I must confess that when Jen and Kevin asked us if we would watch the grandkids for 6 days while they went to Hawaii I was a bit hesitant. Seriously, how long has it been since I actually was in charge of children 24/7. It wasn't that they didn't give me plenty of notice, but how does one prepare for a week of little ones? I pushed the question into the back of my mind until the last possible moment and then YIKES! I really could not wrap my mind around it. Cole had never even slept over, and Cali was in the habit of wanting to go home at about midnight every-time she would try to spend the night.

   What I needed was serious grandma "stuff". I started with the crib problem. Cole did not like the port-a-crib that Cali was perfectly happy with so I needed an inexpensive crib. A simple white crib with bars all the way around would be just perfect. Hello, have any of you grammies looked into the price of cribs these days- they all make into beds and are made to withstand a major earthquake! I planned on spending about $95.00. I first found out that there are no inexpensive cribs in stock, and they started at $200.00. Well, I looked everywhere, KSL, Baby's R US, Target, then I broke down and went to Ikea, where I settled on some funky crib for $200.00 and by the time we got to the pickup section of the store they were out of them! 

  Finally Kelly navigated us to USA Baby in West Valley, and then... they had a crib on sale, in white, simple lines-SOLD. 

   Next I figured I would need a camera monitor, I bought the $90.00 version, never mind the fact the the back of the monitor is the size of an old RCA TV. It fit snugly in my kitchen window (I wasn't about to fall for the $200.00 model with a screen the size of a cell phone!) "What are the manufacturers thinking" I thought to myself as I made my selection, I defiantly need the BIG screen so that I can actually see the baby!"

   I already had a mattress, and girl baby bedding, (sorry Cole!) from on old model home so I was set, or was I.... No Cole is a light sleeper I needed a white noise machine, but where could I get one cheap? Wallmart of corse, so I bought a small office desk fan. Sippy cups, diapers, pull ups, wipes, baby snack food, fruit rollups, bibs, high chair all checked off the list- I think that I am ready with my Grammy arsenal.  

   I must confess that I was still having serious hesitations about babysitting. Do I have the energy???? 

   Well the kids came and we had a great time, yes it was exhausting, but the whole family pitched in to help and they seemed to know just when I needed help the most. Of corse Scott was there to help, or was he? Actually he had a really busy week. We made it through with great memories, lots of cuddles and kisses, fun and adventures. As I thought about it after the kids left Jen and Kevin were sure lucky to have a place to leave their kids where they get just as many (or more) hugs and kissed then they get at home! All I want to know is when can I have the kids back!!!! Here are some pictures of the fun time we had.

P.S. Cole was a great little sleeper!