Vintage Vance: Deep in the Heart of Texas

Because I am jobless at the moment (due to my boss retiring at the end of December), I took the opportunity to visit Melissa and her family in Fort Worth. I had a wonderful visit with them, and they generously let me stay a whole two weeks, which was longer than I had been planning. Since it took Calvin a few days to warm up to me (I didn't want to push it and thereby cause him any trauma), I was glad for those extra days.

We had plenty of good weather while I was there, although there were a couple of really cold days. We went on several walks around their neighborhood. The girls took me to the man-made "lake" that's only a few blocks from their house. We enjoyed walking around it in the sunshine, looking at the ducks, and climbing the hill.

I was especially trying to show Mira's shiny pink boots in this photo.

We tried to go out to eat at one of their favorite restaurants, but it was closing just as we arrived (mid-afternoon on Saturday!), so we found a nearby Italian restaurant. It was a great meal, so we were satisfied with the substitution.

Calvin was a really neat eater in the restaurant, but not so much at home.

As with many toddlers, he enjoyed playing with the "real" items around the house even more than playing with his own toys. He was constantly emptying certain cupboards and drawers.

But sometimes he actually wanted to be helpful, like putting the wet clothes in the dryer (and closing up the dishwasher before I was done loading it!).

We had to take advantage of the photo opp at Target (notice Danica's blue teeth from her Icee).

The sun was shining so brightly that I couldn't get them to look straight at the camera.

I was treated to several dancing and singing "shows" while there.

Danica snuck up behind Mira during her dance number.

This was Mira's expression when she discovered that Danica had "photo-bombed" her big moment.

Creative use of a tutu.

I'm happy to look foolish to give the grandkids a good laugh.

Calvin wants to get in on the fun, too.

One of Calvin's favorite spots is inside the laundry cabinet (thus they've had to quit using it for dirty clothes). He thought it was great fun when Sister got in there with him.

I saw a lot of this face during my visit. Evidently it's hard being a baby -- he had a lot to complain about!?

If he was sad, he would lay his face up against something -- the sofa, the floor, or even the door if there was nothing else handy. Then he'd wait until someone noticed and paid attention to him. If that took too long, he'd start whining so someone would notice him.