G&G V

Deg's parents came to visit just after Deej's first birthday, and we had a blast having them here. They drove from Massachusetts to come see us, and even though it was Vegas in July (read: temperatures matched that of the surface of the sun), we had a really good time.

Deg was able to work half days while they were here, so in the mornings, we would putter around and John would fix various things that were on Deg's honey-do list (loud toilets and the like) until lunchtime, when Deg would come home and we'd party.

A few days, we just swam in the pool (because, come on - that's about the only way to be outside in this crazy weather), which DJ loved. John is a swimmer, so he loved it, too, and we even talked Linda into getting in with us once.

Another day, we drove down to the Strip and went to the aquarium at Mandalay Bay. I'd taken my mom and DJ when she came, but Deej mostly slept through that time. This time, he was awake and SO excited about all of it. It's a good thing we got season passes - he thought it was the coolest thing ever! And when he gets a little older, he'll love the touching the stingray part. As for now, there's no way I'm letting him near that!

We also visited the Vegas temple. It was closed for cleaning, but we went and walked around it. It's beautiful - the architecture, landscaping, fountains, location - Deg and I seriously talked about one day owning one of the houses across the street!

We dropped by Ethel M. chocolate factory for a tour, which DJ slept through and the rest of us enjoyed because it was tasty! We also drove out to the Hoover Dam because it's there, but it was too hot to get out and do anything! Deg and his parents went back on one of the days when Deej and I needed a nap and they walked the bridge that spans the river, so that was cool for them.

We also had a party for Deej's birthday. We'd done his official party, so I invited the elders over for a huge taco bar (if I've ever cooked for you, you know how I like to go overboard, so you can just imagine) and cake. This is like the 4th time we'd let Deej tear into some cake, and this time, he got it! It was so funny - he knew we were singing to him, so he hammed it up. He even shared a bite of gooey, pre-licked finger frosting with his dad - mmm!

Deg's parents brought us a ton of really cool stuff. Linda made DJ a door hanger with 26 pockets - each pocket has an object for a letter of the alphabet. It's really neat! They also brought a ton of heirlooms - a fish knife from Deg's great grandfather, a knife and barbecue fork set from Deg's great uncle, a glass dish and cup from Deg's grandmother, a ton of pictures taken over the last 200 years (I need to scan them!) and a child's rocking chair that's been in the family for at least 150 if not 200 years. The caned seat has worn off, so that's a project I'm excited to work on - I'll post the results when I'm done. They also brought Deg's grandfather's book of psalms. It's really cool to have these tangible heirlooms from our ancestors, and I know I'm grateful to have them.

Deej loved having his grandparents here. And I don't think they'd mind if I put words in their mouths and said that they LOVED spending time with him! He even learned to walk while they were here, which was super thoughtful of him. I'll include a video of that.

As a couple, we are in a precarious position in that we will always live far away from someone, if not everyone. That's the nature of an East Coast boy and a West Coast girl. We are grateful for the time and effort that the Valentines put forth to be able to spend some time with us and with the Deej. He loves them already, and I can't say I blame him.

And now, the pictures and video!

DJ annihilating his fourth birthday cake

He splashed his dad in the face and he knows how funny that is!

Aunt Trisha made him this awesome birthday crown!

Vegas temple

DJ really, really, really loves his grandma

Deg and John tried to teach the Deej how to blow bubbles. It didn't work, but he thought they were super funny!

Picture one of three from the aquarium.

Picture two of three from the aquarium.

Picture three of three from the aquarium. This one is my favorite for many reasons. First of all - look at Deg's face. Second of all, look at DJ's - apparently, sharks don't bother him at all!

 And, ladies and gents, we have a walking baby!