Grandma, Grandpa, Ryan, Maisy

On the morning of the visit to Grandma and Grandpa Ruble’s house, we could tell we might have some problems. A simple attempt for Caitlin to actually see and briefly enjoy the beach three blocks away turned into a major ordeal when Ryder started throwing a series of vigorous tantrums. We got things under control and formed a road-caravan with Amy on the way over there. It was absolutely wonderful for us to introduce Maisy to Grandma and Grandpa Ruble. They loved her all up, and were so happy (and perhaps surprised) to see how big Ryder’s gotten. Grancie (my mom’s chosen grandmotherly moniker) got to see Maisy and Ryder for the first time in a few months as well.

The Fam.

We visited for a few hours – catching everyone up on the goings on in Chicago, and finding out what’s been going on in Southern California. We had a big, proper lunch to get us ready for our big road trip up to northern California. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. Grandma Ruble has quite a variety of cat figurines around the house. So, Caitlin and I were momentarily worried when we heard it yelled from across the house that Grandma Ruble had given Ryder a cat; we were concerned that we’d have a fragile glass cat as our newfound trip companion. Turns out, better judgment prevailed and Ryder had a new plush friend, Siam the beanie baby Siamese cat.

Meow.