Granddaddy and Grandma Millington came for a visit (January 27th – February 5th, 2 years, 1 month, 4 days old – 2 years, 1 month, 13 days old)

Graham is at the age where he can anticipate an event and boy was he excited for Granddaddy and Grandma Millington to come visit.  He asked about them, watched out the window, and played in the front yard waiting for them for almost an hour the day they were scheduled to arrive.  When Granddaddy and Grandma pulled up, Graham ran to give them hugs and kisses and then eagerly headed into the house, saying “come on in” and looking behind him to make sure they were following. 
We had an activity most mornings, but one of Graham’s favorite times with his grandparents was before bedtime when he got a lot of special attention and fun play. 
He loved reading with Granddaddy:

and showing Granddaddy his favorite toys:

Grandma had a pillow fight with Graham and I think this video shows just how much fun Graham had with that activity:

Granddaddy made sure to get in on the action too:

We took a trip to the Ellwood Mesa and butterfly preserve and had a fantastic time.  The butterflies were out in full force and although the picture doesn't do it justice, we had a magical moment by a little pond when butterflies were fluttering all around us:

Granddaddy bore the brunt of the work for the first half of the walk by carrying Graham while Grandma found different seeds and leaves to show him: 

Graham surprised and impressed all of us by not just walking but running the entire way back to the car after the butterflies.  It must have been over a mile.  Wow kid!
We had some fun eating out experiences.  We went to Carlitos to celebrate Granddaddy’s birthday and Graham sang “happy birthday” from start to finish while Granddaddy blew out the candle on his birthday dessert.  For lunch we visited the local fish and chip shop (owned by the parents of Graham’s buddy Sam) and Graham had steak and potato pie, fish and chips, baked beans, and mushy peas.  
Before the fish and chip shop, we managed to squeeze in a visit to the park and the Sea Center with Grandma.  I watched from the bench, while Grandma chased Graham down the hill at the park and then helped him explore:

Granddaddy and Grandma headed to Palm Springs to meet up with Aunt Jan and Nick, Graham, and I followed the next day. 
Boy, oh boy did Graham have a big treat when he arrived.  Great Aunt Jan bought Graham a Thomas the Tank Engine train set:

Graham felt pretty special in Palm Springs because he got to sit in a big boy chair instead of his highchair for meals:

He bonded with Janet’s dog Max:

and got in some quality play time at the local playground:

We headed into the desert for a hike but once Graham tasted the freedom of being out of his backpack carrier, he wouldn’t go back in, so we took one quick generational picture and then Graham and I headed back (at Graham’s walking/exploring pace) while everyone else finished the hike:

We had one more opportunity to play back at Aunt Jan’s house:

and then it was time to say goodbye to Granddaddy, Grandma, and Great Aunt Jan:

Weeks after they left, Graham is still asking from Granddaddy and Grandma several times a day.  It is just so sweet how much he loves his family.  We can’t wait for the next visit!