I am so behind on getting these pictures and praise for my Daddy up on the blog. This was either the 6th or 7th year in a row that my Dad has stopped in here on his way home from a convention he attends in Dayton, Ohio every May. It's become quite the anticipated tradition. As you can see the boys were all ready for Grampa's arrival last Sunday (even Penn made a sign this year!)...
We also had prepared for his visit by baking a belated birthday pie and Koen and Tavin made birthday cards.
The day Dad arrived was Jansen's dedication (see prior blog post). The next day was Monday which Koen had off from school because of teacher in-service. Grampa brought his bike with him so that he could take Koen out on a bike ride on a special one-on-one adventure. They had a great time and I was proud of my Dad for being so adventurous in a different city and proud of Koen for the long bike ride! Here are some great photos Dad got during their cycle into the city.
Grampa still had plenty of quality time with Tavin, Penn and Jansen that day too though (we know how to love on the grandparents around here!). Grampa and Jansen were such a cute pair! I sort of feel like Jansen looks a bit like Dad in this picture.
I dressed Jansen in camouflage for Grampa (a big military vehicle and WWII buff). They were all smiles together.
This was so sweet...Jansen was getting cranky before his afternoon nap and so Grampa cradled him in his arms and started to singing to him. Turns out that Jansen loves "Heaven is a Wonderful Place." He was so happy, almost giggling!
On Tuesday, Koen had to go to a regular day to school, so it was Tavin's turn for a bike ride with Grampa. Rather than the river trail on the Allegheny like Grampa did with Koen the day before, Tavin and Grampa set off from the SouthSide Works on the Monongahela and pedaled all the way to the Point. Impressive little Tavin Dale! Here are a few pictures a proud Grampa grabbed of his hard-working namesake.
Just like the day before, even though Grampa had some special time with one grandson, he made time for each of them during the day. And of course, I had to get a shot of him snuggling Jansen. He grabbed Jansen for me when he was cranky before another nap and Jansen totally crashed on his shoulder (and then my heart melted).
In the afternoon, Koen got home from school and after a snack and some homework, Grampa took he, Tav and Penn over to the playground to meet Doug (I had a mom's group thing that night to prep for). They then went out for pizza for dinner. My husband, my dad and 3 out of 4 of my sons, all out together for dinner. That makes this momma smile. Here's Koen and Grampa at dinner.
Grampa had to leave early on Wednesday morning, but Doug, myself and the big boys who snuck out of bed early all got to say goodbye. Daddy, it was such a great visit. Thanks so much for how much you care about these boys and all the time and effort you put into your visits and moments with them. We've been missing you greatly the rest of this week. Thanks for all your practical help with holding Jansen, laying Penn down for every nap and bedtime (Penn is sooooo into Grampa right now!) and occupying Tavin and Koen with love and sincere interest. We love you and look forward to the next time we can be with you.
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