Mommy, Daddy, and Austen got off to a late start when heading to Granpa Earl’s farmhouse for New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31, 2005. Mommy lost track of what day it was and packing with baby takes at least four hours. The drive down to Maryland was peaceful. Austen now sleeps in her car seat, or plays without screaming. Hurrah!
The New Jerseyites arrived at 3642 Mill Green Road at around 3pm, just in time to take a nap before heading off to a New Year’s dinner at Nancy and Wilson Jones’ lovely home near Mommy’s high school (North Harford High in Pylesville, Maryland). Grandpa Earl, Mommy and Daddy ate shrimp and pasta and coconut chocolate cake. Mommy even got to play bridge while Daddy took Austen upstairs for a nap. Here’s Austen and Grandpa Earl all dressed up and about to leave for the party:
At Grandpa Earl’s house, baby Austen got to stay in the yellow bedroom suite that Grandpa Earl built for Grandma Judi – she obviously picked the colors. Austen enjoys being propped up in the loveseat next to the bed.
On Sunday, Austen got to visit with Cousin Erin, Cousin Emma, Aunt Jen and Uncle Mark. During a walk around the farm, Austen was so wide-eyed with excitement she ended up falling asleep in Daddy’s arms while he discussed cow “poopies” with Emma. There was some disappointment at not being able to locate any cows, even with the help of farmer’s son Mark. Later in the day, Mommy’s friend Becky West (formerly Randolph) stopped by with two-and-a-half-year-old Abby, who played with Emma. Becky seemed to be doing great considering she was expecting a baby in a few weeks.
On Monday, the whole gang went to Great Aunt Janet’s newly-renovated condo in Bel Air and noshed on soup and cheese … and expensive wine. Carolyn Chrismer, Susan Deeney and Hannah Close stopped by to see the new babies.