To Know Her is To Love Her

The days with Gram are flying by too fast. In between the big trips and outings, it's the little things that really mean a lot. The girls have been enjoying every moment with Gram.

Making snickerdoodles

Even chores become fun with Gram!

Washing dishes

We also had a night out at the Circus, specifically the National Institute of Circus Arts, with another family. 

The particular show we saw turned out to be rather inappropriate for family viewing, which was a huge shock and rather upsetting, especially as my friend called specifically to ask about the shows. Afterwards though, we walked down the street to a lovely Thai place for dinner. Our friends have two daughters the same age as ours, and their grandma was also in town, so we enjoyed great food and friendship.

Another day we took Gram to visit Brighton Beach. Her plantar fasciitis is really bothering her, even though she had a cortisone shot right before she left. So we've been trying to find activities that don't require too much walking. Sitting at the beach fits the bill!

Unique display of Aliya's shell collection

Aliya and friend Hannah

This is a true water girl. Even in the cold water, she goes swimming!

Gram boxing at the beach boxes

I already blogged about the Brighton Beach boxes here, but thought I'd throw in a few more pics for posterity.

Not that there was every any doubt, but Gram is truly babysitter extraordinaire! We had two friends sleeping over one night. In the morning I went to the gym. When I came back, she had them playing the silliest, simplest games, like trying to pick the correct marker color from her hand. 

Playing Uno

Playing "Button Button, Who's Got the Button"

Melbourne has lots of indoor pools, some of them are wave pools, which the girls love. We went swimming one day, another great activity since Gram loves water too! Pics with her didn't come out so well. Rest assured she was swimming, playing games with the kids most of the day!

   It's been so nice having her here. Aliya enjoys stealing whatever Gram makes herself for lunch, and playing endless games with her (although Gram might stop playing with her now that Aliya can beat her at Gin Rummy). Alanna enjoys eating Gram's Challah bread french toast as fast as she can make it, and they both like to curl up together at night and read. 

   Almost forgot to mention, on Monday night the four of us did a Zumba class together. Our gym had a kids Zumba class, and since we were the only ones there (we're on the second of a two week school holiday) Gram and I did the class too. It was really fun, and the girls picked up the moves quickly. Now they want me to change their piano lessons so they can do Zumba every Monday now. We'll see how that goes.

   Well, I need to wrap this up. We're headed to Ballarat tomorrow, should be another good adventure. Planning to visit Sovereign Hill, the Wildlife Park, and the place where Ben got his start with Opto 22!!!