Jon and Jenn's Memorial Day weekend wedding was the perfect excuse to bring the boys back east for a grand tour. Darienne bravely -- or foolishly -- flew out solo with Calvin, 3, and Finn, 5 months. She learned to check for flight delays before heading to the airport. Luckily, a dance performance in the terminal helped keep the kids busy during the three-hour delay before the red-eye cross-country flight.

   The three weary travelers were relieved to arrive at Grandma Lea's Cheshire compound, and were soon joined by cousin Devon, Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Scott. Uncle David, Aunt Megan and Uncle Walter also joined the gathering, and on Saturday Darienne's dear friend Abby made the long drive up to visit.

   That, of course, was the day Calvin's cold developed into something far more problematic. By day's end, he was admitted to the hospital with an asthma attack. But he made the best of it.

   We got out of the hospital in time to enjoy an afternoon walk by Cheshire Reservoir to feed the Canada geese -- delighting Calvin and Devon.

   Calvin and Devon became fast friends. Though two years apart, they have a lot in common. Like a love for being naked. Hmmm.

   But too soon it was time for Devon, Cheryl and Scott to go home, and for David and Megan to get back to work too. Darienne and the boys enjoyed a few more days with Grandma, including some time with Lorraine, before it was time to head toward Boston to meet up with Doug.