Jeff, Baseball and Elusive Hugs

We recently found out that Rob's nephew Jeff will be deploying soon. It's no secret that Jeff (or Jeffy) is Caroline's favorite cousin. When Jeff announced he'd be in Michigan on leave for a few days, we knew there was very little that could stop us for making the trip to see him.

We left on the morning of Good Friday and drove to Howell. It rained almost the entire trip, it was miserable. It was all worth it to see Caroline wrap those little arms around her cousin....and then promptly ignore him to play with Emma.....another cousin...who is closer in age. Jeff took it in stride. After Emma left, Caroline pretty much glued herself to her Jeffy. On Saturday they snuggled and watched Tangled. He let her play with his Nintendo DSi. Which she promptly filled up with pictures and video.

She knows he is going on a "big trip" and that it can be dangerous. I've shown her where Afghanistan is on the map, and she knows it's far away. She does NOT however, wish to discuss it further.

Saturday turned out to be a gorgeous day. The boys took advantage of both their Dad's and their Uncle Alan's generous natures and willingness to toss pitch after pitch in the backyard. Both boys did very well and enjoyed the applause and accolades.

Uncle Alan pitches to Drew.

Waiting for his pitch.

Gabe connects!

Drew gets some fielding practice in.

Caroline really enjoyed the bubble wands from Aunt Mary Pat.

When it came time for us all to say good-bye to Jeff, who had evening plans with some of his other cousins, Caroline suddenly shut down. She DID NOT want to look at, hug or God forbid, say good-bye. Poor Jeff, he was reduced to begging.

Attempt 1: Jeff moves in.......

Jeff is DENIED.

Attempt 2: Jeff pleads.

And she slams the door.

Jeff tries again. No dice...she would not hug him. Poor Jeff.

Jeff and the (cooperative) boys.

Jeff and the whole famn damily.

Again...Jeff and the Egans.

Then, after some wise words from Aunt Mary Pat (sprinkled with some good old fashioned Catholic guilt....) Caroline relents.......

Ok, I'll hug him.

She really was very sad. But Jeff got his hug.

It was a fun trip, albeit short. Jeff has a lot of people to see in not a lot of time. We didn't want to monopolize any more of it. We will miss him. We will pray for him daily, and Caroline can't wait to go shopping for items to send in care packages.

Be safe Jeff. We love you!