Thanksgiving Wrap-up

Last week we made a cross-country journey to introduce Sofian to his Great Grandfather Harry (and Aunty Judy in Minneapolis) and Great Grandmother Paps (in Florida). This was Sofian's first experience flying, and the first leg to Minneapolis didn't go too badly. We'd hoped that the ambient noise of the plane would help him nap, but that wasn't to be (and a harbinger of flights to come). But we were glad we sprung the extra cash for a seat for Sofian and his car seat.

Sofian was a gentleman while we were in Minneapolis, toning down his pterodactyl screeching, and he performed admirably with his blocks on the floor for Great Pa and Aunty Dudy. The three of us even got to drive south to Northfield for a quick tour of my alma mater, St. Olaf (and a chance meeting with fellow alum Doug Bratland at the Goodbye Blue Moon coffee shop).


Great Pa with grandson and great-grandson


Aunty Dudy and Sofian

Our next stop was Jacksonville, FL to visit with Parie's side of the family, including Step-Mom Annakay, sister Molly and her husband Jonathan and their two kids Natalie and Noah (who's the new kid on the block at just 3 months), and Great-Grandmother Paps (who was transported in from Montgomery, AL by Annakay). Sofian astounded them all with his laser beam-like focus on playing with blocks for 3 hours one day, and Paps definitely took a shine to him. I also got into my first fender bender ever, rear-ending Molly's SUV (no one was hurt and our rental car took all of the damage thanks to the SUV's trailer hitch).


Paps with granddaughter and great-grandson


Molly and Noah

And here's Sofian playing in an exer-saucer at Molly and Jonathan's, and having a great time exploring all the colorful doodads attached to it (he's so big, he was actually on his knees in the saucer, rather than bouncing on his feet).

Sofian Discovers a Colorful Toy