Ok, Ok...enough already. After numerous threats, oh I mean requests, and floods of emails, I've finally got it.... Team Kirby of America Blog needs more G Photos...well you got it :)
It's a hard reality to know that Greta does not get to see her extended family often...often enough to just jump into there arms on sight with little hesitation. With our tight schedules and limited vacation time, the long "weekend visit" is barley enough time for her to warm up to the idea of anyone holding her except Mama or Dada. I've read that this is a phase; That her shyness will pass along with the wobbly teeder of her toddler years. I am encouraged that this to be true... Grandpa and Grandma Linda were in town for the first weekend of March. G warmed up to Grandpa as she never had in the past; even going so far to let him sit next to her on the couch to tickle her belly and almost letting him hold her, almost! It was a great visit! Our time spent with Grandpa was packed full of fun. We spent an afternoon at the Olympic Oval for the speed skating finals; witnessing a world record time in the men's 1500, quite the sight to see!
The next day we packed up the van and headed to the hills for our traditional XC ski afternoon. It was the perfect day; blue skies, warm air, kick and glide snow! We had a picnic at our favorite spot on the Beaver Creek Trail, fancy cheese, fresh bread and summer sausage fill our bellies and gave us strength to ski back to the car. The 3 day visit flew by like a flash. It was sad to see them go.
The rest of March was spent mostly in routine; Plastering the dogs nose with stickers; riding the fire truck around the house "Naked Baby Style", working on getting all of her "ducks in a row" and simply spending time just growing up to be a beautiful little girl!
I find if amazing how much G changes these days. Even this month she's gained a new twinkle in her eye. Everyday she's got more to say and new ways to make us smile. Her personality is shining!
The last weekend in March was spent teaching Greta the origin of our Great City of Salt. Antelope Island State Park, surrounded by the Great Salt Lake, is a favorite of ours. There is no other place, that we have found, that captures such a palette of gray, brown and gray-blue. In any other venue this "variety" of color, or lack there of, would be considered drab, but here it is vibrant.
On the island, you can hear the calls of sea gulls, chuckers, canyon wren, meadow lark, and kill deer. You can watch wild buffalo graze the hillsides and brine shrimp feed by the thousands at the waters edge The pungent smell is slightly unpleasant, but when you dip your hands in the water, the the slimy salt film left behind is unmatched. Plus, the beach is a giant sandbox...what can be better then that for a 17 month old?
After convincing G, and Cooper, that it was not a good idea to drink the water, we all played the day away...throwing rocks n the water, burying our hands in the sand and running up and down the shore.
Finally, I must say goodbye. My very good friend from college, MaryLou, lost her dad to a tragic bathroom fall this month. I did not know him well, but what I did know of him showed me that he was filled with courage, strength and kindness. So I say goodbye to a good man and I hope that MaryLou and her family can find peace in this time of sorrow!
