August Rush & Grandpa Young

August was a blur. Here is a quick recap: spent a week in New Mexico, a week in Ohio, took seven planes total to get from place to place with layovers and all with Porter, and back home safe and sound. My Grandpa Golden Junis Young (my mom's dad) got sick and we found out he had bone cancer and stomach cancer. The next day Porter and I were on a flight to New Mexico. Got there on a Wednesday (along with my twin from Nashville and mom from Kentucky) and Grandpa died on Friday August 7th. I loved that man; he was my hero. His life was the definition of service. Up until the end of his mortal life at age 88 he worked everyday doing things for others. I am so grateful I was able to see him alive and say good-bye and tell him I love him. Stacey and I sang songs to him including his favorite, "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief". It was really a special experience to be with him. I am so grateful to everyone who made it possible for me to get there (Aaron's parents), transporting me everywhere (my Aunt Laura, cousin Kim and Uncle David), and for all of our family who attended. All 14 of us grandchildren were there, and 4 of Grandpa's 7 great-grandchildren were also in attendance (one of those being Porter). My Aunt Laura made it possible for me to stay for the funeral the Monday after he passed and I am so grateful for that. Flew to Ohio the day after the funeral--which was a previously planned trip--to my sister Michelle's house and got to see her family, my parents, and twin Stacey with her 6 month old Simon. We had a great time! Michelle and Chris were so kind to me. Went to King's Island twice (amusement park in Cincinnati with a water park attached...I LOVE roller coasters), had my 8 year old nephew's birthday party, attended the county fair and demolition derby, attended my nephew's baptism, and just had a great time with family. Few days after I got home we had a birthday party with family for Porter 5 days before the actual day since his Nana and Papa (Aaron's parents) were home. Here are a few pictures from all that. Why won't this thing let me add pictures below my text and not above??? Irritating. Anyway, there is a picture of Daddy giving him a haircut the day of his party, a recent picture of Porter in the morning, Porter "driving" the grocery cart with his 3 year old cousin Renae in Ohio, birthday boy at his party with his free Albertson's cake (thanks Albertsons!), Porter with Daddy at Albertson's buying his birthday present from mom and dad (the balloons--he LOVED them and they were just as big of a hit at his party even though he had a sneak preview), Porter trying to eat a balloon (he loved burying his face in the balloons), and 3 pictures of him sleeping on the plane. The one picture is a birds eye view of him sleeping all curled up in my lap on that tiny tiny seat. He was a perfect baby, fun child, and wonderful travel companion. =)