Friday:
Long day of packing for Mommy and Austen. Smooth drive to the Famous Farm in Maryland. Grandpa Earl greets Austen, who’s half asleep in her car seat.
Saturday:
Morning visit with Reverend Benjamin who is so impressed with Austen’s friendliness that he tells Mrs. Benjamin she has to come over and see baby Austen. She brings with her a beautiful cake.
Susan, Grace and Jeff visit.
Mommy, Daddy and Austen go to pick up pizzas and shop at Klein’s (Uncle Mark’s alma mater).
Party at Grandpa Earl’s house with the Bairs and Morrises and Grandma Judi’s former students. Aunt Gloria and Uncle John stop by.
At Abby West’s Thomas-the-Train-Engine-themed birthday party …
Austen meets Daisy …
… and stands on her own in Abby’s pink jeep.
Daddy needs to buy Austen a battery-powered jeep:
More partygoing at Grandpa Earl’s, hanging out with Aunt Janet, Aunt Heather, Mark, Jen, Emma, Erin, Tod, Holly, Morgan.
Sunday:
Special service at Emory. Austen manages to smile at every single member the Emory congregation. Afterward, Austen lays flowers at Grandma Judi’s grave. (See separate blog entry.)
Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra concert dedicated to the memory of Judith Lloyd Famous. [Scan program] Austen dresses in her beaded silk gown from India and gold jewelry from Grandma and Grandpa Rodey. Grandpa Earl is astonished at how Austen entertains herself with a board book on cows for 20 minutes and even enjoys the music, focusing on the section of the orchestra making the most sound. There’s no crying or shouting thanks to strategic use of the pacifier. Daddy and Mommy don’t want to press their luck, so Austen spends the second half of the concert in the hall napping in Daddy’s arms.
A dinner and awards reception follows. Grandma Judi is given a lifetime achievement award from the SSO.
The family reassembles at the Famous Farm to hang out with the babies. Morgan resists the “Da cuddle.” You’ll have to ask her about this someday, Austen.
Monday:
(See separate blog entry.)