Northwest Norsworthys: National Traveler

Our Family Trio has gone national, with showings in Washington, Texas and now California. Last weekend the star of the show made his debut in Santa Cruz and Sonora where he was met by raving fans (aunts and uncles), ecstatic followers (great-grandparents), and groupies (cousins). Bulbs flashed constantly as paparazzi (mom) clamored for the best shots of the star's dashing grin and handsome profile. His manager (dad) could barely keep the fans at bay as their fervor and excitement at finally meeting this irresistable personality almost overcame them. No autographs were signed, as the star can only drool, but plenty were left with a soggy shoulder to remember him by. With the rising fame this new celebrity is gaining, it is sure to be the first of many visits across the country.

Well this mom and dad are pretty exhausted after the excitement of the weekend...so much so that it has taken me all week to catch my breath. We entered the weekend recovering from illnesses and unfortunately John's lower respiratory infection followed him to California, holding on with tenacity. It even required a visit to the urgent care clinic and a chest x-ray the first night we arrived. But turns out California has good drugs too, and with a new antibiotic on board, John slowly made his way to recovery. It did take quite a while and a lot of resting to get him back to feeling normal, but the day we left he felt just great! Perfect timing! :)
It was such a wonderful time with family. As we spent time in the various homes we stayed in, I kept savoring the moments of just normal family time that I miss so much, now living so far away. Things like eating breakfast in Grandma and Grandpa's booth in their kitchen.....hearing Grandpa play his creative melodies on the piano....eating great food from my grillmaster Uncle Steve....hanging out in Aunt Sara's european inspired kitchen and cozy home.....sharing jokes with Ash and Rick and Lauren.....admiring Grandma and Aunt Linda's latest sewing creations....and lots and lots of hugs. What thrilled my heart most was watching my family love on Ben. Seeing my grandparents, especially, hold and snuggle him, smiling with him and laughing at his "talking" and funny sounds just (as my Grandma Payne says) "warmed the cockles of my heart"! I've never really been sure of what "cockles" really are, but whatever they are, they are toasty!
So even though we had to deal with baby on a plane, wrangling gear on and off planes and in and out of cars, John's lingering respiratory infection that earned him a trip to the urgent care and a chest x-ray, a 4 hour road trip, a few sleepless nights and a diaper explosion on the flight home, we are so glad that we went. By the way, we discovered that two adults, a baby and one exploding diaper can fit in an airplane lavatory, though not recommended. :)

Here are some of the special moments of our trip....

Grandpa Payne and Ben; this shot is especially sweet to me because there is a picture of me when I was little, sitting on Grandpa's lap, at his piano, watching him play