Sandbox

John's parents came to visit this weekend and we had a good time with them. On Saturday morning we got up and went down to Fred Meyer's so that they could get Emilio a sandbox as an early birthday present. I had seen one there a few weeks prior that had a sandbox, with picnic table attached and an umbrella for shade. It was really cute, an even though it was plastic, it was in natural colors that I liked. Well, of course when we finally made it back to the toy section again, there was no sandbox left. We were all a little bummed, but thought that Toys R'Us would have plenty in supply. We walked around Toys R' Us while Emilio yelled with glee, "Look at all these big boy toys." Gabriela got giddy in the dolly and dress up section. She's such a girl and loves everything pretty! We found out soon after arriving to Toy's R Us that they were in fact out of sandboxes too, and that was very disappointing. Grandma and Bumpa (as Emilio has named him) said they'd be able to order one and it would be delivered, but we wanted the kids to be able to enjoy it that weekend, and for John Sr. and Sharon to be able to see them play in it. John (mine, that is) was determined to find a sandbox, so he and I called the other Fred Meyer in Renton and they had one left (the display) which they'd put on hold for us. The kids picked out a few things at Toys R' Us first; Emilio chose a box of Farm tractors and another of Construction trucks to play with in his sandbox (it gets difficult to try and talk an almost 3 year old into what would be good to play with in a sandbox...he had been eyeing all sorts of crazy things that just wouldn't have worked) and Gabi got a Little Mermaid push/riding toy that makes many lovely sounds (and kind of annoying after the 50th time hearing it for the day...no, but it is cute). Grandma and Bumpa also threw in a Lightening McQueen Pez Despenser for Emilio and a Princess Belle Pez Despenser for Gabi for good measure (the kids have quite the collection going between both sets of Grandparents adding to it). We headed down to Fred Meyers in downtown Renton and they had the sandbox all ready for us. Not only was it in great shop (afterall it was a display toy), it was such a good bargain. It was originally $129.99, on clearance for $103.00, and then 60% off that day, so it was a grand total of $45.00! WE were all so excited! John and John went to the hardware store across the street and purchased 300 lbs. of this really great quartz type sand (not as dirty as the usual kind). As soon as we got home, the kids were tearing into their presents and the guys were filling up the sandbox. Emilio and Grandma ate lunch outside on the picnic table together. Emilio loves it! Gabi is a little more particular. She doesn't like sitting in it, but on the side with her toesies in the sand. She's funny! We are looking forward to hours of entertainment with our new sandbox. Thanks Grandma and Bumpa!