Crash, Boom, Bang

I'm not sure how easy it is to see, but Devin's a bit banged up. He was playing with some toys yesterday when he slipped and fell into some other toys. The poor kid looks like he's been beaten. It must just be superficial, because he's acting quite normal and happy as ever (good thing, because I'd just die if he were in any real pain). Last night we had spaghetti for dinner. Devin seemed to enjoy it!
Here he is waving to the camera - actually he was throwing spaghetti at me, but it looks like he's waving at the camera!

Baby Gates

To ensure the safety of our sweet, little Devin, we installed baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairs (did this a long time ago, but am just now telling you about them).
Devin hates when the object of his momentary affection walks up stairs. So when we come down stairs, this is what we see waiting for us:

And in case anyone doubts why one would need baby gates, refer to Example A:

Domestic Bliss

Devin took it upon himself to help out with the chores.
I was going to load the dishwasher, but couldn't bring myself to move him while he was having so much fun!

And for those who got to see Devin while he was teething, I wanted to assure you that he isn't grumpy all the time. He spends most every day with a big smile across his face and a giggle in his belly!

We're home!

Well, the trip back to AZ from CA was successful. Devin slept most of the way.
It seems as though he's done teething for now. The tooth hasn't popped through, but we can see where it will!
The three posts below detail each leg of our journey.
We had a lot of fun, met a lot of people, and are officially worn out.
It sure is nice to be home!

Last, but not least

The last leg of our trip was to the Bay Area to visit some friends.
We had a pool party for Labor day. Devin loved swimming!
This is Abagail. She took a liking to Devin and wouldn't stop kissing and hugging him. Devin's already going for the older ladies (she's 13 mo.)

Over the river and through the woods

The next stop on our friends and family tour was to G'ma and G'pa in Chester.
Devin was still teething and a bit grumpy, but nothing like he was on the trip from AZ to CA!
Here's how Devin spent his week: G'ma and G'pa always insist on posed pictures. And this is how most of them turn out! Here's Devin with G'ma, G'pa, and Cousin Ben.
Devin spent a bit of our vacation out on the Lake. He tolerated his life vest pretty well. Here he is hanging out with Aunt Amie.
Here's G'ma and Devin - just hanging out.

Here's one posed picture that did turn out well. This is Devin's Daddy's family.

Go West, Young Man

For those who don't already know, we made our annual pilgrimage out to CA to visit friends and family.
We drove all night in hopes that Devin would sleep during the 12-hour drive. Normally I think he would have, but he decided to start teething that evening. Devin's Daddy and I couldn't figure out what was wrong, because there were no teeth on the horizon.
We landed in CA Friday morning and poor little Devin was so exhausted. I imagine it wasn't too fun for G'ma and G'pa!
Here's some of the things Devin did at our first stop:
Here's Devin with Cousins Kendall and Stephen

Devin realized G'ma has some pretty cool stuff in her kitchen!
Uncle Greg showed Devin how to be cool. I think it works.
Here's G'pa and Devin just playing like two little boys should.