With one away, the mice will play, and play we did! Early Monday morning we went to Starbucks to have our book talk. He and I chose to read I Even Funnier by James Patterson. We are fans of this series and we enjoyed chatting about the many funny jokes and scenes we could remember. I’m sure Mason enjoyed his drink as much as the conversation.
Tuesday my parents arrived. They came to town to celebrate Mason’s birthday which is Saturday. When they planned their visit, we knew that they would arrive while Walker was at camp but that would give them solo time with Mason.
Mason had some ideas about what he wanted to do with Gramma and Papa. It was really important to see Inside Out with them and to go to Biaggi’s for dinner.
Mason took this selfie as we waited at the airport for them to arrive on Tuesday. See the ATC tower in the background?
We went to a Wednesday matinee of Inside Out. We all enjoyed it a lot.
Being the big Peanuts fans, we are excited to Dream Big this Fall.
Wednesday afternoon we got a message from my aunt that my grandfather had taken a serious turn for the worse. Earlier in the month he had been in the ICU but had rallied. My parents had visited him about ten days prior which is why they felt comfortable making the trip to Indiana even though we knew my grandfather’s health was rather tenuous. After reciving the update, thought, my parents decided that they had to shorten their visit with us and go to Las Vegas (via Los Angeles) to be with my grandparents, aunt and family. I know they made this decision with heaviness in their hearts about leaving Mason and facing my grandfather’s condition.
My dad’s announcement about departure came with the condition that we would do what we had planned for the day and then they would leave on Thursday. So off we went to visit Liz and see her garden and then down to the Ohio riverfront for a walk. There is a lovely prayer garden open to the public which faces the river. We rested in the gazebo and said some heartfelt prayers for my grandfather.
Before we left, we took some photos. This is one of my favorites of Mason and Dad taking a selfie.
My mom delights in marking the kids’ growth against her own stature. She likes these shots eye to eye and back to back.
Big smiles! We got back to the house and went off to Biaggi’s with Bill for dinner.
When we got home, we had a small birthday celebration including cupcakes and a special viewing of the movie my mom and dad gifted to Mason called Secondhand Lions. Later that evening, I called my grandparents and was able to say goodbye to my grandfather over the phone. He passed away peacefully at 10 pm.
Thursday morning my parents had an early flight out of Evansville but we had time for daily mass first. Being that my grandfather was a man of great faith, it felt like the perfect way to start the day.
There was a lot of silliness at the airport including some licking which is a special form of endearment between Mason and his grandmother. We sent them off with hugs and lots of prayers, wishing them safe travels.
I’ve given Mason a special nickname because of our game. He is Timex…takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’.
We each experienced the sweetness of sorrow, that we had come to celebrate, but that we had to leave early.
Mason, you and the time we spent with you this year will always live in my heart and I will ask for no rent.
So proud of you, Timex!!!
I love those pictures. It was fun to see Mason licking Jamma because we’ve heard many stories and now we have proof.