Hitchhiking

Of course, Alex was a perfect angel for Grammy while I was at Six Flags because that's what kids do - save their very best behavior for people who already think they are perfect, thus making their mothers look like big ol' whiny crybabies when they claim to be exhausted and stressed as a result of fulfilling their motherly duties. That's how they rope those poor, unsuspecting grandparents in, by acting all sweet and all innocent and all, "Who, me?" Mmmhmm, they may fall for it, but I'm so on to you, little man...

Anyway, Alex and Grammy had a great time playing, and Grammy soon found out that Alex and Murphy are a package deal when it comes to babysitting. However, her methods for managing both at once are much more effective than mine. For example, when Murph needed to go out, she skipped the five flights of stairs altogether and hit the elevator instead. They made it downstairs and outside without incident - just proving that dogs are also on their best behavior for their Grammys. But how did she avoid the Murphy-pooping-in-the-hallway situation on the way back, you ask?

Apparently my lazy dog was so tired from the long walk down the air-conditioned hallway, the exhausting ride in the elevator, and the effort required to lift his leg and pee on every bush, tree, and fire hydrant in sight that he was willing to risk the hair loss, ear pain, and severe bruising that often follows a close encounter with Alex just to hitch a ride back to the apartment.

When the two of them cruised in the door, Timothy immediately grabbed the camera (good boy!) and tried to snap a few shots before Murph realized he was home. Turns out he got more than a few because Murphy was oddly at ease on Alex's lap and was in no hurry to go anywhere else.

Apparently Murphy eventually jumped down and resumed his usual position, no closer than ten feet away from Alex at all times. Unless he is eating, of course.

As Bill and I were on our way back from Six Flags around 7:20, exhausted as I was, I was really hoping that Alex would still be up when I got back so I could say goodnight. I definitely missed him and thought about him all day, wondering when he might be old enough to experience Six Flags himself. Luckily, Grammy read my mind and he greeted us when we walked in the door around 7:45. Grammy recounted the story of their wonderful day, she and Poppa left for home soon after, and then I got to put my baby to bed. A fun day was had by all.