While we were away...

Turner had a wonderful time at Tootsie and Pop's house while Mark and I were in NYC. Mark and I struggled with the thought of being away from her for 5 days, but fortunately they accepted our many phone calls and sent us constant video and text messages of her activities throughout the day. (*I have a precious video of Turner and my Dad slurping spaghetti noodles together. I am not sure who was funnier to watch - her or my Dad?!) And as the days passed, it was easier for us to be away. Obviously it was fine with Turner, because when they dropped her off with us last Tuesday she kept saying, "I go with you?" as if she were about to go back home with them! I am guessing that means she enjoyed herself! Judging by these pictures, I can't imagine how she wouldn't have enjoyed herself! I am so grateful for my parents and how much they enjoy sweet Turner.

First, they decided to allow a 20 month old to use a knife. That's a good start!
And they purchased this pool just for Turner's visit.
And they purchased this new baby stroller for her so that she could easily transport MY Cabbage Patch Kids (read: 27 years old) around the driveway.
On Sunday, they visited our local version of Auburn's Hickory Dickory Park.
After the park, they stopped in to visit our good friends the Strengths. Mr. Benny and Mrs. Pat had grandchildren a little later in life, so for all of my childhood they claimed me as their granddaughter. I always enjoyed going to visit them and especially enjoyed playing with their jacks. You'll see Turner below taking her turn with those SAME jacks I played with (in the SAME jar)!
And also on Sunday, they visited my Dad's sister and her family over at my Mema's house. The three cousins taught Turner how to "Ring Around the Rosy" (since then I have heard her break out in song with "Ring around the rosy..."). As you can tell by some of these pictures, Turner went straight for my Mema's garden and got in the dirt as quickly as possible. In brand new pants I made for her. :) Thank goodness for washing machines and grandmothers who wash and iron things so you won't know they were dirty!!!
Sunday also meant more playing in the pool...
...and some riding the lawn-mower with Pop...
...and a special trip to our local Dairy Queen, which is a truly special institution in our town. It's right in the heart of town and still the old 'walk-up' counter like you would have seen over 50 years ago. It is a very popular evening destination at any time of year! The owner, Jimmy, is an old family friend (read: old boyfriend of my mom's) and he can recognize my mom's voice before she identifies herself on the phone and can almost place the order for our family! Not that we go to the Dairy Queen a lot....
"Ice cream, I lub it!"
On Monday, Turner got all dressed up to go have lunch with Pop at the popular lunch spot Tabby D's. It also just happened to be the day of the Kiwanis Club lunch meeting (of which my Dad is a member) so this was the "perfect" opportunity for him to show Turner off to his friends!
On Tuesday Turner, Pop, and Tootsie headed back to Auburn to prepare for our return. I am guessing Turner was entertaining herself while Tootsie and Pop gathered all of her toys, etc. Not sure where this Twister beach towel came from, but it's pretty cool! Looks like Turner figured out how to put both feet on green?
Let me also add, that when we got home there was dinner ready on the stove, my dessert was made for me to take to Birmingham the next day, and Mom was trying to convince me to allow her to hang all of Turner's clothes up before she went back home. Am I blessed or what??

THANK YOU Tootsie and Pop. You rock.