and I must admit, that is one comfy couch. Come visit and see for yourself!

 

The first night Noni and Grampa were here we made caramel apples. My mom's caramel recipe was really delicious (and not quite as hard as we expected) and everyone got an awesome sugar high from those bad boys! I showed this picture to Grampa and we agreed that I got my blue eyes from him ;)

We dipped the caramel apples in s'more ingredients (because caramel apples aren't sweet enough?) and they were so, so good. Oh, and the boys dipped theirs in orange sprinkles too. Our table was kind of chaotic that evening, but in the yummiest way possible.

Some of my favorite moments of Noni and Grampa's trip was watching them read stories to the boys. Little Everett would pick out a book and drag it to both N and G whenever they sat on the couch. I'll admit, it made me tear up a time or two (and not just because they were reading some awfully sad children's books, the Giving Tree anyone?)

We went to Carnegie Deli and had a lunch that made for 4 meals. It was huge!

And Ever was just as spicey as normal during that lunch trip. Noni and Grampa seemed to love that he points his fingers at me (and others) but that's because they are just grandparents and see no wrong with these little monsters.

 

Noni and I escaped one evening to a movie premiere a few blocks from our house. We saw George Clooney, Sandra Bullock, Regis Philbin, Emma Watson and other famous friends...no big deal, right?

That little Noni is so cute ordering shish kabobs from the street vendor. It was on her NYC bucket list, and I'm glad it happened. That street vendor was so nice and took good care of us.

Grampa and the little boys were cute eating their goodies on the street as well!

One afternoon I may have made Noni and Grampa dress up with random clothes from our costume drawer. You know, because isn't that what you do on a Wednesday afternoon?

Another night Noni and I escaped again, this time to see the Broadway show Newsies. Talmage and I stood in line and got tickets through the lottery. It was such a fun night and Noni really loved the show!

We went to the stage door at the end of the show to get autographs from all the stars. I made Noni take a picture with the main character, Corey Cott, because isn't he the most adorable thing you've ever seen? He is so extremely talented.

You all know that goodbyes do not look good on me, so after T and Noni hailed a cab together I sobbed my way over to Central Park. We loved having Noni and Grampa come visit us...and hope they will come back soon!