Visitors: Expected and Unexpected

We'll start with the expected visitors.  Luckily for us (and them, I suppose) we are about halfway between Daniel & Wendy's house and the Bloods in West Virginia.  Which means anytime they make the drive home, they stop and stay with us on the way to and back.  We love getting the chance to see them, and Seth is THRILLED to have cousins to run around with him.

We loved getting to see how big the kids are getting.  Jocelyn's going to kindergarten?  Megan's actually speaking to us now?  Jason's almost one?  Crazy.

Jason & Catherine

(not a good picture of either one, but it's all I've got)

Jocelyn playing peekaboo with Catherine.

Well, Daniel & Wendy & kids had made the trip to WV and were heading back to our house.  It had been a crazy day for me, which meant dinner was not happening.  I did what any sane Marylander would do: ran to get a pizza from Riverside Pizzeria.  As I pulled up to the house I was relieved to see that Daniel & Wendy hadn't arrived yet.  I walked in the door and guess who was sitting in my living room?

My daddy.  

He'd taken a last minute project at APG and hadn't told anyone (including my mom, who was very offended that she wasn't entrusted with his secret).  I admit--I got a little teary seeing him there.  It's not easy to be so far away from my family.  

Seth had a great time jumping all over Grandpa & Mona, his co-worker who I've known for years and years.  I told Mona that Seth is going to be really confused when he visits Grandpa at Christmas and Mona isn't there...

My dad adored Catherine, who was being very sweet for him.  He gave her a new nickname: 

Luna.  

Can you see it?  I totally can.  It's the giant blue eyes and the emotionless stare.

Seth showed his affection by bouncing off the walls.  

Picture attempt #1: 

And the winner is: 

That's a pretty fair summation of Seth when Grandpa is around.

We were really lucky--we got to see Dad five times during his week out here.  He was super busy with work, but still managed to take us to dinner twice (Fiesta Grill and The Olive Tree--both were AMAZING) plus a few short visits.  Watching him with the kids was my favorite.  Remind me again why we live across the country?  

Mmm...plaid.  I love plaid.

Luna & Grandpa

(cute onesie and headband made by Aunt Kenna)

And, once again, this is the best picture I got with Seth.

I keep trying to lure him back out here--Raytheon just built a beautiful new building on the Edgewood side of the Proving Grounds, come on, Dad!  But he says it's too humid and there are too many people.  And that probably won't be changing anytime soon.

Dad, we loved having you here.  I wish we could see you every day.