Karter was our first grandchild (he is first out of 11...), and we had no idea how quickly and deeply we would fall in love with our grandbabies!

I started this birthday tradition with him last year...a lunch date and birthday shopping spree, just the 2 of us.  This year we went to a new restaurant that neither of us had tried, Ford's Garage.

A super fun place...

Am I the only person who takes photos inside bathrooms of super-cool places?

Even a subtle humorous touch...as I was leaving I about flipped when I got ready to open the door and thought I was in the Men's room!  I quickly glanced around...no urinals...then slowly opened the door and looked at the outside.  It WAS the Women's room...just a little jokester decided to play tricks on us!

Look at that sandwich, complete with a Ford's Garage brand!

And look at my handsome date...oh, those blue eyes just melt me!

After lunch, a shopping spree at Macy's...what a hunky model, there!

And, of course, no outing with Gramaw is complete without an ice cream stop!  

Fun day with my first grandbaby!  How did he grow up so fast?!

Then over the weekend was his birthday party with the family.  It was planned for outdoors, but the storms moved in which moved the party inside the rec room.

No worries...we had a great time anyway!

The birthday boy with his gifts.

Yes, I went all out on my wrapping...why waste a colorful Lego bag?!

And another generation of Gray men obsessed with the Far Side books.  I guess Karter's of age to be introduced to the finer side of life....

Such a sweet kid and so appreciative of everything and everyone!  Love him!!!

The obligatory (by me!) family birthday photo...

At Karter's request (how could I ever say "no"?!), I made jelly cake for his birthday, a favorite of the Gray family.

Just love that smile!

Uncle Kyler pointing out some of the favorite Far Side cartoons...the men couldn't wait to get their hands on Karter's birthday books...

Never too old for a momma snuggle!

As the oldest of this crew of 11 cousins, Karter is adored by all of them.  And he is so good with the little ones.

A very special young man, for sure.

He changed our lives.