Bakersfield

I can't believe that I haven't posted about our day trip to Bakersfield to meet up with Mom and Dad!

We made a last minute decision a couple of weeks ago to make the trek to Bakersfield. I needed to go to a good fabric store. (Read: A fabric store that doesn't charge $8/yard for cotton.) On top of that, Dad had yet to meet Miss Elizabeth. Or shall I call her Princess Elizabeth since that's what she is? But I digress...

We woke up bright and early, per usual, and got on the road in time to be at Joann's when they opened. A quick (had to be with two kids in tow) trip through produced enough fabric to keep me in blankets, quilts and taggies for quite a while. Mom and Dad showed up, Dad immediately taking Elizabeth into his arms.

Side note: Joseph ran as soon as he saw Grandpa. I think it's time to stop threatening to call Grandpa if he doesn't behave.

I had a quick giggle while Dad was standing in the checkout line holding my baby pink and yellow minky fabric. He had engaged a poor woman in a conversation that went a little something like this:

"Darlin'," he said to me, "Do you think this is enough fabric for me to make a blanket?"

"I'm sure it is," I replied playing along.


"Excuse me," he turned to the woman in front of him, "Do you think this is enough fabric to make baby blankets? I'm fixin' to sew up a few and sell them online."

The woman looked at my dad, his hair wild and wooly, his flannel shirt hanging untucked from worn jeans and said, edging a bit away, "Ummm...I think so." Dad winked at her, casting her a grin. Mom rolled her eyes. Chad and I tried not to laugh.

We finished with the fabric and went to the Olive Garden for lunch followed by a few hours at a nearby park. Joseph ran and played with Nana and Grandpa while Elizabeth slept in my arms. It was a perfectly cool afternoon, the sun was out and the sky clear. Dad napped a bit on a blanket, with Elizabeth in his arms. Before leaving, he very seriously informed us that she was going home with him.

With four daughters, you would think he'd be done with girls. Instead, in a few short hours, Lizzie wrapped her tough, ol' grandpa around her tiny little pinky.

Joseph, in the meantime, was horribly disappointed that my parents had not brought their dogs. Have I mentioned The Kids? That's a story for another day.

We were home before dark. It was a long, but fun day. I'm so glad we were able to visit with my parents for a bit. Now if only I could get them to drive this way...