The Adventures of Calvin the Great: Labor Day Weekend with Grammy & Papa

Eric and I were excited about our trip to Duluth for our good friends, Aaron and Aimee's, wedding. But we weren't thrilled at the thought of keeping our little guy captive for an eight-hour car ride, nor entertaining him while we were at the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and wedding festivities. We thought he'd be much more comfortable with his grandparents. And right we were.

I took Calvin to Grammy and Papa's to help him adjust to new surroundings and the festivities began immediately: dinner starting with his first calamari and coconut shrimp! The appetizers were intended for the adults, so we watched in amazement as Calvin dipped his squid in cocktail sauce and chewed it up. (Then took it out of his mouth, dipped it again, and chewed some more.)

But that was just the beginning. Friday morning meant a trip to see Grammy Great along with Cousin Ava, Uncle Ryan, and GA Deb. The six walked the grounds, lunched in the dining room, and made their way to a nearby zoo-ette. Then home for naps -- and a jump in the crib afterwards!

On Saturday, Grammy, Papa, Uncle Kurt, Aunt Denee, and Cousin Ava gave our little guy a tour of Brookfield Zoo. We caught them here when we called to say good morning and Calvin growled at us. Grammy assured us that he was looking at lions, and wasn't mad at us.

Calvin and Ava had a great time together, walking hand in hand and practicing staying in step. Left, right, left, right. ...

Our home church was happy to host Calvin on Sunday morning. Cousin Ava has moved up to the toddler room, now, so Cal joined her and kept up with the best of the big kids without trouble.

Then they were off to the big city to see Uncle Ryan's place. Cousin Ava went too, and even Pooh Bear! A walk along the lake by Montrose Harbor rounded out the afternoon, then the group dined at the restaurant where Cal's parents ate as they announced their engagement to family and friends.

Monday was a great day to be at the Petersen's pool. Our little fish splashed with Papa and his cousin. Then he wrapped up Labor Day with a little manual labor, helping Papa move some plants around the yard.

Grammy and Papa met us at McDonald's to give Calvin back. They showed pictures and told stories of the weekend over ice cream cones. Then Cal climbed back into our car for home. "Home." he said, as we drove away. "Home."

We thought we'd leave Calvin behind while his parents were off for an adventure, but he did us one better. He had a ball with Grammy and Papa. Check these out: