"Cody had a great time at New Jersey, Mom!"

On Tuesday afternoon, Cody and Cordelia having blown right through naptime, we decided to set off on a grand adventure to see Granny and Pop-Pop at the homestead. It took us 7 hours, 25 minutes. Without traffic. Let us say no more on the subject, except to sum it up in Cody's words: "Mommy? Cody is a good traveler. Mommy and Daddy are good travelers. Patches is a good traveler. (Pause) Cordelia is a BAD traveler." Out of the mouths of babes, indeed.

Once we were able to put the drive behind us, thanks to two gigantic vodka tonics (two each, mind you) from Pop-Pop, we had a wonderful visit. Cody was up at 6:00 the next morning, ready to play, and he didn't come back inside for the next four days except to sleep. He had an absolutely fantastic time -- at the playground, seeing friends, but mostly just playing in Pop-Pop's beautiful yard. He seems to think that their house is New Jersey -- so even when we would drive down the street for ice cream or something, he would say, "It's time to go back to New Jersey now Mommy, to see Granny and Pop-Pop!" Here are some of the highlights.

Cody learns baseball!

His first hit!

Then, Cordelia met Alison, and Cody and godbrother Dylan reunited, exchanged birthday presents, and had a great time playing outside.

But as usual, the best parts of the week were the "quiet" moments with a seemingly inexhaustible Granny.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for a great visit. We hope our departure last night was followed on your part by double vodka tonics. I'm sure you needed them! We will be drinking tonight, too, if we can make it through "recovery day." We'll drink to you!