Aloha GP!

So you are probably wondering the meaning behind the title of this blog posting. Well aloha is our way of saying hello to Todd's parents who live in Hawaii. His mother and father moved there very soon after Todd and I were married in October of 2004. GP is what all of the grandchildren call their GrandPa as a nickname. They also have a nickname for their Grandmother as well. They call her Gangy. Not sure of the meaning...it is just a family nickname that has been carried on through generations.

This summer Todd's Dad came to visit for about six weeks. He was here last November...very soon after Olivia was born. But she was so new at that time and really did nothing but sleep. In fact I think he may have only seen her one time with her eyes open the whole month he was here. Well things were quite different this time around. She had grown so much in the 7 months since he was last here. He was shocked by how big she had gotten and how much her personality had blossomed!

He had such a great time with Olivia. He came to see her as soon as he got into town. He immediately handed her a $50 bill that she could put into her bank account. Although she has absolutely no concept of money she sure liked to play with it! With eight grandsons and one granddaughter, Olivia quickly became the apple of his eye. I don't think he ever thought he would have a granddaughter but now that he does I can see how happy she makes him.

We did a lot of fun things during the time Todd's Dad was visiting. There was a graduation party for one of Todd's nephews, a Birthday party for another nephew, and multiple pool parties at Uncle VJ's. There were many family gatherings, which was nice considering Todd's Dad does not get to see his kids and grandchildren that often. Although he enjoys living in Hawaii...who wouldn't...(he does have some brothers and other family members over there), I am sure he would much rather be here with those that are closest to him. Here are some other pictures from our summer outings with Todd's family...

Todd, his two brothers (VJ & Barry), his sister Angie and his Dad

Livie and her Cousin Nathan

Livie & her Cousin Eric

Livie and her Auntie Chris

Livie and her Cousins Nathan, Jake and Brendan

Good news is that both Todd's Mom and Dad will be coming back for another visit soon after the first of next year. This will be Todd's Mom's first trip back since moving to Hawaii in 2004. Needless to say I am sure she will quite amazed by Olivia as well by how much the rest of her grandchildren have grown. It was so nice having Todd's Dad here for such a long visit this summer. It gave Todd and the rest of his siblings a chance to spend time with him as well the opportunity for Olivia to get to know her GP.

We miss you GP and can't wait for you and Gangy to come back to Fort Wayne soon!