We spent part of Labor Day weekend at my parents house - our goal: hang out with Miles.  And with a face this cute, who wouldn't want to do the same?


About a week earlier I talked with Carrie and she told me that the only time he cries is when he's hungry.  But it turns out there's another time when he cries - when three relatives (but not yet familiar faces) overwhelm him with greetings and love.  It took Miles awhile to warm up to us, but when he did, all was well again.  Note: that photo above was obviously taken AFTER the warm up period.

Sophie and Martin wanted to show Miles all the stuff they normally do at Grandma Jane and Grandpa Pat's.  First on the agenda - a walk and feeding Arnie's chickens. 


We took turns pushing Miles in the stroller, but it was Sophie's favorite job - after she let go of my dad's hand, that is.


We put a blanket in the yard and everyone played and had snacks.  This is an activity that was always very normal to me, but Marty tells me that putting a blanket in the yard and playing in the shade is NOT something everyone does.  He said that when it's hot, people just go inside.  Interesting.


I suppose the next thing he'll tell me is that it's not normal to take naps on the yard blankets either.  I'd like to point out here that I took both of these blanket pictures one right after the other.  On my left, all the kids and women playing.  On my right, my dad enjoying an afternoon nap.


After naptime, we moved to the deck for snacks and happy hour.  I tried to share Miles, but he's pretty pleasant to lug around.  Once I stopped scaring him, that is.


Both the kids love Miles, but Sophie's the one who found him most entertaining.  Probably because he was willing to sit still and do what she wanted.  Like play beauty shop.


And accept lots of hugs. 


We may have to move to South Dakota.  Or at least head out there more often.