Family Reunion

Even though all of the Webb family has endured great sadness in losing Granny this month, we were able to find some joy in our loss because we were all able to gather together in Montgomery for her funeral. This was quite a feat - Granny had three children (all with spouses), seven grandchildren (all with spouses), and 5 1/2 great grandchildren (Suzanne is pregnant with #6 due in October). And those children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren live in some pretty farflung places: Denver, San Diego, San Francisco, Dallas, Austin, Charlotte, and all over the great state of Alabama! We realized that this was actually the first time that everyone was in one place at one time since the grandchildren have all gotten married. It was a great gift that she gave us to allow us to have a family reunion of sorts.

Virginia had an absolute blast playing with her cousins. She is right between Suzanne's two girls in terms of age, so the three of them went wild playing ring around the rosie, blowing bubbles in the backyard, and generally wreaking havoc.

The Webbs thoroughly enjoyed each others' company. We hope to do it again soon at a Webb family reunion?!?!?

Crimson Tide Christmas

It was back to Bama for the Harveys this Christmas. Having flown to CT at Thanksgiving, we weren't thrilled with the idea of another cross country plane flight with Virginia, but we lived to tell the tale and had a blast!

Virginia loved spending time with Mimi, Papa, Great Granny, Aunt Liz and Uncle Dave. She especially loved Liz and Dave's dogs, Cherry and Bailey! She chased them around the house, gave them hugs, and let them lick her face.

We had the chance to do all sorts of fun activities in Montgomery as well. Zoo Lights at the Montgomery Zoo, which came complete with a petting zoo attraction, was a highlight. Virginia also loved the train at Montgomery Mall and lunch at a Chinese restaurant with the Pynes and Webbs. She finally got to meet her cousin Brice! Virginia did not particularly love the candlelight service at First United Methodist Church, however. She lost it about 5 minutes in, and I had to leave the church with her for the rest of the service. I will spare Baby Harvey readers the subsequent details, but suffice it to say that leaving daddy behind in the church caused Virginia grave concern and I had to deal with the biggest tantrum she's ever had by myself in the church parking lot.

Christmas itself was a blast. Virginia definitely figured out how to open presents herself, but soon lost interest with the sheer volume of gifts. It pays to be the only grandchild on both sides - more presents than can possibly hold your attention! Her favorite gifts included a sparkly silver purse from Liz, a musical train from Mimi and Papa, and a play camera from Janet and Rick.

Roll Tide Baby!

Virginia and Daddy cheered the Crimson Tide on their way to the National Championship. Virginia didn't get to see the Tide pull out the big win, since she had to go to bed during the middle of the first quarter. But what she lacked in staying power, she made up for in short term enthusiasm.

Baby's First Christmas

We had a fantastic time celebrating Virginia's first Christmas in Alabama this year and spending time with friends and family.

On Christmas Eve, Wormy attended her very first candlelight service at First United Methodist. She entertained our seatmates by deciding to blow very loud and very wet raspberries during a serious and quiet part of the service. Oh well!

On Christmas Day, the whole Webb clan came over to my parents' home to eat lunch and open gifts. Virginia joined the feast perched high in her high chair and proceeded to hold court. She was in a fantastic mood and happily gnawed on a can of Tab for most of the meal. It didn't take long for her to understand what being a Southerner is! On her next trip, we'll let her try RC cola and moonpies for sure.

Virginia was a little too young to understand the concept of presents - she was most entertained by the wrapping paper they came in and how she could crinkle it. Wrapping paper aside, her favorite Christmas gift was a "Go Baby Go" activity center from Memaw and PaPa. She spent most of the holiday practicing her pulling up and cruising skills on it. Big hit.

I'm happy to report that Virginia behaved quite well for both of the long cross-country flights, so that was a relief - for us and for our neighboring passengers!