Necessities Wrapped in the Joy of Little Boy Love

February 1-15, 2019
Valencia, California

February begins with a rare visit with the other grandsons. Maximus and Mason are Nick's sons (Bill's oldest, our number two). We meet them in the park on a cloudy and chilly day, but with all the rain we're having Maximus is very ready to get some time outside. He and I take Tessa for a walk around the grounds while Mason and PopPop hang out with the parents. A quick lunch, and too soon this time with them is over. Hopefully there will be more in the next few weeks.

Maximus, age 2

Maximus with Daddy on the big-boy swing.

PopPop and Mason getting to know each other.

Saturday it pours rain and we forego The Accidentals house concert down the hill. We're big fans so don't mind that we "donated" the price of a couple tickets to this talented trio. Still bummed we didn't get to see them again.

Super Bowl Sunday the rain continues, but we make the drive to our good friends in Lake Elsinore for the game. We're meeting up with more high school friends there as well.

Lousy game, good commercials, enjoyable half-time, and really, really great time with our friends. We return home not long after the game ends. More rain but the traffic isn't too bad. 

We love getting together with these life-long pals. Jodee, Kevin, Bridgette, Anna, Jimmy, Bill, Donnie, Marc and Maggie.

Sharing laughs over stories old and new.

Bridgette and Anna find something more interesting than the game.

Lizzie shares my opinion.

Maggie and Tessa share some cuddle time.

The next couple weeks blur into dentist and doctor visits, lots of time with Ezra, a surprisingly quick visit to DMV, an afternoon with friends, and lazy days inside while we get more rain. We enjoy dinner with Travis (Bill's number three, our number five) and Emily who married last June. Ezra joins us as they are his favorites.

Chuck E Cheese on a Monday because we can :-)

Dancing with the big mouse. Afterwards, Ezra is the only one who thanks Chuck E. Love this kid!

Loving the clock "ride".

Always crowded, but our DMV moves people quickly.

Cold but sunny day at the playground.

Such a happy boy!

Ezra having fun with his Auntie Em.

Travis wonders where Ezra gets all that energy!

On Saturday Ezra, Daddy and I pick up his new big-boy bed from IKEA. He doesn't know how long the line will take :-)

Practicing patience.

Later we get pics of his fun new bed.

Complete with "under there" play space!

Another day playing outside.

You're getting too big sweet boy!

Bill's former boss reaches out to get together at their lovely home in Burbank. They're retiring in a few months and want to pick our brains about the RV-life. I naturally forget to take any pics while there, but we enjoy a very fun Sunday afternoon with Rick and Sue.

Back in October I broke a tooth that was annoying but never caused me any problems. Then a few weeks ago I noticed that the tooth next to it had also chipped off. I swear I don't eat rocks! Tuesday I get my first crowns. My dentist is amazing and although it's a lengthy process, the procedure is pain and stress-free. One more thing off the list!

Friday we drive into Hollywood for lunch at the iconic Canters Deli. I have wonderful memories of eating here with my mom over several years. When we walk in I nearly start crying as the smell is exactly how I remember it! Even better, my borscht, knish and stuffed cabbage taste the same as well. Prices have increased to the ridiculous, but I'm so happy we made the day trip for this tasty memory.

No changes in 50 years!

Cold beet borscht - heavenly!

Hmmmm....

Early preparations for the Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland.

Hollywood and Vine where Lana Turner was discovered, and where I met Sammie Davis, Jr.

We're both getting hitch-itch, but having so much Ezra time around all our necessary appointments makes our stay in one place enjoyable. I already know how hard it's going to be to leave him this time :-(

Table cars with PopPop has all three of us laughing. Life is good.