July 10

This morning was fantastic. Why? Because it was one of only two nights ever that Caleb actually slept in a hotel room. I was so thankful that we worked to have him sleeping in a big boy bed before this trip, because he slept all night in a queen-size bed all by himself. Just a month ago, Caleb barely slept in a hotel room. It's a great thing to be able to sleep well in a hotel! (Have I mentioned that Daisy's been sleeping through the night for nearly a month now? She's kind of spectacular.)

We went to mass with my grandparents, and Caleb did a great job. He was fascinated by the stained glass and statues, though he did think that Jesus on the cross was the Stan Musial statue at Busch Stadium. Chris had to explain to him that though Stan was one of the greatest players of all time, Jesus was the greatest man of all time. I don't think he quite got it.

After mass, Daisy got to spend some quality time with her extended family.

Great-grandpa is so good with the kiddos.  Doesn't this photo remind you of this photo of him with 3-week-old Caleb?

Now, Caleb looks on as Daisy snuggles with his Great-grandpa. 

I love it!

I'm pretty sure Caleb and Great-grandpa are now BFF. Caleb had none of his usual shyness/caution with him.

Caleb was pretty terrified of Deb (every time she looked at him, he said, "No no nono!"), but Daisy loved her right away.

Daisy really made the rounds today! She also snuggled with Grandma...

and Ryan!

She's going to be so bored when we're back to our usual routine and she only has me to snuggle her!

Meanwhile, Caleb's birthday weekend was made complete with his very first boat ride, courtesy of Great Uncle Randy.

Caleb loved it!

He wasn't nervous at all, and Randy's boat can go pretty fast! Maybe the fact that the boat was so big and fancy helped, or maybe it was because he was surrounded by Daddy, Great Uncle Mike, and Great Grandma.

Really. He LOVED this thing.

Our little family, minus one. Daisy stayed back in the hotel room (the two windows in the upper left corner) with Great Aunt Carol while we went boating. Maybe next time, Daisy!