The Trip to the Great White North

Howdy, pilgrim!

The trip to the great white North didn't involve any "white" (snow) this time around. Maybe for Christmas? It was unseasonably warm in Michigan while we were there.

We left the Friday night before Thanksgiving, after work. It was the craziest day I have had at work in a while, so it was nice to have a break! Doug and I drove as far as we could. We ended-up driving to and staying just north of Cincinnati. Ava had been sleeping for quite a bit of the drive. When we checked into the hotel at 2 a.m., Ava thought party-time had begun. We climbed into bed at 3 a.m. Ava never sleeps in bed with us, so, she thought it was time for fun... She kept standing up in the middle of bed, alternating climbing on me and Doug. Doug said he woke up to Ava doing her "thumb trick" on his forehead in the middle of the night. Needless to day, we got little sleep, but at least we weren't on the road driving...

We got up Saturday morning and made our way to Michigan. Ava did really well. She has officially outgrown her infant car seat, so we think she was a bit cramped for the car-ride up to MI. We had to buy a "convertible" car seat, to give her some extra room. This car seat should be the last one she will need. We decided on a Britax Decathalon car seat. She already enjoys it much more. It's like a little baby recliner, so she sleeps more in this seat.

We stayed with Grandpa Dean and Grandma Dolly, and were completely spoiled. Ava always has a smile at-the-ready for Grandpa Dean especially, even when she is plum tuckered-out.

Taking a bath in Grandma Dolly & Grandpa Dean's sink: A rite of passage for all grandkids












Rubber ducky, you're the one!













The Swash-buckling crew, Thanksgiving-style: Jordan, Daymian, Ava, Sophia and Olivia













Amazing how difficult it is to get a picture of five kiddos smiling all at once...













We visited Grandpa and Grandma Carey, Aunt Tracy, Grandpa Bill and Grandma Pam throughout the week, also. Aunt Jackie, Uncle Bill, cousin Mike and his dog Bosley were all up from Pittsburgh, so we got to enjoy some time with them, also, while over at the Careys'. Good times! Ava seemed to do very well, considering how much we ran her about town...

Ava and Grandpa hangin' out with Lilly












Aunt Tracy, Doug and Ava. Ava seemed to make fast friends with Aunt Tracy, crawling toward her while playing.











Grandpa Carey, Doug and Ava












Bosley, excited to see everyone (especially Doug)











The Puza sisters












Hangin' out in Grandma Carey's kitchen with Ava's favorite toy, the Leapfrog Learning table











Grandma reads to Ava












Cousin Mike (aka "Mitch"), Bosley, Ava and Doug. Notice Ava giving Bosley "the eye" in this picture... It's as if she's saying "Don't even come near me!"









Great Aunt Jackie settles in for a "long Winter's nap"











Great Uncle Bill and Great Aunt Jackie: all smiles











Grandma and Ava












Grandma and Ava












Grandma and Ava












Mike and Bosley












Ava and Great Aunt Jackie












Daddy and Ava












Grandpa and Ava












Great Uncle Bill cuts meat with precision and finesse.

A little music trivia for you... "How can you have any pudding if you don't eat your meat?"








(Answer: Lyrics from Pink Floyd's "The Wall")

Ava is now standing up unassisted, without holding onto things. She doesn't yet understand she will need to put one foot in front of the other to walk. She LOVES to dance and sway her hips from side to side (WAY over to the left and WAY over to the right). It's pretty funny. Grandpa Carey calls her "swivel hips". Grandma Dolly encourages Ava by saying: "Swing it, sister!"

We also went to Uncle Danny and Aunt Linda's for Thanksgiving dinner. Aunt Sherry, Daymian, Jordan, Jamin, Ginger, Ginger's boyfriend Jake, Grandmother (Grammy) Lawson and "Baby Laura" were there to celebrate, as well. Ava and Laura both enjoyed playing with Aunt Linda's many toys! It's funny, these days Ava stands up 90% of the time she is awake. Aunt Linda's toys were so cool, Ava didn't even WANT to stand up. She wanted to play on the floor with the toys. (pics at later date)

My Mom and sister do their annual "day-after-Thanksgiving" shopping excursion, so I was able to join them this year. Getting up early to shop isn't my bag (no pun intended), but my Mom and sister have made a tradition out of this, so I couldn't refuse. The stores weren't as mobbed as I thought they would be, but "lines" abounded. (pics at later date)

We got to meet up with some friends, too. I will be sure to create a future post with those pictures.

We were fed well and enjoyed family and friend hugs in Michigan! I love this time of year, where we can reflect on God's bounty and our wealth in family, friends, health and so many other things. I find myself often singing the "doxology" when alone, as a prayer of Thanksgiving every so often. It's simple music and positive message resound: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise him all creatures here below. Praise him above ye heavenly hosts, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost." I find it one of the most beautiful and simple songs about thankfulness. How can I NOT have a good day when singing that?

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas...

With love,
Shelly, Doug and Ava