CrossRoads Blog

By Kimberly

We left Phoenix early morning on “grandpa’s” birthday to head out to Oklahoma to see M3. It was to be the first time that grandpa would get his hands on him and the second time for grandma. We were both really looking forward to seeing Mikey.

For dinner on the first night we stopped at The Big Texan http://www.bigtexan.com for a nice birthday dinner. The restaurant brags that you can have a free 72 oz steak dinner, if you can finish the whole dinner. We did not attempt to do so but instead enjoyed some chicken fried steak and a burger. We did see a guy at the official 72 oz steak table toward the end of our dinner. Man, he had a lot of food around him. The Big Texan website offers live footage of the table.

After our dinner we drove for a while longer and ended up staying in Elk City, Oklahoma. We both felt as if we could have made it straight through but not only would have we woken the household at about 2 am but we also would have been too tired to be good company the following day so after a nice night’s sleep and a good breakfast we did the last bit of the trip to McAlester, Oklahoma.

We arrived at Michael’s parents home and just a short time later Antoinette brought Mikey over. Grandpa got him from the car and was just as enchanted with him as I was the first time I laid eyes on him. We took turns over the next few days holding our precious grand baby, pausing to take pictures and run a few errands but for the most part kept Mikey very close. Grandpa sang him songs and made a special bond with him. Our original plan was to take Mikey on a hike and grandpa had even found a cute pair of hiking shoes for Mikey, but the weather did not permit us to do many outside activities. We accompanied M3 and his parents on his first trip to see the Easter Bunny. He was a perfect little angel and allowed us to sit him right on the Bunny’s lap without any fear. Of course we took pictures. It was special to be a part of this first Easter experience for Mikey.

We also spent time with the whole family. We played Wii, went to lunch at Taco Bob’s and sometimes just chatted for hours. Michael and I took over much of the cooking duties, since we are health food freaks mom allow us to do so. Michael made some great fish tacos one night and also some wicked grilled chicken with a rub from Angelo’s (Michael’s favorite BBQ in the area and second best anywhere next to Goode Company in Houston).

Late Sunday night we headed to Texas to stay with good friends Clay and Kathy so that Michael could work and also get a few rounds of golf in. We had not been out to see them in several years so it was really nice to have some time with them and get caught up - they are such great hosts and friends, we wished they lived close. We all golfed at Woodhaven Country Club , where Clay and Kathy are members. The weather was perfect for golf and despite not having played for four years I did okay. After golf one evening we went to a local Italian Eatery recommended by another good friend Mike Larose who joined us as well. Again, wonderful to catch up with him and meet his girlfriend and even his two new “girls” (pugs).

Saturday morning we headed back to Oklahoma for one last weekend with M3 before we returned to Arizona. Again the weather was cool and windy so most of what we did had to be inside. We both enjoyed holding M3 and just rocking for hours. M3 enjoyed it too. He also like learning to push his walker. He barely reaches the ground but if he was sitting just right in it he could push his little tennis shoe on the floor and scoot just an inch or so backwards. He seemed very proud of himself and we were as well. We enjoyed more time with all of the family playing more Wii, Duff and having a nice Easter Dinner together. Sunday night Michael and Antoinette took Mikey back home (just a couple miles away) and it was difficult. Being so far from our first grandchild is not easy but it will continue to make our trips to visit very dear to us.

Mikey don’t forget about us !! We love you and will see you again in July.