Welcome home, Casey!

Chris’ brother, Casey, is in the Navy and is stationed in Japan with his wife and stepson. While Chris’ parents had the amazing opportunity to travel to Japan last fall, we hadn’t seen Casey since he was last home in December 2007. So we were very excited to learn that he would stop by for a one-week visit in May after completing some training in California. We especially were looking forward to Avery meeting Uncle Casey for the first time.

We loved greeting him at the airport.

“Who is this guy, and why does he think he can tickle me?”

Avery wasn’t too sure about meeting this strange man who looked an awful lot like Daddy and Poppaw.

While we were waiting for Casey’s luggage, Avery walked over to him and raised her arms, asking him to pick her up. It probably was just 20 minutes after meeting him, so I was really excited that she took to him so quickly. As soon as Casey picked her up, Avery looked around at all of us, looked back and him and started crying as if to say, “Hey! You’re not my daddy!” After that, it took awhile for Avery to get used to him.

Several weeks ago, Chris broke his very old basketball goal. So one of his birthday gifts was a new goal. He asked his dad and Casey to help install the goal. Avery decided to help, too.

And of course everyone had to play a game of basketball to celebrate the successful installation. And no fights among the three of them! :o)

A kiss to thank Uncle Casey for installing what soon will be Avery’s basketball goal.

And what’s Memorial Day weekend without spending time in the pool? I don’t think Avery remembered getting in the pool last summer. She didn’t like it at first, but she got better. I’m sure she’ll love the pool in the future.