While Rob's parents were in Spain, their dog, Raskal, came to stay with us. As frequent blog readers know, Mia has not been too keen on dogs (See
this post from last February and
this one from June). Though two weekends ago, she went from crying to tolerant of Grandma and Grandpa's dogs in South Carolina. And this weekend, Mia completely changed her attitude towards Raskal.
Before I picked Mia up from day care yesterday, I dropped Raskal back off at home because Taid was going to be home from Spain later that evening.
Last night, Mia got home from day care and started looking for Raskal. When I explained to her that Raskal was at home, at Nina and Taid's house, she said, "Go Nina." I explained that Nina was still in Spain taking care of Baby Alan. Then it was, "Go Taid." I explained that Taid wasn't home from the airport yet. Then, "Go Raskal. Outside." I explained that Raskal was waiting for Taid to get home because he missed Taid and wanted to see him tonight. She was a bit disappointed when we didn't get in the car.
This morning, she saw Raskal's tennis ball and started looking for the dog again to give him his ball. She kept pointing upstairs, as Raskal tends to like to sit at the top of the stairs. Rob explained that Raskal went home to be with Taid. She then told us that Taid should bring Raskal over.
We have hope that when we someday get a dog, Mia will still believe that we love her and it isn't a punishment.
She "helped" hang some ornaments, but we found her patience and willingness to stay away from the glass ornaments only lasted a few minutes. So, Mia got dinner and watched us hang ornaments from her high chair. This produced a much happier little girl and definitely more relaxed parents.
Happy Holidays!
Mia and Raskal bonded some more.
And, Mia and Maddie had a great time making their own music. I believe there was even a building block parade where the two of them marched around the house clapping their blocks together.
Mom and Dad really enjoyed the cousin quality time, too. We had lovely adult conversations and didn't have to run around after Mia in the middle. (Thanks Maddie!!)
Alan and his mommy are finally home from the hospital and Nina has stayed in Spain for one more week to help Mom and Dad.
The Aiken Historical Museum staff let us know that there was a carriage parade going on outside. We ran out and got a few pictures of the neat carriages, horses, and women's hats.
Ellie was quite a blast as you can see by how much fun she had wearing her pants on her head.
After dinner was more playing. Noah took all of his toys out of his big basket and thought it would be great to play in it.
Mia thought the idea was pretty cool. We're not sure how Noah felt about the company.
Rob was a big hit during story time.
A big thanks to Jennifer and Darren for a wonderful night!
It really seemed like the girls knew what was happening as Mia kept saying "Bye-Bye" and they hugged and gave each other kisses. It was very sweet. We wish Todd, Kate, and Anna best of luck and can't wait to see them again!
She had a bit more fun playing in the patch than picking out a pumpkin.
In the end, she decided that the best pumpkin seat made the best pumpkin to take home.
Mia is saying "touchdown" here and holding her hands up like goal posts.
