These are Two of My Favorite Things…

 

Grandsons and Derby! Yes, these are two of my favorite things! I spent two nights/three days with my grandsons and returned home in time to enjoy Derby week. This week’s blog post must include a little of both!!

First of course, the grandsons! Remember back in June when I thought I could never do an overnight babysitting gig again? I returned to Pittsburgh to take care of those toddlers for a couple of nights. I have to say, it was much more enjoyable this time around! Clearly, they are nearly a year older from last June, which helped immensely with communication. Although Adrian still speaks only a few words, Gabriel is a good translator and we figured it all out without issue!

Their schedules were good and I was able to “bribe” them when needed with CeCe’s treat bag. This bag had fruit snacks, Rice Krispie treats, goldfish, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch bars. Gabriel is a good big brother and Adrian wants to do everything Gabriel does. Gabriel does somersaults off the couch, Adrian follows him. Gabriel rides his bike around the dining room and so does Adrian. They both wear their helmets and they are fast little kids! I had a little hyperventilating going on, but there were no casualties and these “games” wore them out!

Fortunately, when we had quiet time, it did not involve CoComelon. We watched Daniel Tiger and some other “drive you crazy” shows, but it’s okay. They had quiet time and CeCe was snuggled with her boys on the couch!

Quiet time doesn’t last long, but it sure is nice. When Adrian slept, Gabriel and I played High Ho Cherry-O! We played over and over! At one point, Gabriel had won so many games, he declared himself a “geniwus” (genius!). He also shared with me the foods that are good for you and protein! I worked hard to get Adrian to say CeCe, but he was more interested in showing me his nose, his eyes, and his ears! 

PJs were worn for two days...we put a clean pair on each morning! It was delightful!! Gabriel loved the idea and told me it was totally silly but let's do it again!!

It was all good and it was made even better by not having to drive…I flew from Louisville to Pittsburgh, via Atlanta and I came home via Chicago! I gotta say it was nice. Driving alone is possible for me, but after a busy weekend, letting someone else manage to get me home was pleasant!

I love those two little guys and we have a good time together. There were a couple of meltdowns but I managed to get them to settle down by pretending to cry loudly and they just looked at me like I had two heads! Somehow, it made them laugh and everyone was happy again!

Hats off to my daughter & son-in-law for being great parents, but especially to my daughter for being a great “boy Mom!”

 

Now for Derby! Another year in Louisville has convinced me that this is where I belong. This year, it’s been a little slower paced week. That doesn’t mean I’ve been sitting around…we had dinner/music on Monday night with a gathering of people who used to be regular patrons at John E’s. Mom and Dad were able to see old friends and see the musicians that they had danced to for so many years.

Tuesday night was a shrimp boil with friends visiting from California. It was great to spend time with them and we were able to highlight things that they would see at Churchill Downs today!

Tonight, we’re watching the Chicagos (Med, Fire, & PD) and tomorrow is another down day! Friday there will be brunch for Derby Eve and Saturday, the Coronation and Derby Party! WHEW!! I’m glad today was a down day!!

It’s just fun to be in Louisville during this time of year. There is something going on everyday…something for everyone. Parade, boat race, Derby princesses, hats, lots of food and music, a ½ marathon, hot air balloon race, special days at Churchill Downs, and oh so many parties!

So, I’ll enjoy my brunch and my Derby party and feel part of the festivities! I’m sure there will be pictures to follow!

In the meantime, check out these cuties!! Happy Derby everyone! See you next week!!