The Growing Gant Family...

What an incredibly special visit.  Okay, so it started out as a 10yr class reunion trip for Mel, but I turned it into a special trip for me and my "boys" to get to hang out and love on (of which we don't get to do very often) Uncle Tom and Auntie Mel (or "Mow" as William says it).  Truly, I don't think I can put into words how thankful we were to have you both here for a spell.  THANK YOU! In their short five day visit, we crammed LOTS of fun in...  Mel got to experience swim lessons with Calvin and I on the first day they got here. Well, first they had to have a little bonding time... Notice the increasingly less tan our skin gets from Mrs. California to me and then Calvin (o; We walked through the orchard to the Pumpkin Fest...and got a little lost in the corn maze. We were granted free tickets to OMSI (thank you Penny!)...  When you're Auntie Mel and Uncle Tom, you get to play right along with the boys... ...

All you have to do is start sticking your tongue out at Calvin and he copies you (o;  It's cute now, but I guess I probably shouldn't keep it up. (This picture was taken on the rescue boat at Station 21) It's pretty fun to watch to watch the bond between my two boys grow.  They've already started "wrestling" on the floor (as much of a wrestle an 11month old can muster-and believe me you, William tests Calvin's abilities multiple times a day) and I keep reminding William that he better get his licks in now, cause I have a feeling it's not going to be long before Calvin whoops him.  I definitely need to get a video of their "wrestle" time... It's also pretty sweet when William wants to give Calvin a kiss and hug goodnight.  If I forget, he reminds me.   Calvin hasn't shown me any signs yet, but we're (William helps) still trying to be vigilant at signing please, thank you, hungry, more and all done to him in hopes that ...

While talking to William about praying out loud at the dinner table (he has always refused to do so)... "Mom, my head talks to God." (He told me that he was explaining how he has conversations to God in his head and doesn't like to talk out loud to God in front of people). William was fascinated after feeling my clavicle bone the other day.  He asked what it was and I explained that it was a bone and that we all have them.  He then proceeds to feel his clavicle. "Look, I have bones too!"...And then, "God made them to keep me together." (I hadn't even explained that part yet...He's so smart). Speaking of smart, William is always impressing me with the things he knows and learns. When I ask him, "William, how did you get so smart?" W: "Because I love to!" M: "You love to what?" W: "I love to get smart!" William loves working outside.  Wait, I should have said William LOVES to work outside.  ...

Guess who decided to start crawling...He's been on the verge for quite some time and finally tasted freedom (aka the ability to get somewhere without having mom pick him up and carry him there).  This kid's goin' places-literally. Guess I'm gonna need to start sweepin' and moppin' a little more (o;

Every time Grandpa Greg and Grandma Kim come, the visit never ends up being long enough (o;  It's only because they live so far away and the time between visits seems so long.  Nonetheless, I'm extremely grateful for every time I do see them and my boys are lavishly loved on by "Grandpa and Grandma in California" (as William calls them). Here are some of the highlights (and my favorite pics) of their visit… Just Grandma and Calvin, chillin’. Grandpa with da boys My Mom’s parents were also visiting from MN and so we were able to snap a five generation pic:   My Great Grandma Evelyn (95yrs old!), My Grandpa Mike, Mom, Me and my boys (o;  Grandpa Greg and William were in this woodpile working for hours…literally.   William impresses me with his willingness to work and ability to stick to one project for an extended period of time, even when Grandpa’s not around.   Having Grandpa to work with made it extra special (o;...

Well Calvin, you sure are growing (o;  I can hardly believe that in two short months we will be celebrating the completion of your first year of life.  I say it all the time, but it's just plain crazy how quickly time passes.  Your loves... You still love food!  Pretty much any kind, but you are gettin kinda picky with your veggies...hmmm. Mom's got a garden-there's no way around it buckaroo (o; You've definitely found your vocal chords.  Beyond "dada" and "mama", you can grunt and growl like someone twice your size!  Big brother tries to tackle you and you don't waste time letting him know you want him off-in your own special language.  On the other hand, you sure know how to giggle and laugh-especially when it comes to big brother playing with you (o;  Too cute. You've been fascinated with wheels and other things you can spin with your fingers...Finding your dexterity. Speaking of playing with toys, you're quite destructive wi...

Introducing: Mr. Shaggy "Um, What are you thinking you're gonna do with that thing?" Grandpa Greg, standing by while Curtis works away (and Calvin is distracted by a handful of graham crackers...and hair) "AHHH!  Get me outta here!" Thanks Daddy!  Call me, Handsome Man!