Family Weekend Part II

I'd like to say that last weekend was all about me since it was my 34th birthday, but that would be a lie.  While we did raise a toast to me at dinner, the real stars of the weekend were Rhys and an unexpected guest, cousin Hailey.  We knew Grandpa Tom and Grandma Donna were coming, but we didn't know until they were on their way that Donna's 11-year-old granddaughter was with them.  We were a little nervous about finding activities that would suit two kids with such a big age gap, but we needn't have worried a bit.  Hailey was totally game for whatever and, as she quickly became the apple of Rhys' eye, he was game for whatever as long as "Hay-hay" was there.

I think raising a daughter would be tough.  If I ever have to face that task, I'll get some advice from Hailey's parents - clearly they're doing something right.  She is a great kid.

Auntie Audrey wasn't around to take a million pictures, but since I wasn't the star of the day I went ahead and snapped a few shots.

The recurring theme in these pictures is "how cute are these kids?!"  I'll try to think of something more creative to say...but, seriously, how cute are these kids?!

Every time Hailey tried to get out of this play firetruck, Rhys commanded her to "sit! sit"!  She sweetly obliged every time.

You can't see Hailey in the picture, but she is the subject of Rhys' intense stare.

 

Dada's presence gave Hailey an opening to escape, so she could check out the big kid toys.

She scaled this thing about 5 seconds flat - wearing flip flops nonetheless.

Just hangin' out...

Coffee break with grandpa.

Grandpa looks happy because most of the time Rhys was up there, he was giving Grandpa a nice head rub.  The man is a real sucker for head rubs (not to mention cute grandsons).

This picture sums up the weekend perfectly.  And, by the way, how cute are these kids?!

Family Weekend Part 1

Last weekend Rhys had six adults doting on him - Mama, Dada, Auntie Audrey, Auntie Sara, Grandma Ann and Uncle Carl.  He was in hog heaven.  We didn't do anything extraordinary, but it was a lovely time.

I'm pretty tired tonight (I'm now 34), but luckily I don't have to write a long post as our resident documentarian (Auntie Audrey) took lots of great photos.

The man of the hour (and day and weekend).

UncCa!  The man of the hour from Rhys' perspective.  Uncle Carl was the clear favorite of the weekend.

Auntie Audrey was mostly behind the camera so this is only one of two pics with her in it.  Too bad Rhys wasn't more cooperative, but of course he wanted to be behind the lens...

...which Auntie Audrey let him be quite often.  The kid needs to learn that putting his finger in the shot doesn't help frame his subject.

This photo opp brought to you by Rhys' commands to "sit, sit!"  Note Brian's attire.  That's the result of his lost bet with Uncle Carl.  He had to wear it all weekend.

Of course we asked Rhys to show off his hanging skills, which he was more than happy to do with such an engaged audience at the ready.

It didn't seem like we were going to have great weather, but Seattle summer came through for us, so we took ourselves to the beach!  (Beach is one of Rhys' favorite words.  When he first started saying it, it sounded an awful lot like b*tch.  We're grateful it now sounds like beach.)

Grandma Ann with four of her babies.

I'm not sure how we convinced him to leave his adoring fans and take a walk with us, but we did and it was nice.

Check me out!

Happy is one of Rhys' latest words.  He can say it and sign it.  I think he was feeling pretty happy at the beach.

At some point, UncCa had some important business to attend to.

Buy!  Sell! Fire that guy!  Get me a flight today!

A rare, rare snuggle moment captured on film!

Still wearing the jersey...

Who needs a license when you're this cute?

A lovely, final, family photo.