And now it is early JUNE and I still haven't finished talking about Kati's visit in early May! (I've been running late my whole life.) So before we jump into summer with both feet, I'm going to dump a bunch of photos and a few video clips right here.
Our visit with Kati, Andrew, and Caleb was a delight, from special occasions to family gatherings to ordinary moments.
Papa (who is still working from home) coming out to greet his littlest grandson!
The weather was gorgeous and we were able to enjoy many meals on the sun porch.
Caleb loved looking out the front door.
Do you see who's hiding? ⬇
This is why. ⬇
Caleb also loved my Mother's Day flowers and really wanted to touch them.
Caleb's first birthday was just a few days before their visit,
so we had a mini celebration while he was here. 🎈
We celebrated Baby Ellie who will be born this summer!
the Mombasa family was hanging out in the bushes!
(Since I introduced you to Bongo, his entire family has joined the clan!)
(Since I introduced you to Bongo, his entire family has joined the clan!)
Aunt Kati with her new niece, Joanna
A bit of impromptu music . . .
Kristin and Ryan gave Kati this little animal puzzle for her first birthday!
It has been at our house for years and all of the grands have played with it,
It has been at our house for years and all of the grands have played with it,
but it seemed right that she should take it home for her own children.
Uncle Ryan gave Caleb his first pair of Crocs for his birthday!
(There are differing opinions about Crocs within our family. Uncle Ryan is on the "pro" side.)
(There are differing opinions about Crocs within our family. Uncle Ryan is on the "pro" side.)
Shrimp feast!
This is how Marylanders do Old Bay.
Homemade strawberry ice cream per Kati's request.
Caleb was quite impressed with his very first ice cream!
One evening, we watched Caleb while Kati and Andrew went out on a dinner date.
We texted them this photo of Caleb "drinking" Papa's Diet Pepsi. (The lid was on.)
One of them believed it. Oops! We don't want to lose our babysitting privileges! 😂
One of them believed it. Oops! We don't want to lose our babysitting privileges! 😂
The last evening of the visit, we had a family gathering.
Gavin brought a special guest. Meet Gracie!
Early morning walk with Papa.
The paparazzi showed up at the airport!
And Gran left a lipstick kiss on the sweet boy's forehead.
Until we meet again . . .
Soon!
What a truly joyous time!
ReplyDeleteYes it was, Barbara!
DeleteAh! So much family goodness! Caleb is so cute, and Ellie is going to be a doll! I hope she has Kati curls! I love to see how the kids have grown and changed over the years. Sweet to see Gavin bring a 'friend' along to the family gathering. Our families just expand and grow.
ReplyDeleteWe are in the middle of a big birthday month for us, it was fun to Marco Polo with Clark whose birthday was last Friday. He's 3 now and love the Bulldozer we sent!
Love you friend. Thanks for sharing the beautiful family moments.
Family is never static, is it? Always growing, changing, expanding, maturing . . . which is why it's important to soak up the moments as they are.
DeleteHow can Clark be 3 already?! It seems we (you and Tim, Ron and I) were just eating lunch together and talking about the baby boy about to be born!
Thank you for sharing the moments with us. Love you too!
Sweetness...so much to see. Let me guess which parent "believed it." 😉
ReplyDeleteWaiting on a new baby is always such an exciting time. Enjoy it! Prayers for all.
Thanks so much, Vee . . . for your kind words and for your prayers! Indeed, we are excited to meet Ellie in person!
Delete(Did you guess the parent who maybe does not quite "get" our style of humor yet?)
So special to be able to see Caleb in action for several days! Sweet photos. Beautiful singing! Ahh that sense of humor...
ReplyDeleteIt was a thrill to see him in action! So much fun to interact with him and hear his voice and watch him think. (Do you know what I mean? When you can see them ponder and consider and then react to something that they see or what someone said? I love that!)
DeleteThanks for your kind words, Ellen!
What a treasure trove of special times together. You have some great candid shots, Cheryl, and I just love the big family photo, so relaxed and beautiful. Thank you for sharing these with us - I enjoyed so much.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Brenda, for enjoying these moments with us! I am so happy to have these photos to record them!
DeleteI loved seeing all the pictures. The pics and the captions made me smile the whole way through. :) I wonder how you managed to raise kids (and them marry spouses) who are so comfortable letting you take all these wonderful candid shots. In my family, once someone sees the camera, they're all ham.
ReplyDeleteThanks for enjoying the pics and moments with us, Becki! About the candids . . . I think part of my secret is to take LOTS of photos and then you end up with some that are great records. Most of my family is accustomed to me with my camera because I was taking pictures (and my mom was before me) long before blogging. I won't say that there is never any ham! And then there's the one child who looks like the proverbial deer in headlights when she sees the camera turned her way! I have to take multiples of her or I'd never have any!
DeleteCheryl, what a fine family of singers! Is that a requirement? Do prospective sons- and daughters-in-law have to pass an audition before being welcomed to the family? Loved the cat hiding from Caleb. Cats are so wise!
ReplyDeleteNo auditions, Jean, but there are many music-lovers among us! Manzy (our cat) is a timid sort, but he knows exactly how close he can let Caleb get before he needs to run a few paces ahead or dart under a table. It's hilarious to watch them!
Delete"Visting" with you this evening is so joyous, Cheryl! Every photo made me smile at all the blessings you enjoy with family. And I must agree with Jean, your family is so talented musically. Happy June days to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Martha Ellen! It is always wonderful to have you visit here! I feel very blessed to have had these moments with my loved ones!
DeleteCaleb is just about the cutest little boy. He is a charmer.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Michelle! I must agree with you! :)
Delete