The Story of Us: Wood Family Spring Visit

   This past weekend Phillip's family came to visit. We had so much fun with them. They drove in Friday afternoon and left early Sunday morning.
   The visitors included his parents, his sister Kayla, and his grandma Mimmie. Kayla hadn't seen Brody since Thanksgiving because every time her parents came to see us she was not able to get off work. So because of this it made her coming to see us a little extra special. Mimmie is Phillip's grandma on his dad's side. She has Alzheimer's disease. It got to a point a few months ago where she was no longer able to live by herself ( she lived in Roland, Oklahoma where Phillip grew up).  Cathy ( Phillip's mom) retired this fall from DHS in Oklahoma and moved to Searcy, Arkansas to live with Danny ( Phillip's dad). He had lived there for 7 years working as the manager for Harding University's printing press. Cathy graciously agreed to have Mimmie come live with them in Searcy where she would take care of her at their home. I have admired Cathy so much for agreeing to do this. I think that it is so selfless of her to give of herself during her retirement. It's a 24 hour job taking care of Mimmie and you will never hear Cathy complain or want credit for the hard work she puts in. I wanted to explain all of this so you all with know what is going on with his side of the family at this time.

   They came on Friday afternoon, arriving at our house about 3:00. Brody had just woken up from his afternoon nap when they arrived. They spent the afternoon playing with Brody.

   Brody loved showing off his new toys!

Each time they come to visit it is fun for them see how much Brody has changed even in the past two months since they were here last. It has been nice that they have been able to see him at each of his new stages of development.

Brody can stand for a few minutes but hasn't pulled up yet. He can stand when I put him in that position. He is obsessed with this toy. I found it at a consignment sale for half the retail price. It lights up, makes music, and talks. He can't get enough of it! It also is a learning toy, it says ABC's, and repeats numbers 1-10.

It is such a blessing getting to see family love on your children. Kayla commented to me that she never imagined that she would love Brody as much as she does! She is such a good auntie!

Aunt KK kept trying to summarize the books she read him instead of reading all the words. Since I have most of his books memorized, I usually caught her doing this and would call her out! I did appreciate that she read to him. :)

Big Daddy was bound and determined to get Brody to do patty cake with him. Maybe next time we see them he will be able to clap and then eventually will be able to do patty cake with Big Daddy!

Brody enjoyed getting attention from Big Daddy and sitting in his lap.

   Friday night, Phillip came home from work and we went out to eat. We took his family to one of their favorite local restaurants here called " Miller's Grocery." It's an old, country restaurant in Christiana, Tennessee. It serves wonderful home cooked meals. On Friday and Saturday night their is a bluegrass band that plays. We had a great time, ate lots of good vegetables, fried catfish, hush puppies, and barbecue. Phillip's parents enjoyed eating there again and Mimie and Kayla loved trying it for the first time.

   Brody could hardly take his eyes off the band!

Mimma was kind enough to feed Brody dinner. It was nice to be able to eat my dinner and not have to multi task! I don't think she minded it much :)

When we got home Aunt KK gave Brody his Easter presents. She got him several books! I was so excited! Books are something that we can always use more of. We read to him so much that after a while I have most of the books memorized. It's nice to bring out some new ones for a change. It was so thoughtful of her to get him an Easter present, we were very thankful.