Jiggity Jig

Got home yesterday from our totally awesome spring break trip to California. Most of it was spent with Matthew's mom and dad (hereafter referred to as "Bubbie" and "Zaydie") who basically absconded with Lowell the minute we landed. We were allowed occasional visits with him between his trips to the zoo and the firehouse and walks to go see Ernie the Tow Truck Guy. But he'd kind of look at us and be like "Wait, aren't these the people that make me eat my vegetables? To the playground, Bubbie!" We were alright with it what with all the sleeping in, sunny East Bay weather, and daytrips to San Francisco. Seriously, (and I am weeping as I type this) I think I slept in every day of the entire visit. 8 days. In a row.

Lowell was the star of the Passover seder, hardly a tough feat as he was the only little one surrounded by a crowd of adoring adults. Just to seal the deal though, he squeaked out a "mah nishtana" on cue and brought down the house. And even though the lighting of the candles made him freak out and beg me loudly to keep the peoples from singing "Happy Birthday" (a current phobia) everyone just smiled indulgently and cooed. It was a really nice night. Matthew's family's seders are great; fun but with ritual, casual but sincere and heartfelt. I always enjoy myself and appreciate all the work and preparation that goes into making it such a meaningful evening. The only sad part was that an injury kept Lowell's great-grandmother from being there. But we had many good visits with her. Lowell made Granny's eyes light up like firecrackers.

We also got to visit some of my family. My aunt and uncle live in Sonoma and invited us out for Easter dinner. Lowell was treated to an egg-hunt and tons of chocolate before lunch. But the highlight of the visit for him was a ride around the back forty on my uncle's tractor. If you would like to know pure joy, let a 2 year-old sit on your lap and steer your Kubota.  Don't believe me? Check it.

The less said about the 6 hour flights and the now hour and a half drive to the airport and home the better. But it was worth it. (I think I'd probably walk to California for 8 days of sleeping in). We don't get back to the homeland very often so it's always a good time. (Matthew's homeland anyway, although I did live out there once upon a time as did half of my immediate family.) It's nice to be back of course but potty training looms and I am missing all the 24-hour on-site help. Not to mention all the good food. I love back-to-back good eating holidays. And we had some spectacular meals out in San Francisco, just the two of us. Oh, but the joys of eating peanut butter, potty washing, and feeding the dog are back! Sigh.

Comments

[Nicolle]

wow. sounds divine: sleeping, eating, family, all of it actually.

what is it with boys and tractors? every boy i know has at some point been fixated on them, from 14 months ("wackter!") to 6 years ("that's a frontloader and that's a backhoe, and, and...")

[Noelle]

My last two trips to California were both magical. I wonder if it would still seem that way if I lived there. Glad you enjoyed the sleeping in! I'm jealous.

[wordgirl]

I haven't been back to California in years, but I remember a late afternoon when we went to San Francisco. It was early December and our two oldest were very, very small (21 months and 8 months). We roamed around with the kids in front or backpacks and checked out the shops. We ate Chinese in a wonderful restaurant in the Haight and then found this great store for kids clothes. Even with the kids there it was very romantic. Eight days sounds wonderful and indulgent grandparents are awesome to have around. So glad you had a good time.

[sarah]

Alana-

Do you have any clue what the Hungarian word kapcsolatfelvétel means????

[LetterB]

Ha! Check your email for the translation.

[jess]

Sounds wonderful. Just what every family needs.

Welcome back.

[kara]

ahhhh, 8 days...i am almost teary thinking of how happy you must have been in the morning when you realized that you didn't have to get up. thank you deanna & harvey!!

but just wait until summer! then you can sleep in every day!! oh, wait. that's me, not you... every other day though, no?