The Kulas: Two weeks with Grandma Kate

Airport welcome!

The last week of September and the first week of October was our long-awaited reunion with Grandma Kate. She was so excited to see her grandchildren again (and, you know, the rest of us too). We had a very nice two weeks, and Grandma Kate thoroughly enjoyed the kids - from playing games to taking walks. I know she especially loved the morning wake-up calls of the boys jumping on her bed before school, their enthusiasm to show her their toys and projects, and their general affectionate nature.

Misha and Sebby worked together to make this huge card for her.

It was full of messages, pictures, and origami.

A new Mancala opponent for Sebby to devour!

Pizza Hut ... We really *are* in America again...

We all went out for a fun evening of mini-golf. I thought the boys might get a little tired of it, but no - they loved whacking the balls through the glow-in-the-dark course. To add to the amusement, several holes had funny tasks to complete, such as standing on one foot, hitting behind your back, or switching with an opponent's ball.

Misha looking cool with the aliens.

Grandma Kate hides from the aliens.

Ashley behind the back!

Golf pose!

No doubt that was a hole-in-one.

Homework help.

A yummy meatloaf dinner, one of many tasty meals we made.

Bud + homemade ice cream = contentment

Another game that Sebby loves - Jenga.

Back to the kitchen.

Bud's cousin David and his wife Misti came for dinner.

The whole gang!

Homemade chicken pot pie :)

Sword fight with uncle Bud!

A friendly toad I found.

A wonderful treasure hunt that Misha made for me :)

Outside antics

Giving in a whirl

We took plenty of walks

Sebby admires the "gribochki"

Performing a trick on the scooter.

Brothers in the tree.

Hooray, we got Grandma Kate up too!

Chocolate zucchini cupcakes

A quiet evening at the beach.

We got everyone on some wheels.

At the park again for frisbee golf.

Bud gave us pointers.

Helping with Bud and Ashley's garage sale

The boys sold cookies and lemonade. "Fresh cookies! Homemade!" they called out.

We had a girls' night out with Ashley and her mom, me and Grandma Kate. We went to the Painted Potter and each chose a piece of pottery to paint as we pleased.

I decorated my chalice with a chameleon theme.

We went back with the boys so they could paint something too.

The moms.

Two weeks went by quite quickly. Before our time was over, we managed to fit in one more trip to the beach with Kate's friend Sirina and family, complete with a picnic of sandwiches and brownies. Misha got busy right away making an impressive castle and moat. I made a sea monster that got washed away by the waves. Sebby, as usual, couldn't get enough of the shallow rolling water.