Smiles at the end of an era.

It is late tonight.

I have been looking at hundreds of pictures of little Austin.

Tonight is the end of an Era for us.

The end of our keeping Austin Era.
...

When we retired from teaching 3 years ago, John and I started watching

2 year old Austin 2 or 3 days a week.

Since he lives about 30 minutes away.... and Mindy and Ernie

must leave for school very early,

we kept Austin from Sunday dinner to Tue and sometimes Wed.

...

It has been a wonderful journey.







We have had so


many good times.

And....

...adventures.

(I was trying to put

pictures side by side but
I can't get it to work so I'll put in
center pictures.)

We have had fun rides... at home.... and..

At Knott's Berry Farm.

Can you see how he has grown?

This was his first try on the huff and puff.

Now he is almost too big for it.
...

We have had many lunches out at fine restaurants like this one.

We have gone to Library story and craft time

every Monday.

We have had lovely cuddle times.

and exciting car trips.

He has been a great little helper.

Sometimes the patio and his shoes got more water than my plants
but he helped me water every day if needed.

Austin and Grampy are extra special buddies.

There have been countless walks down the yard ramp...

..and up the steps to the orchard...

...and down the steps in the "Enchanted Forest".

He loves helping Grampy pick avocados or fruit.

He is big enough now to reach our
Cherries of the Rio Grand... with a little help from a step stool.

At 2 he could only help me stir the pancakes.
(His favorite breakfast)

Now he can make them....

and cook them too.
(They have a bit of an odd shape but... what the heck!)

At 2 he still slept in a crib.
(Don't ask me why he always liked to crowd in sideways???)

Now he fills up his big bed....

...but note he has the same beloved blankie.
...
Yes, it is the end of an era.

Mindy and Ernie are out of school for the summer...

and 5 year old Austin will go to kindergarten this fall.

...

In some ways my life will be easier not having my

little helper 2 or 3 days a week.

...but...

What a priviledge and joy it has been to share these past 3 years with

my little sweetheart.

...

Tonight his bed is empty
and so are my arms.
I miss him already.
...

As he grows older he will forget these years he was "our" boy,

but I won't.

I will treasure these sweet moments we shared in my heart forever.

I am thankful for all the smiles he has given me.
...

I hope you all have a great week.
Hugs, Grammy L