A Georgia Girl in Germany

When we were in the states this summer, we had to include a stop to South Georgia to visit family. Even though the visits always go by quickly, I enjoy seeing everyone. This year it was especially nice to see all the new and growing babies. Here’s Granny Walker with all her grandkids and great-grandkids (from back left): Pam holding Benjamin, Quincy holding Owen, David holding Andrew, Hannah holding Ava, Lealane holding Olivia, Zachary, (from front left) Rachel hugging MacKenzie, Granny Walker, Sam, and Cassie holding Claire.

Of course, there’s always good food (Uncle Sam was the grill-master, and Aunt Gail made a huge batch of boiled peanuts), but catching up with everyone is the real reason for the get-together. Zachary’s really good with babies and young children, and Owen was no different -- he’s a very calm and easy-going baby.

Claire and Andrew played side-by-side on the floor for a while. They’re only three-and-a-half weeks apart in age, so they both liked the same toys.

At one point, they even fought over the same baby doll. Fortunately their tiff didn’t last long, and they were both occupied with other toys within a matter of seconds.

Ava loved playing with (and on) her Aunt Quincy. Ava sure was full of energy, and seemed to tire Quincy out, even though Quincy was lying on the floor!

I love this photo of Benjamin and Rachel with their Nana. The two of them had been playing together all day before the reunion, and needed a few minutes to get used to all the new faces.

One of the favorite chairs was Sam’s gaming chair. Several kids had fun rolling back on it. Here’s one of the few calm moments with the chair -- Rachel’s relaxing under David’s watchful eyes.

Andrew was on the verge of walking while we were there, and ended up taking his first steps just a few days later. Yeah!

Olivia and Ava play together regularly since they live so close. Here, their Gigi was trying to distract Olivia from yanking the orange piece of the light saber from Ava. Olivia was persistent, but both girls had the silly giggles from bouncing so much.

Owen seemed content no matter where he was, but being in his mom’s arms was probably the best. I suspect he’s watching everyone and trying to figure out how to keep up with all the girls (especially Ava, Olivia & Claire) when he’s a little older and more mobile.

Cassie drove down from near Atlanta to see everyone, and Ava spent a few minutes with her before time to leave.



I don’t know how much longer Uncle Bubba (David) will be able to carry MacKenzie around on his shoulders! She’ll probably keep asking every year, but this may be the last time.

Uncle Sam offered tractor rides once again, and Benjamin jumped right on in! He’d been talking about getting to ride in the tractor all year, and he wasn’t disappointed.

MacKenzie couldn’t be left out of the tractor fun either, and enjoyed her time at the wheel.

Labels: Benjamin, MacKenzie, Stateside visits, Zachary