Grandma and Grandpa Carpenter Came to Visit in May (Part 1)

We got back from Arkansas late Tuesday afternoon (May 8th), and Jared's mom and step dad came to visit on Thursday, May 10th. We were very excited for their visit! It was fairly hot outside and Jared still had a lot of research to do, so there were some days in which we didn't do a lot, but we did get to do some fun things. It was especially nice just having the opportunity to spend time with them and to see our girls get to enjoy time with Grandma Terri and Grandpa Dick.

Grandma and Grandpa wanted to take us out to celebrate Jared's graduation and job offer, as well as Mother's Day, which was the Sunday they were here. We went out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse on Friday night. Jared and I had never been there. The food was great and the company was excellent, of course. The only down part of the night was when Allie threw a tantrum and I had to carry her kicking and screaming out to the car for time out. It was pretty embarrassing. She even kicked somebody's can of peanuts on the way out (the restaurant brings each table a can of peanuts). What better way to celebrate Mother's Day, huh? But really, besides that experience at the beginning of the meal, it was a wonderful evening.

Grandma Terri and Grandpa Dick with the girls waiting for seats.



Rachel kept wanting to flirt with this little boy. When I called for her, she turned and was sticking her tongue out at me.

I was very grateful for Grandma Terri helping with the girls on Sunday morning. Sunday mornings are probably one of my least favorite times during the week. So having Terri help get the girls dressed and doing their hair was wonderful! The girls looked so cute. Thank you, Terri!

Grandpa Dick and Rachel before church

Sunday afternoon we decided to go for a walk around Theta Pond and OSU campus. It was wonderful getting outside and enjoying the beauty around us.



Rachel enjoyed playing with this stick that was taller than her.

It was fun spotting these squirrels.

Allie with Grandma Terri

Allie loves playing in the dirt. She doesn't love being dirty, but

she loves playing in the dirt.

Daddy's girls love him!

Allie was hopping like a froggy, so Daddy joined her, and Rachel

thought they were both so funny. It was fun listening to her laugh.



This looks like Rachel was blowing a kiss, but she was really trying to whistle

through her fingers like Daddy. It was cute watching her try.

My favorite picture of me with and the girls.

Happy Mother's Day to me!

A really cute picture of Grandpa and Grandma!

Allie wandered off a little bit, so Daddy took some snapshots of her.

You!

After hanging around Theta Pond, we went to the garden area by the Student Union Building and Library.

Jared and Rachel with the Student Union Building behind them.

The Library (similar to a picture we took when we first moved to OK)

Allie running around and through the garden.

Rachel strolling along with Daddy.

Another shot of the Student Union Building with "OSU" in flowers below.

Grandma Terri and Allie so small in front of the Student Union Building

A cute closeup.

 Looking Down at the garden

"O-State"

A bird taking a bath in a puddle. (If you look closely, you can see the water splashing.)

The bird was having fun.

We had a beautiful Mother's Day with Grandma and Grandpa Carpenter.

I should also add that Jared did a wonderful job on Mother's Day. He got me the book, "Love you Forever," by Robert Munsch. I cried. It was funny because Allie wanted me to read it to her, so I started and then started crying just a little into it. Allie started asking me, "Mommy, why you sad?" And when I said I wasn't sad, she started telling me, "Mommy, don't cry." So I ended up telling her, that if she didn't want me to cry, I couldn't read the book. But she demanded that I read the book. She couldn't understand that I couldn't obey both commands, to read the book and not cry. It was pretty funny. Anyway, Jared also got me a card and chocolate. He also treated me wonderfully, though he always does anyway. It was a wonderful day!