Our Weekend in Spokane

We had a great weekend. We decided to head to Spokane and spend the weekend with Jess's family. Unfortunately, Sarah did not have the baby when we were there, so we'll just have to keep waiting for the birth of our niece/nephew. It was nice to spend time with them, as we really haven't had the chance to do. They have two perfect names picked out for the new little Winkey, Landon Robert and Brooklyn Rose. I am not sure on the spelling of either name, but that's my guess. I still think they're great names.

The drive over was pretty long, Eli did not sleep one wink the whole way over. We were sure he would as his normal bedtime is 7:00 and we didn't hit the road until close to 5 o'clock. He was still up when we rolled into Ryan and Sarah's place around 9:45. Poor kid. Then we were busy, in a new place, etc., so naps on Saturday and Sunday didn't happen except for short car ride naps across town. He was quite the trooper though.This gorgeous Boxer is Kali, one of Ryan and Sarah's dogs. She is so well-mannered and good natured. She'll be a good dog for the new baby.

On Saturday we surprised Jess's Mom at the hospital. It was great! She had no idea we were in town, so we had Ryan and Sarah sit in at her desk and when she walked up, she immediately knew it was Eli with them, but it took a minute for it to really click as to what that really meant. Then later that night, she brought Jess's grandparents out to Ryan and Sarah's place to celebrate Rob's birthday. We were just finishing up Elijah's bath when the arrived, so we waited until everyone had said hello, then walked out. Grandpa's face was priceless. At first it was the "who are you and why are you walking out from their bathroom," then it switched quickly to "OMGosh! It's Jess, Tinkerbell (that what he calls me), and Elijah!" Awesome! :)Eli and Nana before we left her house on Sunday evening. He was SO tired!

Grandpa and Grandma Gaidos with the Great-Grandkids: Cameron, Kendra, and Elijah.

Eli absolutely adores his big cousin Cameron. Just look at his face. He would follow that kid anywhere - and I'd let him. Cam is such a great kid. We love you Cam-Man!

Kendra LOVES her little cousin, Elijah. She had a great time reading to him. What a great influence on him. He already has a love of books, she is going to do wonders with him too. Love you KB!

Sunday we were able to surprise Jess's Dad before he and Cheryle left for Cle Elum. Good thing we left when we did, otherwise we would have missed them. We had fun playing with the toys, chatting, and coloring. We ran some errands with Ryan and Sarah then after some 'down-time' headed over to Danielle's then Jess's Mom's place. We had a great evening playing games, letting the kids play together, and just hang out as a big family.



Today we had breakfast with Grandma Winkey then walked around the Waterford so we could meet some of her friends (and so she could show off her Great-Grandson Elijah). It was fun, and very cute! Then we made our voyage back across the state. We had a fabulous weekend, but we sure are glad to be home. Eli had about a two hour, much needed nap, which was also quite nice for Mom and Dad. We got a lot of great pictures (which by the way Danielle, I need copies of the pictures you took! ) Of course I included them for you!

These shots are on our way home. I love how he was sleeping with his hand resting behind his head. I find myself waking up like that every once in a while too...must be hereditary. Then he was having a fun time playing with my sunglasses. I actually got a lot of really good pictures of him, but I won't bore you through all of them...just a few! I love his sweet little face. His handsome smile melts my heart every time I see it. He's such a wonderful boy!



HAHA And on a side note, Uncle Ryan and Daddy taught Eli how to do a "fist pump" this weekend. It really is pretty cute (and funny!). Can't wait to teach your little one all kinds of fun "tricks" Ryan! LOL