Vroom Vroom... Off to Grampa's

It was time for a visit to Glendora. It's always nice to be with family, but we especially wanted to be with Grampa while he was enduring another chemo cycle.

So, we left Papa (Tony) in Sequim and Gavin and I went to California all by ourselves. I wasn't really scared, even though the trip promised to be more than 10 hours from start to finish. Still, you never know with babies. Thankfully, our Gavin is predictably easy to deal with, distractable and social. This combination makes for a great traveller. Having our own row on the plane (both ways) was definitely a bonus.

Did I mention that my sister-in-law now lives 2 blocks from the airport? That certainly simplifies the process with an added bonus of Auntie Tonia (and family) quality time.

Honorary Auntie Tiffany picked us up from the airport and we met another Honorary Auntie, Jenn, and her daughter Ryann for dinner. It is so sweet to be with friends who know you from the good ol' days.

And isn't Ryann cute?! She'll be two in July. I don't think that'll be too old for Gavin in 20 years. You never know.


Gavin was happy to make friends with Auntie Tiffany (and Jenn) even though to him they are pretty much strangers. In fact, at this point, most people are strangers but that doesn't phase him. It's fun to know that we're getting closer and closer to Gavin remembering people.
Gavin made it the whole day in his special outfit, courtesy of Auntie Colleen, and was able to show it to Grampa. He's sporting a new "do." Doesn't he have a nicely shaped head?!


We did bring a hat for him (the black one) in case he wanted to show off his keen fashion sense. Gavin was happy to provide lots of entertainment to help distract Grampa. Grampa is quite the strong one. Progress tests and results will be coming soon. We'd love your prayers for healing and strength!
Gavin loved his auntie Colleen and made it very obvious how much he ADORED his cousin Oliver (almost 5 1/2). In fact, it was mutual admiration.

Gavin had is first baths in the big tub and had fun playing with Oliver. I will say it's a bit interesting trying to bath an early crawler/want to be standing all the time baby. I'm glad that Tony is usually in charge of the baths.

Gramme and Gavin shared some great play time. Especially with the percussion instruments. Gavin is quite the musical guy. Maybe there will be some instruments in his future...

Mom arranged for the whole family to get together-- Warren, Nichole, Sicily, Rocco (pictured), Tyler and Fatima, Colleen and Oliver (we missed Philip), Claire and Gavin (sans Tony) and Gramme and Grampa. Boy is the energy different for family gatherings these days. We snapped a few photos but couldn't even get the four cousins together. Oh well.

Rocco is the same age as Gavin. He's definitely on the top of the growth chart. Gavin is going to have to depend on Rocco to defend him on the playground-- Rocco is bigger in all aspects except the belly.

We were so glad to spend time with Honorary Auntie Jenny and her son Henry. Henry is a month older than Gavin and on the move. What a cutie. Once again, no great posed pictures, but we sure did have fun together.

It will be fun to have more play dates as the boys get older.

Uncle Warren and Gavin. He's a great Uncle (and Dad)!

Gavin enjoying grass time while Oliver and I play catch. The colored doors in the background are the classrooms at Windham School. (School is closed and the property is for sale, so it was good to get a token picture at the school.)

We had a great trip. It was so special to be with Grampa, Gramme, Colleen, Oliver and our other family and friends.

While we were in Glendora Gavin continued to work on his crawling and even began to clap. What fun! I love the outward expressions of his inward joy. We're blessed to have such a contented baby.

One more story on the subject of strangers... On the plane on the way home, a nice gentleman flight attendant stopped to talk to us. He had just approached and greeted Gavin when Gavin raised both of his arms as if to say "Please pick me up." I think you call that social. With all of the "strangers" from the past week, Gavin was used to being passed around among friendly people and somehow he could tell the flight attendant was nice and maybe somehow senses that he was a grandpa.

So now that we're home it's unpacking, laundry, and packing again. We're off to Texas later this week to be with Tony's parents for a family vacation. We just might melt in the heat but we're willing to suffer in exchange for relaxation and maybe even some nights out while mimi and bapa play with Gavin.