Pre-Birthday & Retirement!

The last week has been fun with Nana / Papa staying with us. They've been so helpful with dinners, the dogs, laundry, and the other million things that have to get done to keep our little family afloat. In fact, as they were getting ready to head home, I asked Lisa, "How are we going to do all this stuff again?" I mean, I didn't feel like I had that much extra time and I was running at 50% of my normal routine.

We spent Friday evening at the Cheesecake Factory with Auntie Janis. Saturday was spent running errands and getting ready for the weekend's main event: Evan's Pre-Birthday Party and Nana's Retirement Party. The Pre-Birthday Party was a dry run for the real deal when the lil'guy turns ONE...just so he's not freaked out about cakes and singing and whatnot --- kidding. Really, it was because Nana / Papa couldn't be in California for his actual birthday and we wanted to celebrate with them. Plus, we hadn't gotten a chance to wish my mom well into retirement...so there was another excuse for everyone to get together. It was a blast. In particular, E loved hanging outside in his walker with all the guys as we BBQ'd. 

Another big surprise was that Cousins Sara and Haley (and Aunt Dasha) gave up their Little Tikes kitchen/BBQ to E and now he's got all his own cupboards to slam without fear of pinched fingers. Already, it's provided hours of entertainment. The dogs especially enjoy "babysitting" the little guy as he plays. It makes me beam, seeing how those dogs (all four) care for E. They love to go into his room and sleep next to his crib. They're patient with him when he pulls their ears or tail. They're gentle and loving. And get this: Beau has never barked at him - which is saying something. 

Sunday, Lisa went out with girlfriends and so the rest of us had an amazing brunch with Oma / Opa. E woke up with a bit of a cough (fingers crossed that he kicks it) and cutting a couple new teeth so we decided to take it easy Sunday afternoon with a drive to the Alamden foothills. For dinner, we met up with Lisa and everyone rehashed what a great couple of weeks it'd been with Nana and Papa in town. Monday morning was sad saying goodbye them...though it won't be too long until we visit New Mexico! The real sad part for me was Monday night...when the dishes didn't magically get done.