"Leaving on a jet plane..."We left for a week-long visit to the great state of California on the morning of Wednesday, April 20, 2011. The main objective of the visit was to introduce you to your Great-Grandma Ethel and Great-Grandpa Jim Jones, Katy.
The flight out there went well. The plane ride itself was quite turbulent and bumpy but this worked in our favor as it seemed to lull you to sleep for a forty-five minute nap (much to the pleasure of the passengers around us). You were very well-behaved for the whole five and a half hour flight- only getting fussy towards the end when we were waiting to get off the plane (but then again, who isn't fussy trying to get off a plane?).
We spent the first night at a hotel near the San Francisco Airport. We weren't sure how you would do on the flight and time change and we didn't want to add to the mix another two hour drive to Merced on top of that. We spent an uneventful night at the airport hotel, eating dinner at their restaurant.
On Thursday, we started out refreshed and new. Daddy went to get the rental car from the airport and we played around in the hotel until Daddy let us know he was ready for us to check out and be on our way. It was a two hour drive to Merced and the weather was bright and sunny. You, Katy, slept almost the entire way there, allowing Daddy and I to navigate unfamiliar roads in peace (yay!)!
Once we got to Grandma Ethel and Grandpa Jim's house you were a little hesitant and shy around all of the new faces, but it only took you a little while to warm right up to Grandma Ethel. Then, you and Grandma Ethel were best buds throughout the trip. You continually went up to her asking to be held, giving hugs and kisses, much to her delight. You took a lot longer warming up to Grandpa Jim, but you did get to share some quality time together throughout the visit. I am so grateful that we got to have the opportunity to introduce you to your great-grandparents on the Jones side of the family.
Meeting all the Greats- Great-Uncle Ken, Great-Aunt Diane, Great-Aunte Shirley, Great-Grandma Ethel and Great-Grandpa Jim and Great-Uncle BuzzFriday was full of visitors as all of Grandma Ethel's siblings came for a visit. Uncle Buzz, Aunt Shirley and her husband Uncle Ken and Aunt Diane all came to visit and meet you, Katy! You, of course, were the hit of party, walking around, exploring and meeting each new person. We had a nice cook-out dinner, thanks to chef Uncle Rich, and enjoyed catching up and visiting.
Saturday included lots of Grandma Ethel and Katy time. Grandma Ethel and Grandpa Jim treated Daddy and I to an anniversary dinner out (by ourselves!) to their favorite Merced restaurant, the Branding Iron. Grandma Ethel and Uncle Rich stayed home and watched Katy while we went out. According to Grandma, you were a perfect little angel while we were out and she enjoyed having you all to herself.
We also dyed Easter Eggs on Saturday. Rather, Daddy and I dyed eggs while you watched. Dying eggs with a one year old is not a pretty sight- very messy! Most of the eggs that we dyed ended up smooshed during your egg hunt as you liked to bang two eggs together. I think we'll switch to all plastic eggs, next year.
Easter Morning, Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter Brunch at Fernando'sSunday was Easter and we went to church with Grandma Ethel. After church, we went to Easter brunch at Fernando's- what a yummy spread! When we got back from brunch, you had a little Easter Egg hunt. It took a little coaxing to get you to step off of the sidewalk and into the grass to go "find" the eggs but you eventually got the hang of it. You especially liked the eggs that had things in them- like Peeps and animal crackers.
On Monday, we helped the grandparents get some things ready for their big move to an assisted living home. Daddy helped Uncle Rich with yard work and general repair while I helped Grandma Ethel pack suitcases. You, on the other hand, Katy, were into everything and I'm sure you unpacked more than packed.
See's Candy!
On Monday morning, we made a quick stop at See's Candy. You were literally, like a kid in a candy shop and it was lots of fun introducing you to the chocolate-y confections of the California-based candy store, See's Candy. We picked out all sorts of yummy treats and even had time to do a little Mother's Day shopping while we were there.
On Tuesday morning, we accompanied Grandma Ethel to her heart doctor's appointment in Modesto. After a very, very, very, VERY LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG wait to see the doctor, Grandma Ethel got a clean bill of health- good news! After the doctor's appointment, we went out to lunch before saying good-bye. It was hard for Grandma Ethel to say good-bye to you, Katy! She gave you lots of hugs and kisses and you gave her a really tight squeeze before we had to go and drive back to San Francisco.
Dinner with MarkWe met up with my good friend, Mark Rauscher, for dinner Tuesday night. It was great catching up and hearing all about his adventures in Australia and Europe during his recent visits. You were very well behaved throughout our dinner, Katy. You even warmed up to Mark by handing him your coveted crayons and letting him draw on your place mat.
We left for Charlotte on Wednesday afternoon. Our plane coming in was late, making us late going out. Then, we had to divert slightly to the south in order to miss some bad storms in Alabama. There was some turbulence on the plane and we got to see a lighting show from the sky as we flew over some storms. Katy, you were such a good girl on the flight home! You slept for almost an hour, ate lots of snacks and were a generally happy baby playing and babbling to whomever would listen. You cracked Daddy and I up when you tried to hand the grumpy gentleman sitting next to us the hand sanitizer after he kept coughing up a lung. You are our daughter, Katy!
You were a trooper throughout the visit out West, Katy. You did great with the constant change of scenery, planes, car rides, hotels, lots of new faces, places, food and things to do and see. You seemed to enjoy the whole experience and I know that your great-grandparents enjoyed seeing you, Katy!
For a full album of pictures, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150561226260394.671742.771535393&l=9782721207
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