A Great Man...Great Poppop Johnson

Our days here are limited, I just hope that I can live my life half as fullfilling as Maryn's great Poppop Johnson. Austin Baker Johnson Jr. passed away January 13, at home with his wife of 60 years by his side. We jumped on a flight to New Jersery the next day and spent last weekend with family, celebrating Poppop's life. He was a great man with many great accomplishments. He served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps during WWII, graduated from Yale University (where he lived in the same dorm as President George Bush senior!) and Columbia Law School. He was the municipal court judge of North Caldwell, NJ for 36 years and senior partner of Johnson, Gallagher and Burgio law firm. And as if he had any spare time from serving his country, his local city, his wife and four children, he was involved with both his church community and local Kiwanis as well. I had the priviledge several years ago to sail with him on his beautiful sailboat, The Merry Sea (named after his wife, Mary....Maryn's name sake). He loved spending the summer at their family home in Point O' Woods, NY...family was so important to him. The first born son of each of his children were named after him, using Austin as their middle name, including M.A.C...Michael Austin Cummings. Maryn was his first and only Great grand child and we are so touched that he was able to meet her, witness her baptism and share his legacy with her this past summer at Point O' Woods. He will be greatly missed.

We love you, Poppop!

Maryn's first snow...in New Jersey

It was melting but we found one last pile to play in

Poppop's sister, Rhoda, meeting Maryn for the first time. Her twin brother, Benham, was killed in a car accident at the young age of 23. We like to think that Poppop is now with his brother and son, Mac's uncle Chris who passed away a year and a half ago from pancreatic cancer.

Grandma Cummings stealing a kiss from Maryn.

It doesn't matter how old you are or how old your father is, it's difficult to lose your daddy.

Grandma has been so supportive and helpful to her parents for the past year especially. She even retired this past fall so that she could spend more time with them, a decision I know she will never regret. Every time I spoke with her, she was on the road to New Jersey. I hope Maryn loves me that much when I'm old and my days are limited.

Great grandma Mary and Maryn, sharing lunch together

And sharing with mommy :) Spinach and kale puffs...yummy!

We gathered for lunch at aunt Anita's sisters' house after the funeral.

Our layover was delayed two hours. Hangin' with uncle Nick at the airport while mommy searched out Starbucks!
Chompin' on some Sophie hoof mid flight. No, this child does not have any teeth yet. All those times, several months ago when she was crabby and irritable and I felt so bad for her and spoiled her because I thought she was teething....she got me!
She's the best little traveler...snoozed most of the way. Mac looks thrilled...his arm was numb:)

My advice for flying:

1. Bottle of water for take off and landing

2. Lovey

3. Crackers/snacks!

4. Lysol wipes to wipe down EVERYTHING within arms reach

5. Dress them in layers and bring a blanket

6. and a cell phone for them to play with :)

This girl will pick up our phone, place it to her ear and say "hi"! Sounds just like a 'valley girl' too!

What an angel.

She's got her own angel in heaven now, watching down on her, guiding her to love her family and to dream big.
And yes, I know Maryn is 9 months old. I just took her picture in the big white chair yesterday. Will post soon.

Enjoy your Friday and call your grandparents today...or speak to them in your prayers.