hi morning

Lee recently discovered Field Notes and took it upon himself to order some for us. I swooned when they arrived.

“If you meet a person who cares about the same obscure things you do, hold on to them for dear life. Sympathy is medicine.”
–Frank Chimero

Note: California and New Jersey “regional editions,” represented.

Not kidding when I disclose that I spilled my milk almost every night at dinner growing up.  It spurred many a family joke. And if you don’t believe me, or if you think I’m exaggerating, ask my Dad.  He sat to the left of me, and I’m a southpaw.  Sitting down to dinner in his work clothes was not an option unless he wanted them drenched in 2%.

Good news: the outlook is bright for Jonah to avoid inheriting this trait thanks to the “practical life” water play station at preschool.

It wasn’t vacation, per-se.  But it was a break from the daily grind.  Lee’s mom told me that when Lee and Rachel were young she called it “a change of scenery” and I agree that is a better description for time away with a toddler.  Also, it is LA, so by my rough estimate (not including flight down and back) I drove well over 300 miles in my 10 days there.  But it was a great change of scenery complete with family time, friend time, and even a bit of beach time. I love watching my parents bond with Jonah, it is an unexpected joy of parenthood for me.  And bond they did, they all spent a lot of time together, so much so that Jonah allowed them “cuddy” time at night and even fell asleep in their arms a few times.  When we were back here we had to have a few difficult talks when he asked sadly, “where Grammie and Grampie?”

One vacation observation however is that I’m learning Grammie and Grampie break certain “house rules” for the grandkids.  For the us, the kids, no sugar cereals.  Total and Cheerios were staples in the cupboard.  For their grandson, marshmallows at 8:30 am. So it goes. I love that Jonah will have some stories about Grammie’s sweets just like I have about my Grandmother’s chocolate drawer.  Here are some snaps from the trip as well as some late-summer photos back home in the bay.