Visit from the Retirees (aka MI Grandparents)

My dad retired in early December after working at the same company for 40 years! Pretty crazy to think about as I've never worked at the same place for more than a few years. For years my parents talked about buying an RV upon retirement and traveling the country, so in late January they left on their first adventure in their RV. They live in Michigan so they always dreamed of being able to leave during the winter and go to Florida, so that is where they spent the first few weeks of their adventure. After that they made their way over to NM and stayed with us for 10 nights. Micah had to go out of town for a conference for three nights, so I was happy to have the help, and my parents enjoyed the larger space in our house after living out of their small RV for several weeks.

Their time here was busy as they helped us get some things done, my dad spent time cleaning up the RV and finishing up a few projects on the inside, and my mom did her freelance writing work during nap time every day (she quit her job a little less than a year ago partly so that she could have more flexibility to travel and work from the road). But we also managed to do several fun things while they were in town such as go to the aquarium and botanic garden, go to the zoo, go climbing outside, get frozen yogurt and gelato, go to a few parks with one-on-one supervision, go out for breakfast, and of course we had fun just playing at home as well. We had a great time and we look forward to seeing them again when they come out in June for Alexis, Jack, and Faith's 2nd birthday!

Alexis was the only kiddo awake when Grandpa and Grandma pulled up in their RV

They made it!

Grandma's sandals were an attraction

Checking out the RV

Exploring the aquarium by foot since we had one-one-one supervision

The botanic garden on foot was a bit more of a challenge as all travel at different speeds. Jack and Grandma are in the lead here with Faith closest to the camera.

Bedtime story with Grandma

On Saturday during their visit we drove 1.5 hours to a climbing area and we did a little sightseeing on the way home. Grandma and Grandpa were troopers in the WAY backseat of the car as getting in and out is quite a puzzle.

Grandpa carried Faith into the climbing area

An impromptu photo as all jumped on the couch to say goodnight to Grandma and Grandpa

Looking at the peacock at the zoo

See the polar bear behind everyone? The kids were more interested in another child than the camera.

Trying out a new park! This slide was great as it was so safe for them.

Gelato

Building a super tall tower with Grandpa

Out to breakfast

Grandpa has the best entertainment

Frozen yogurt beards

Yum, frozen yogurt

Swinging at the park in our neighborhood

Running in the backyard with Grandpa

Last photo before they continued their adventure home to Michigan. Alexis refused to sit on the couch with everyone else as she was more interested in rocking.

Bye-bye Grandpa and Grandma (and the "truck" we talked about every day as it sat in front of our house)