Visiting Griffith Grandparents :-)

We were able to stay with my Dad and Dolly (Grandpa Dean and Grandma Dolly) on Wednesday night, Thursday night and for part of the day this past Friday. Ava seemed be getting over her ear infection by that point, fortunately. We were also able to see the DETROIT TIGERS win game 3 against the Oakland Athletics!

Grandpa Dean and Ava
Video sent by thecareyclan

We relaxed at the house on Thursday while my Dad went to work. Dolly was beginning to prepare for the Halloween EXTRAVAGANZA she throws every year. (Look for a post in the near future on the Halloween spooktacular!) Dad was able to come home at lunch and also hang-out with Ava. My Dad can make Ava giggle like I’ve never seen her giggle. We found out she is ticklish on her butt and her thighs. I still can’t get her to laugh by tickling her there, but my Dad can. She absolutely loved the beanbags that belong to each of the other grandkids. She loved it when I flopped down on the beanbag she was leaning up against, which caused her to bounce into the air. She loves rough-housing.

Thursday morning it started SNOWING in Michigan! It was the weirdest weather I’ve ever seen: snow, sunshine, snow, sunshine, sleet, sunshine. There was an accumulation of snow by the end of the day. This day went on record as being the earliest day the Detroit-area has ever received snow. I enjoyed it, but I know those who live there year-round were gritting their teeth and rolling their eyes at the sight of the large snowflakes. It was beautiful!

Dad and Dolly took us to Outback Steakhouse on Thursday night for my birthday dinner. Ava did really well while we were there, and slept during dinner. All of this family-time is wearing this kid out! :-) We then went to Marshalls to see if we could find an “everyday” winter coat for Ava, as the weather get cooler.

Friday my Dad took the day off work, so he was able to see more of Ava while Dolly went shopping with her sister Mary for Halloween Party items. Dad started to make a pen on his new JET lathe for us. He has been making pens out of different kinds of wood, including Olive Tree wood from Jerusalem. The pen he made for us was made from Corian (yes, the same material used for kitchen countertops - see picture to the left; the rectangle is the corion piece). He’s anxious to learn more about turning wood, and is now part of a local wood-turners association, where he hopes to learn more from guys who have been doing this as a hobby for a while. The pen he made is beautiful!

Friday, on the way over to the Carey's, we were also able to stop by Grandma and Grandpa Spangler’s for a quick visit. I affectionately call them Grandma and Grandpa Spangler, although they are actually the Flanigans’ grandparents. I grew up with the Spangler’s grandkids: Andy, Molly and Katie. Grandpa Spangler appeared to be in great spirits and feeling well. He sounded good, too. Ava demonstrated her newest skill of standing up holding onto something, for them. It was great to be able to see them, even if briefly. Grandpa Spangler also felt well enough to attend church this past Sunday, which is such a blessing!

With love,
Shelly, Doug and Ava