Andrew has a Great-Great Grandfather. Dave was the first in a long lineage to wait until after 20 to start his family. Dave didn't even marry until he was 21! and then waited 5 years before his son was born. Scandalous.
Anyway, Dave's Great-Grandfather, Andrew's Great-Great-Grandfather was visiting New England. He normally lives with one of his sons (Dave's Great-Uncle) in Iowa, but made the trip out to see some family. We are sort of last-minute folks and didn't get ourselves together enough to visit him until Sunday evening. We headed to Maine to meet up with everyone Monday morning. And we are so glad we did.
I hadn't seen Grampy Balentine since our wedding when he stole the dance floor convincing the younger family members to get out there and groove. I hear he had a wild streak in his youth. Was a big-time jokester. It is hard to imagine that now. He is sweet and quiet and mostly sat in a chair laughing at Andrew's antics. Andrew, sensing no performance anxiety, turned up the charm, got out his belly laughs and led the family in a rousing game of peek-a-boo.
At dinner we all got dessert. There was free ice cream with the kid's meal. I suggested to Andrew that he offer some ice cream to Daddy. He scooped up a spoonful and then handed it to Dave. Then considered for a minute, scooped up another spoonful and handed it to me. He offered his ice cream to everyone at the table saying something like "hausa, hausa, hausa, ice cream?" He would then fill up a spoon and pass it on. We all sampled his ice cream. Even the Great Uncle who tried to get out of it with "Oh Andrew, but I am so full!" Andrew gave him a look of confusion. Full? What does that mean? I have never heard of 'full'.
Grampy Balentine said several times "bless his heart".
It was clear the Grampy Balentine really enjoyed the short time with his Great-Great-Grandson. I think that Grampy Balentine enjoyed Andrew's humor and facial expressions and laughter. But my sense is, that there was a little more to it. I think that when Grampy Balentine looked at Andrew, he could see a little of himself in that wild 2 year old.
And that means I will have my hands full for a long, long time.
6 comments:
I want to start saying, "Bless your heart."
What perfect pictures.
By Andrew, do you mean the little boy in these pictures? My word, I hardly recognize him! His little straight-banged haircut makes him look so grown up! What happened to the baby? (I guess Andrew is really stepping up to the title of "big brother"!).
Glad to hear you guys had a good trip. Love that shot of Drew running down the road ahead of him.
Andrew looks like he's walking through a gate filled with light. I like that image. It fits with the immortal theme of future generations.
Welcome back.
I think it looks like he is wild person running from his mother. I like your version better.
How cool that Andrew has a great great grandfather. It must mean the world to Grampy Balentine to get to visit with you and see his special little grandson. The ice cream story is so cute--I love it!
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