B.A.M.: Grammy Sue's, Trip Number 2

At the end of March, Brooks and I flew back to NC to be with my Mom for her last round of chemo. We stayed for a glorious 14 days. This time we flew to Asheville, and had one stop each way. Brooks continued to be an exceptional traveler. Mom and Victor picked us up at the airport and mom showed off her driving skills (first time driving since November!).

Balloon Party for Owen

The weekend was spent celebrating cousin Owen's 1st birthday.Everyone showed up for the occasion, so Brooks got to see Big E (my dad and his grandfather), his great grandmother Nenie, Great Aunt Cindy, Great Aunt Lori, cousin Ali, plus Laura, Matt, Levi and Owen. There was great food, kids to play with, dirt to dig in, slides to slide down, and of course the highlight of the party - balloons.

Owen and Brooks

Playtime

Jedi warrior

Loving the balloon chair

Juice is good

The celebrating ended at the start of the week as Grammy Sue began chemo again. We weren't allowed to sit with her because they had a strict rule that children could not be in the treatment rules because of safety.. So while mom had her treatments, we hit every consignment store in NC and stocked ourselves for Spring. In fact, we had to do some immediate springtime shopping because it was so hot in NC! After the third day of treatment, Mom was finished and we celebrated both the end of her treatment and the fact that she never lost her hair. :)

While Mama enjoyed seeing everyone and grabbing up cheap but cute kids clothes, Brooks was enjoying running up and down Grammy Sue's wheelchair ramp, playing with the ball in Grammy Sue's yard, going to the playground everyday (except on the days it rained), pizza from the flat rock bakery, seeing the goats at the Carl Sandburg goat barn, and the library. In fact, Grammy Sue and all of the grandchildren went to the Carl Sandburg goat barn, so that we could see the baby goats that were two days old. Grammy Sue has been a volunteer there for over 10 years, and it was the first time for her to visit since her surgery in October. It was a perfect day indeed.

Baby Goats at Carl Sandburg House

Hugs from Levi

Brooks enjoyed helping Grammy Sue in so many ways, from sweeping the floors while Mama vacuumed, to driving the grocery cart while Mama shopped for Grammy Sue. Brooks ate his first blackberry and loved it. And he learned how to slide down the smaller slide on his own. He was ecstatic that we got to eat under "umbeba's" (umbrellas) for several meals, including Easter Brunch. And by the end of the trip he was able to say "Sue." Well, a variation of that at least.