May in North Carolina, 2015

We were able to celebrate two birthdays in NC this year. Since it had been nearly a full year since I had seen our Cowboy, who was turning 12, it was quite wonderful to see how close he is to being a man. You can see that part of him emerging. There is more maturity (although a LONG way to go) and of course he was quite a bit taller than last summer. But still not taller than me yet. 

The pictures I took are still to come . . . will be added later! 

Some of the highlights
Taking care of JR for a while.
Seeing D again so soon after his recent trip to see us at Easter.
Visiting the horse barn and seeing Lulu ride.
Watching the kids at the pool. 
Partying with KN who threw quite the bash in the front yard.
Seeing some old friends from Norway who conveniently live nearby.

Spending time with the kids and grand kids is a joy in and of itself. Nothing has to be done, no where has to be gone to, just being with them is enough. I love those little people. 

One thing I learned is Apple is pretty protective of their photos and makes it nearly impossible to rotate. I did research and found this to be widespread. Ridiculous. I took these selfies and after many steps, are still upside down, but I remember being right side up. 

My mom will have to lock her screen and flip her iPad to see them right side up. Go mom, you can do it. 

Sometimes I find my well behaved, well parented grands are  . . . NORMAL. 

Who doesn't remember horsing around and squishing the little bro? 

Grands!

My mom now has 13 Great Grand Children, with three added in the last two years. The little one on the left, a real live girl with my maiden name as her last, the first female in 62 years after a LONG line of boys! My son did manage two daughters (with hubby's last name), but none of my four brothers, nor any of their sons produced girls until now. That is also the youngest great, but from her oldest grand son. Little tid bits of trivia. The little boys are gifts from mother's who cared enough about their boys to give them to families who had the resources to love, nurture and raise them in a safe environment with opportunities that they might not otherwise have. Astonishing! We are one lucky and blessed family.

This panel will be an addition to one I made back in 2008 when Baby D was just an infant. Heading to mom's soon and will attach this to the original wall hanging. If I ever find a picture I will come back and post it.

D's visit - SUNDAY

Today was Gare Bear's BIG day! 

He was baptized in the name of the LORD!

D does not attend a liturgical church and I found it fascinating to watch him watch what was going on. The Pastor's wore robes and there was definitely some fancy stuff going on, especially around preparation for communion. He was watching intently. He also thought is was a very fast church, which I thought was hysterical. I have been to his church, it's not THAT long, but then, he also attends Sunday School and this was new and different, always more interesting. D often said stuff like that, that made me smile. Love that boy. Love them ALL! 

Our handsome, precious new grandson! He is one yummy little man.

We all gathered after church to share breakfast together. 

Gare Bear's God Parents, his Aunt Dewey and Uncle N.

D had the BEST vantage point for watching all the picture taking.

Gare Bear's grandparents. We have known them since 1989!

Oldest with her In-Laws and neice.

D being a "baby" with his cousin. What a card.

Giving us a smile. Love these people!!

Dewey with her friend S who came in for our special weekend. 

S getting caught photo bombing, can't sneak anything past D.

Two sweeties, aren't they CUTE! YES!!

Gotta have "the originals" if they happen to be together. 

Son-in-law with his sister, niece and SON! What a lucky guy. 

Gare Bear is LOVED by ALL! 

God Bless you forever.

After an early and long morning, we got back to the house to see if there had been any Easter Bunny action. D had been so patient. The weather made the whole venture iffy, but D checked around and found some eggs hidden in the back yard. The look on kids faces reflects the magic of childhood. You can just tell how he is feeling. 

 

And inside the eggs, D's favorite food group, sugar!

D was also really interested in playing school. It was definitely his version and I just went with it. Apparently everyone in the class is expected to rest and I was always called forward to do some special project with the teacher. 

Here we are putting on a concert.

Then he called his daddy and Grandfather in to participating in a concert.

Then a rousing game of musical chairs. 

Later, Aunt Dewey stopped by after taking her friend to the airport. D had noticed my exercise balls and who better to show him the many uses than his Auntie. D showed his incredible fitness and balance skills. And he had a LOT of fun. 

Velcro watching the action from the sofa, his favorite vantage point. 

Daddy, Grandfather and D gave Grandmother Nanut (me) a little break and went to the play park. Hope to add a picture or two eventually. 

Pizza for dinner. 

And a little after dinner dancing! 

Such a fun and VERY special day with family. Easter, a baptism and plenty of time together. It just doesn't get much better than that. 

D's visit - SATURDAY

Woke early Saturday to get our errands done before all the company arrives. 

First stop - Farmers Market 

You can get a LOT of stuff there. We go more for the veggies, beets and kale are favorites.  

 Then to the Fish Market. Red Snapper for dinner! 

 D found the fun. 

Time to dye eggs with Uncle Change. 

Meeting the new cousin, Gare Bear. 

Two boys that are priceless gifts to our family.

D will share his shirt when he outgrows it.

Heading to the park.

D got ALL the attention this weekend.

Every one needs that now and again. 

Racing Aunt Dewey.

Velcro wins!

At the play park with Aunt Dewey, she is such a trooper.

Gare Bear enjoyed the park in his own way.

Time for lunch.

Then out on the trikes. Boys being boys.

D's turn. He is just big enough to manage. 

Helping Grandfather with dinner. 

Or Grandfather tormenting D. 

Two blessings. What a treat to share time with them.

I just like this picture. 

Gare Bear showing his six pack.

D hitting the sugar. 

The look on their faces is nearly the same. 

Too fun! 

And that was Saturday!