Grandma Christmas's House

While we were in Utah the kids got to spend some time at their grandparents' houses. My parents and Joseph's parents live just a couple of miles apart so we went back and forth between the two houses a lot, but we slept at my parents' house because it was less crowded. Emily ended up calling my dad "New Grandpa" because she remembered Grandpa Cooper and was a little confused when we called my dad Grandpa as well. She heard me calling Crystal (my step-mother) by her first name so started calling Crystal the closest approximation to Grandma Crystal that she could come up with, which was "Grandma Christmas." Pretty cute.
My parents have an under-the-sea themed basement activity room, which is where Emily spent a lot of time playing. This scary pirate shipwreck (that my dad painted!) houses every little girl's dream - a little play house complete with kitchen, ironing board, table to set, vacuum cleaner, etc. Emily loved it.














She would often call me in to the little house saying, "Time for lunch, Mommy! We have to say a prayer!" She kept feeding me pretzel goldfish long after I thought we were all out. I found her stash on our last day there. One of those pots on the stove was absolutely crammed full of them.
I was amazed at her setup here; I hope I am not her model. How did she even balance all that stuff up there? I like to think that my meal preparation is a little less cluttered.
Here she is being the dutiful little housewife that she is (or poses as). Getting the ironing done. I know she didn't learn that from me, since I probably only iron once a month or less. I love that Caleb is peaking in from the outside. He's such a cute little monkey.
And finally, relaxing after a long day in the kitchen slaving over a hot stove. I had to stand pretty close watch. Little Miss Emily here is not above pushing baby brother around when he gets in her way! :)
Staying at my parents house is always nice. They give us a lot of space in the basement, there are plenty of toys to keep the kids entertained, and a Wii set up with Rockband to keep me and Joseph entertained.

This video is of Emily at Grandma Cooper's house trying her hand at percussion. I think she has some of Joseph's talent!