Monday, July 11, 2011

Montana 2011, Day One

On the evening of June 24, we headed out to Ennis for our summer visit with Grandpa Rick and Grandma Ida. Driving through the night is beneficial for several reasons: we avoid the heat in Western Washington, avoid a lot of traffic, avoid most of the work being done on the highways and we don't waste a day of vacation time driving.
We drove through the night also in an attempt to have Matthew sleep most of the way. It worked for the most part, but in the dark in the car seat he often needed to be holding a hand to calm down and go back to sleep.
After a nap and something to eat, Matthew was presented with a John Deer hat as the first part of his big surprise.
In the garage was waiting a new baby tractor just for Matthew.
His first glance seems to be one of total disbelief.
Still not sure what to make of all this.
Until at the first push of the gas pedal when some fear joined the mixed emotions.
Ok so maybe this whole thing isn't so bad after all.
Riding past the adoring fans.
Being followed and coached by Grandpa Rick. It was necessary for an adult to follow him pretty much constantly as the little tractor would spin out on the wet grassy hills and the gravelly spots and because Matthew had yet to figure out how to steer and push the gas pedal at the same time.

Daddy giving a tutorial on steering.
Grandpa helping to get him going again.
"Mummy's turn". Matthew would get off and head toward us adults saying "Mummy's turn" and as soon as I touched the tractor he would run toward me yelling "Machew's turn". I think he was trying to be nice but really didn't want to share.
Getting the hang of it.
Almost smug now.
What a pro.

1 comment:

Jenn said...

is there ANYTHING cuter? I have had many car trips with my arm cranked around behind me holding maddie's hand. It actually feels kind of nice except for the part when you loose all sensation in your arm....