A visit from Grandma and Grandpa

After the New Years festivities, we were greeted one morning to the shouts of "GRANDMA" and "GRANDPA" coming from the family room.  Grandma and Grandpa Holden had arrived late Friday evening and the boys were very excited to see them.  Much of the weekend was spent playing games (Carter is obsessed with games recently and takes them and the rules very seriously).  As well as lots of fun building things (and to the obvious delight of the two engineers in the room).

Building the light car race track

In addition to playing with new Christmas games and toys, the boys were off for adventures (and spoiling) for the duration of the visit

Mixed in with the around the house activities, a few trips to the city sights were made, or "Adventures" as Carter calls them.  First up was our annual visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden's Holiday Lights displays.  The boys always enjoy watching the trains as we wait for dusk to turn to night and the gardens transform to their lit up potential.

We even were able to get them to slow down for a minute for a good group shot (due to the time, Avery was home with mom asleep).

Then it was off to explore the sights of the millions of lights displayed throughout the gardens

After a bit, a side activity grabbed our attention...

Who can say "no" to smores? Not these two

Soon it was time to head home as tomorrow had another Adventure waiting.  Atlanta has recently opened the new College Football Hall of Fame.  They have done a great job with the facility and really made it interactive and personalized to your favorite team and players.  

Carter has a bit of growing to do.  Not even practice squad material yet

The best part for the boys is the end where a small field is available for practice field goals, drills and tailgate games.

While each boy (even Dad) attempted field goals of varying lengths, no success came until Grandpa lined up a true 30 yard attempt and knocked it ten feet above the crossbar and down the middle.  Not only was Carter and Parker impressed, so were the attendants manning the station.

Another new attraction to downtown is a streetcar running from Centennial Olympic Park to the Martin Luther King Center.  The best part is that through March all rides a free.  We took a quick ride to calm down a bit after the Hall of Fame.  The boys were very interested and confused about a train on the street, but had a great time touring through downtown.

 Unfortunately Grandma and Grandpa had to go home and the Holden House returned towards our more normal routine.  Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for coming over to visit and partake in some fun times.  We hope to see you again soon.