Summer Week 2 - North Carolina

And so off we went again, Sophia's 6th trip across the country.  We went to Asheville for a little less than two weeks.  This time it was just the two of us.  This was the second time we have purchased her a seat and again, it was so worth the extra money.  I've become quite the pro when it comes to packing our carry-ons.  One bag with snacks, change of clothes, diapers and accessories, cups, and electronics.   One bag with toys, books, coloring books, and colors.  I also made some pretty cool flash cards that work as a sorting tool as well as for word recognition.  I had been talking to her about the flight for days so she was pretty pumped to go on a plane.  She did a great job and of course, she really enjoyed flirting with the older men on the plane.  Such a clown.

 When we arrived, we met the rest of the family at Papas & Beer, a local Mexican restaurant that has become the tradition for our visits.  It was my dad's birthday so they did the whole embarrassing singing and hat thing.  He didn't really want it but when I told him Sophia would think it was hilarious, he changed his mind.  I was right!  She cheered and clapped and said "Again again!"

We went out to eat quite a bit.  These were some of the most fun times for Sophia and Grandpa!  She loved his reactions when she tried to take out his oxygen.  She certainly has a flair for the dramatic!

They especially had fun when we went out for sushi.  This girl seriously loves sushi!  

Sushi Kisses!

Also while we were there, my dad decided to get baptized.  He was baptized in the Catholic church as a baby but wanted to do it again in light of everything going on.  He decided to be fully submerged despite the fact that he isn't supposed to remove his oxygen.  It was challenging to walk down the steps into the baptismal so he asked me to go in with him.  It was very special to be back there with him.  Of course he was cracking jokes the entire time to lighten the mood.

I think Sophia was meant to live in Asheville.  She loved being outside so much.  She explored and we got to talk about all sorts of things that we don't see too much in Las Cruces:  Crayfish, bunnies, wild flowers, creeks, trees and more trees, lots of bugs, beautiful butterflies, etc.

 CHEESE!!

This was by far my favorite trip to Asheville ever.  I've been showing Sophia her Grandpa's picture everyday to remind her of who he is.  The second she saw him in the airport she remembered him.  She was warm to him right away and they had such a great time together.  I'm not sure how much longer we will have him but the memories we made on this trip will last forever.  It was amazing to see the look on his face when, as he was walking out of a restaurant, she yelled out to him "Grandpa! Wait!"  I know without a doubt that that was one of the best moments of his life. 

I ask again that you keep my Daddy in your prayers.  We recently found out that my dad's condition is worsening.  The medications they have had him on for two years or so are not working. Since Sophia was only 4 months old, I have tried to get her out to see him as much as possible.  As I have mentioned before, it's one of my greatest fears that she will not remember him.  I don't remember my grandpa and I'm told all the time just how much he loved me.  I do not wish to have this in common with my little girl.  I know our days are numbered.  It was so difficult to say good bye to him this time.  I took mental pictures of the way it felt to be in his big comforting arms and they way his face projected true love when he held Sophia.  I'm not sure when we will get to go back to see him.  We speak every day on the phone but there is nothing quite like your daddy's touch.