This past weekend, Chris and I drove down to Jacksonville, FL, where I had the honor of finally meeting my new grandpa -- Chris's grandfather, George. While I have shared many phone calls with him over the past two years, it wasn't the same as getting to finally meet in person the man that played such a key role in Chris's life throughout his childhood.
Over the past few years -- since the passing of his beautiful wife -- his health has steadily declined, and due to his pain medication and Alzheimer's treatments, he spends most of the day in and out of sleep.
Despite this, it brought us such joy to spend the day with him in his room, cherishing all the moments he was alert. During our time together, we were able to share some conversation, hugs, and even a few, quiet laughs. When he first met me, it brought tears to my eyes as he lovingly squeezed my hand and told me how good it was to see me.
Here are a few photos from our time together. Although he appears sleeping, he was awake in these photos, and was happy to be in his first picture with his new granddaughter.
Knowing how much my grandmother in Virginia loves when we bring treats during a visit, we wanted to bring Grandpa George a few, special goodies to enjoy.
Grandpa George's room was filled with old photos, and I just loved seeing this one of him and his lovely, new bride on their wedding day.
This is such a sweet photo of Chris's mother (far right), aunt, and uncles as children.
After leaving Grandpa George in Florida, we decided to break up our drive home with a stop in Savannah, GA. As it was Chris's 28th birthday on Sunday, it made for the perfect spot for a quiet birthday celebration. We woke up early Sunday, and headed downtown for a delicious stop at a local bakery (Harvest Baking Company -- fabulous!) for a homemade donut and sticky bun (Paleo cheat day!) and then on to an adorable, artsy breakfast cafe for a yummy birthday brunch.
I'd say the name of the cafe were we enjoyed our brunch was quite appropriate. :)
We love our food. :)
Much of their menu came served in cute, cast iron pans.
After our early brunch, we enjoyed walking around downtown Savannah for a few hours, before hitting the road homeward by afternoon. With Chris's graduate school schedule, and work early the next morning, our visit had to be brief, but we made the most of a few hours and took in much of what this charming, southern city had to offer.
Walking Waterside.
A view of the Capitol building.
This lovely, old theater makes me miss our neighborhood theater from our time living in Ghent.
The prestigious SCAD.
I'm in love with the Spanish Moss that gracefully falls from the trees in Savannah's many charming parks scattered throughout downtown.
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