I had such an interesting night tonight. We visited my Aunt Janice and Uncle Terry (“Great” and “Unc” as they will be to Brittain). Although they live right here in Griffin, unfortunately life keeps us busy enough to the point that we’re not able to visit as much as we should, or would like to. Although it was sort of last minute plans, we had a wonderful visit and spent some quality time with family who all are a part of who Brittain is. We also had the pleasure of looking at some old photos of Brittain’s Great Aunt Janice and Duke as young children, as well as pictures of Grandmama and Pops who have gone on before us. (As a side note, “Grandmama” was alive to meet Brittain while she was still in my tummy, but didn’t make it to see her after she was born. It sometimes makes me sad to think about that, but it also makes me smile knowing how much she’s enjoying watching her from above.)

After enjoying some good ol’ Spalding County Fair corn dawgs, we settled down to visit with family and to reminisce about those who have gone before us. Here, Mimi and Brittain take a few moments to look at some old family photos:

Aunt Susan, Brittain and Uncle Terry venture outside to take a look at the windmill:

Aunt Susan, Brittain and Aunt Janice:

These are a couple of pictures taken on my birthday. Here is Brittain and Pappy, another person who continues to influence in her life in so many wonderful ways:

Brittain just recently started her second Kindermusik class. There are differences this time. The classes are held at First Baptist Church instead of our own church, the class is smaller with only 3 children attending, and it’s new curriculum learning about birds. But, I have to say that the biggest difference that I notice is Brittain herself. The last Kindermusik class we were in (which just ended not too long ago), Brittain was the perfect student. She would sit on her blanket, never moving an inch. This time is MUCH different because between the end of the last class and the beginning of this one, Brittain became mobile. VERY mobile. We have now attended the first 3 classes for the semester, and let me tell you that by the time I leave, I am completely drained and exhausted.

Brittain is the oldest in the class and the only one moving around. Fortunately, the other parents attending the class with their child have all sort of adopted Brittain. It’s impossible to keep her stationary, so instead of trying to force her to sit still, she’s free to roam the room and visit with the other children. Wherever she ends up, that parent does whatever activity with her, and then Brittain moves on to the next person. I leave out of there each week wondering if it’s a waste of time. I can’t imagine how she could possibly be learning anything because she looks as if she’s not paying any attention. But, she surprises me everyday. As part of the class, we get a CD of all the music we work on throughout the course. After the first week, I put the CD in so we could listen to some of the songs. The first song was our “Welcome Song” where we start out by patting our laps. Before I could even start, I looked over and Brittain was patting exactly as we do in the class. I couldn’t believe it! Each week she surprises me by doing something else that she picked up on in class.

Gracie Mulder and her Dad. Brittain and Gracie are “veterans” as they were both in the Kindermusik class before this:

The new addition, Riley and his mom, Rachel:

Our instructor, Joan Aycock:

Gracie’s mom, Erin, sometimes joins us for the last portion of the class:

I truly don’t know how anyone after having children has a life outside of the home if they don’t have family around to help out. With the evening activities I have going on, and with Dan’s erratic work schedule, there are many evenings where we have to call on family for help. Fortunately, not only do we have family who are willing to help us out, they even JUMP at the chance to keep Brittain and volunteer to do it all the time…even if it’s only for the sake of giving Mommy and Daddy a break.

Brittain has been spending a lot more time over at her Gramy and Papa’s house and she loves it.

Great Grama feeding Brittain (or at least trying to):

Fun with Papa and Gramy:

Papa, Daddy, Uncle Doug and Brittain:

Brittain relaxing in her jeep while Gramy does all the work: