Ocean Isle Beach 2011

Thank you family for the most wonderful week-long vacay we could ask for. I have never felt so relaxed! Love you all. I'll let some pictures do the talking...lets just say Van will have a hard time adjusting to "normal" life next week without waking up to doughnuts, Diddy, Pop-Pop, and lots of ocean swimming each morning.



(Van's personality really showed up on this trip...as expected, he's quite a stinker!)



Love, G-Mommy and G-"Diddy"

G-Mommy kept Van the other morning and Van cried so much after she left, I had to offer candy and cookies to cheer him up!

Here is what G-Mommy and G-Diddy have to say about their time with Van:

"Our favorite memory of Van is always the last time we saw him. He is learning and changing and growing so fast that we look forward to each new day. Van has several rituals he goes through every time he comes to our home. He begins with a huge smile and a loud, "Hey.......! " when he comes in the door.

He calls Diddy several times. We usually get a snuggle then off he goes! Van walks to the TV cabinet that is now the toy chest and asks for his blue play table and green chairs.

He takes the two candles from beside the chair and blows them out., even though they are not lit.

He walks to the work bench and says, "Daddy tools. Goodbye tools." That covers the first ten minutes or so of the visit, then comes the car-car in the garage with the ga-ga, the back porch fan & lights and so on. When is your next visit Van?

Love you!"

Love, Pop Pop

Oh how Van adores his Pop Pop! Ever since he learned to say it, according to Van, "Pop Pop" is always on the phone, driving the car next to us, or any fella in a book we are reading. He loves his Pop Pop and may have inherited some of Kenny's good golfin genes:

Pop Pop writes:

"My favorite picture is of you holding hands running with Van and cousin Frasier in our backyard. Van is so excited even when he falls down and Frasier is so serious with her head leaning forward like she is trying to break the tape in a race. A wonderful image of three people that we love having fun."

Love, Granny Rhombus

Since Van could rock a pony,



(Not amused).

 We decided it was time to take him to get a "real" haircut. He cooperated well (courtesy of Pinocchio and getting to sit in a (fake) police car while she chopped away!)

What a difference a haircut can make!

Before:

After:





Today's guest blogging comes from Granny Rhombus!

Here is what she had to say about her favorite memories so far with Van:

"I had such a hard time making a decision on what favorite memories and pictures to write about because each picture of Van reminds me of what a precious grandson I have. I know without a doubt that his sweet disposition, friendly personality and irresistable smile make him a special little guy! I have chosen these 3 pictures, as they represent some of my fondest memories with Van.

1. Swinging. It seems like every time we go to Van's house, the first thing Van does is point to the front door and say, "Wing, Wing, Pop-Pop. Up, Pop-Pop, Up!" He loves for us to push him in the swing in his back yard. One weekend we took him to the park and he loved the swing there as well. He has such a cute little laugh when he is swinging!!
 

2. Playing. I love sitting down on the floor and playing with Van. We have such a good time reading books, dumping out blocks and picking them up, playing with his toolbox, playing band instruments, throwing balls, etc.

3. Cousins. Family is so important. I love seeing Van and Frasier playing together. When I was young, my cousins were a very important part of my life. Since Van and Frasier are so close in age, I hope that they will remain good buddies throughout their life."

Thank you Rhombus!

Love, Dad

I am attempting a sweet new series of "guest bloggers" to highlight their own experiences, thoughts, memories, stories with Van (and/or their own fun kid stories and thoughts to share). 

First up- is straight from Evans. It took some convincing to get him to "blog" but I assured him one day it will be so wonderful to go back and read our thoughts during this fun time in our lives that seems to change daily.

After staring at his favorite picture of Van on our dresser,

Evans wrote:

"My best memory with Van so far has been his warm, loving soul. In everything that Van does, regardless of whether it is right or wrong, he is doing it with the conviction that he will make everyone around him (and himself) smile."

Hope this brings some smiles to you today!

"O Beatiful for Pilgrim Feet"

 I had no idea thats how the second stanza begins.

 It was definitely one of those immature church moments when I could barely utter the words without giggling. (Auntie Snags, had you been nearby...)



Courtesy of http://eleven13productions.com/

I also didn't know to stand up on the last stanza of "America the Beautiful" and was almost moved to tears when the entire congregation rose so proudly. The song redeemed itself.

We had more patriotism and productivity than expected this 4th! We had a fun day with Grandparents, some friends for dinner with fresh steaks from our neighborhood butcher, (some anti-climatic sparklers), and installed some lovely new light fixtures! (Thanks G-Diddy and Evans)

Van practiced his flag throwing for our entertainment (and to Sophie's dismay)

Early this morning Van and I were entertained by the off-duty fireman who powerwashed our house and sidewalks. I wish I had some before/after pictures. They also cleaned our gutters. They did a terrific job! Van kept saying "woah!...wow!"  running window to window to watch them in progress.

I leave you with "Vanimal" himself to show off his new (very southern) favorite words: