East Coast Trip Part 3: NJ at Grandpa's house

Finally, we headed out to spend a few days with Grandpa. We first met him at his office, and introduced the boys around to lots of people in his building. It started to rain on our way out, and rather than share the big umbrella that Dad had with him, Simon grabbed it.

We then went over to GG's house and visited with her for a couple of hours, which was great. Simon managed to find everything breakable and/or sweet and inappropriately interact with it.

The next day, after another Benadryl-soaked night for Simon, Grandpa and Aunt Karyn took Simon out for a walk of the neighborhood in the morning, and in the afternoon we went to a great pool in the development. There was a cute little wading pool that Nate could sit and splash in and a bigger pool that Simon loved. He even got more adventurous than ever, pushing off from the ladder on his own and gliding to Daddy and Grandpa. He called it swim lessons.

Friday was great, Aunt Donna and Uncle Paul hosted a bunch of the family for a BBQ and pool party. We saw Heather and Peyton (who is such a big girl now, and so sweet!), GG, Aunt Ceil, Lorie and Amy and her gorgeous girls, Emerson and Brooke. It was so much fun to see the cousins playing together, all the kids were in the big pool, the kiddie pool and the sprinkler and had so much fun together. The girls were so sweet with baby Nate and he got in some good GG lap time. We had a delicious dinner and then cake, which Simon decided was for his birthday. Thanks for humoring him, everyone!

Other highlights at Grandpa's: Simon and Nate had a ton of fun playing with all the toys at Grandpa's house, like legos and musical instruments. We also played musical beds in an effort to get both kids to nap well--Nate even got to sleep in Grandpa's big bed for his naps! And once the kids were in bed at nights, we got some good Olympics watching in too...thanks for sitting through that Dad! And thank you for everything, we had a great time with you!

So, after a week and a half of travel, family, swimming, good food and sun, it was time to head home. We had a somewhat brutal final day, with a connecting flight back through Atlanta. Again, optimism set in when I took this picture:

But reality took over when we boarded the final, cross-country flight and Simon became THAT KID that everyone hates on airplanes. It was a really long, tough day, but it was good to get back home and into our own beds. 

Overall, it was a tough trip logistically, but definitely worth it to see everyone and bring the boys to Atlanta and NJ. Everyone was so helpful finding us gear to borrow for the boys, figuring out sleeping arrangements and stocking up on diapers and food. Thank you for helping us make this work, it was wonderful to be able to see everyone on our whirlwind tour!