Max and Maryn watching Baby Einstein
We had breakfast at Alex's and my friend Brittney came over. We have been friends for nearly 20 years! I love her to death and was glad she was able to come over, visit me, and meet Max. She was so thoughtful and brought Max a present.
Max and Brittney
The yummy breakfast spread. Nice job Alex!
Alex helped Max walk. I think Max's face is so cute in these pictures.
Video - Max wants to walk but he doesn't want help doing it.
"Come on! Let's go faster Uncle Alex!"
After breakfast we went to my Grandma Nelson's for another visit. My Uncle Terry was also home so we got to see him as well. Max still loved the dogs and this time Gizmo AND Sybil both liked him. In fact, when it was time to leave, Sybil followed Max's car seat to the door as if she wanted to come with us.
Happily playing with Gizmo who was so sweet to Max.
Video - Max giggled like this whenever Gizmo licked his hands.
Getting sleepy - that's the only time he will lay back like this in your arms.
Grandma and her babies - Sybil and Max
I told you he was tired! Max fell asleep in the car between Grandma Nelson and Grandma Blank's house
We went to my Grandparents' house for a family party. I miss these regular parties! Today we were celebrating a bunch of birthday from like March to May. Grandma knows that I love spaghetti so she made spaghetti for dinner. It was fantastic. Thanks Grandma!!!
It was a lot of fun to be around this side of the family and introduce them to Max. He did a great job being around such a large group of people, mostly strangers to him.
We had dinner, sang happy birthday 5 times (each of us celebrating a birthday get Happy Birthday sung just to us individually) and watched everyone blow their candles out. I got pretty close on mine - I got all but 1. Not bad, next time I will practice! After that we opened presents which was pretty much a candy exchange and then played a game of reverse charades.
It was odd celebrating MY birthday but not my mom's (which is 4 days after mine). We always did them together at these family parties. I certainly felt her absence. I wondered if anyone would talk about her and they really didn't. And the random times she would come up, it just turned into awkward silence. Looking back at it now, I wish I would have suggested that we still sing happy birthday to her and celebrate the day she was born. I want to continue to celebrate her and the great person she is. Although, I imagine if we had sung to her, it would have ended in tears for many.
Here's some of my thoughts on that...I wonder why we aren't comfortable morning together. Isn't that what we are told to do in the bible? I imagine that most of us are still mourning her, so why avoid the situations that bring those tender feelings to the surface? Why do we strive to keep on a "brave" face and only cry and feel sad when we are alone. So what if we are sad, why not cry together, and at least get to give each other a hug at the end? I don't know...but I'm guilty of it too.
I really enjoy spending time with family at these family birthday parties but they are certainly different now. The "kids" that were "kids" before I left Utah are no longer "kids" and instead some of them now have "kids" of their own. There are cousins of mine that I barely know their names. It's weird being disconnected like that. My mom was always the bridge that kept me in the loop about the happenings and now I feel a little like an island. If it's not posted on facebook, I don't know about it.
Max and his great aunt Tammy
Max had really warmed up to Maryn at this point
Aaron and Maryn
Max playing with the toys on the floor - apparently Aaron was worried that Max was going to go after a certain toy.
Happy birthday to AJ
Stay classy, bro!
It's always an exciting thing to be big enough to be allowed to light the candles. I remember wanting to do it so badly. Way to go boys!
Preparing Grandma's candles
Our family
Singing to Grandma. She loves birthdays. I appreciate how much effort she puts into making sure everyone's birthday is celebrated. There is always a present from Grandma and Grandpa. (I still get them - even though I live out of town and am an adult. How generous is that?)
She's got great technique!
Max and Uncle AJ
Aaron opening his presents
The group - watching
Hanging out
Max and his Great Grandpa Blank
It was hard to drive away. I never want time with my family to end. :( It's sad that my children won't grow up with basically all their extended family close. I feel extremely blessed to have grown up close to my grandparents and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
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