Emmy Time

I guess when you think of Emmy, this little statue may come to mind. But in our family Emmy has much bigger meaning. That's the name my sister has earned from her loving nephews. We were expecting a visit next month when her school takes its spring break, but she and her husband made the decision to come home last week to spend time with family after the loss of my brother-in-law's grandmother. While no one was thrilled with the reason they had to hurry home, we have all been enjoying their time here.

On Tuesday, Aunt Emmy and Uncle Jonathan came with me to pick the boys up from school. Jack & Sam had no idea I'd be bringing visitors along with me to school. Jack was excited to see "my Emmy!" It was also pajama day at school, and he just so happened to choose the Lightning McQueen pjs a certain aunt & uncle sent him for Christmas as the attire for the day.

We were overjoyed to have Emmy spend part of three days with us. We also had some wonderful weather and enjoyed lots of great time outside. Wednesday night Josh's R.A. class was studying about a missionary in Germany, so Emily agreed to talk to the boys and field questions about Germany. Questions like, "are you afraid of Germans?"

We were sad to see Emmy leave on Thursday, but are looking forward to some more time together before they head back next Thursday.

Nope...Didn't Happen

Warning: Reading this post could lead to tears. Proceed with caution.

In case you were wondering, here are a few things I did NOT do today.

• Didn't get a 6:30 a.m. wake-up call from a cranky two-year-old.
• Didn't have to convince said two-year-old that he did indeed want to go to preschool today.
• I did not watch the same two-year-old do a 180 at the preschool door and run screaming in the opposite direction all the way through the lobby and out the double doors of the building!
• I definitely didn't have to hear that two-year-old sobbing as I bolted for the same doors moments later.
• I know I didn't see my six-month old who almost sitting up in the grocery cart.
• I most definitely didn't have lunch with my sister and brother-in-law for one of the last times in a long while.
• I surely did not tear up watching the same two-year-old give his aunt Emmy a hug.
• That wasn't me who wanted to scream, "not soon enough" after hearing that two-year-old tell his aunt and uncle: "see you soon!"
• And I'm most certain that I didn't hug my baby sister today for the last time before she moves to Germany for 3 1/2 years.

Oh, and you are NOT reading this either.

Another Sunday with the Family

Sunday was another family reunion, but this one was a bit more bittersweet. It was our last family gathering before my little sister departs for Germany on Friday. It was a hot and muggy day, so I'm pretty sure that was sweat running down my face as I watched Emily hug my 90-year-old grandad.

Enjoying some Aunt Emmy time

We love our "Aunt Emmy & Umple Jonafin." They will certainly make great parents one day. Just do us all a favor and wait 3 1/2 more years! :)

The whole crew (Giles-Garrett-Rupard Family)

"Are you sure you have to move to Germany?"

Day Trip to Athens

On Saturday, we spent the day in Athens with family and friends. The day kicked off with a visit at Papa's house (Jack's great grandfather) where we were able to catch up with Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Bill after their trip to Fripp Island. They filled us in on all the great seafood they ate and how nice the beach was. I look forward to taking Jack to the beach soon. Jack was once again fascinated by Aunt Elizabeth. Maybe it's her funny glasses or the way she talks, but he spent a long time studying her and getting to know her better.

For lunch, we picked up some pork, ribs and stew from our favorite barbeque place, Fresh Air. It was delicious! We took the meat and all the fixings to my parents house to share. Jack played with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Emily and Jonathan. Later my friends Stacie and Terri arrived to play with Jack. We all watched the UGA baseball game. Stacie and Terri enjoyed entertaining Jack with his dancing and singing duck, an Easter gift from his grandparents. It is quite a comical little toy.

Later, Stacie put Jack's hair into a pony tail. Although, I think he looked more like Pebbles from the Flinstones because it just stuck straight up. He was a pretty good sport about it. Hopefully, he'll laugh at this picture one day rather than hate us for it! (By the way, we're on naptime # 2 for today and this one is not going so well!) If I had nothing to do but take a nap at 2:30 everyday, I'd love it. For some reason, Jack doesn't feel the same way despite the fact that he is so tired he can't see straight or behave pleasantly.

Saturday night, everyone gathered at my grandparent's house to celebrate Grandaddy's birthday with a fish fry. It was a typical large crowd minus a few main members. Jack enjoyed sitting with his grandad, who did all sorts of typical grandad stuff like letting him drink from is sweet tea. He seemed to really like it...no surprise there!

Jack also had a chance to be entertained by his many cousins. He enjoyed getting to know "Jon Jon" (or Jonathan). They enjoyed the swing together. Jack's last stop of the evening before we packed up and headed home was a rest on Mimi's lap (his great grandmother). Mimi has so much preparation to host so many people at her house that she rarely gets to relax and enjoy much of it. Thanks for all you do and did to make it a great birthday party for Grandaddy. Happy 88th Birthday, Grandaddy!