at the house

indy and i spent most of our time enjoying the wonderful weather in grandpa's garden when we were visiting.  we loved to watch the koi fish sun themselves altogether on a rock in their shallow pond or swim loop de loops around each other.  i think indy was especially fond of the trickling stream that flows down into the pond.  it's a beautiful lullaby for a baby's ears.  he had many naps outside while ezra, my homebody, found his match in my brother matthew.  they enjoyed the comforts of home during many of my outings with my dad and sometimes eva would join us and of course indy was always there.  my dad and theresa hosted two barbecues while we were there, one for their good friends to celebrate theresa and her friend's birthday, and another with christopher and annie.  my dad is a great griller and is the chef in the house.  there's always good corn on the cob and choice meats and fish from the grill.  it was nice to be on the receiving end of his cooking.  when the kids weren't gazing at a colorful screen, they were jumping on the trampoline or playing soccer.  some days i felt like i only spoke a few times to ezra just to find out if he was hungry or needed something.  but, even that became unnecessary soon as matthew and eva are quite capable and kind hosts.  they were both so patient and loving.  indy began his induction into sharing meals at the table.  my dad and theresa got him a great little high chair from ikea that is as light as a feather (great for bringing outside to join outdoor parties and for hosing off after messy meals too!) and he sat with us for every meal with a strawberry, crust of bread, or chunk of chicken from the grill!  most of the time i wore indy around the house and i was a little surprised to come home a couple of days after his six month birthday to discover not only can he sit up for a good while by himself, but he can get himself halfway across the room in a creeping, army crawl manner.  i can't believe how fast he's growing - i mean he practically ate a whole meatball at ikea and now he's almost crawling?  he says mama too by the way.  i guess growing up has its rewards for everyone.