"I Spy" Baby Willie

 Day 10 - Sunday, July 24, 2022 - Part I

Marion Campground & RV Park, Marion IL

Yesterday we heard sounds outside by the cool looking Airstream RV in the site next to us, and take a look, because "We always need to be aware of our surroundings."

We see a young man setting up a pallet in the shade of a tree between us.  Then he brings out some items, puts them down, and returns carrying a baby.  One of the items is a small chair that he sits in while he feeds the baby his favorite food, a jar of spinach and pears. 

I hate to spy, but I can't help myself.  This is so sweet.  The baby is so cute.  I call Herb to come see.  

To protect their privacy, I don't take photos.  The family pet, a black dog, sits nearby.  

Later in the morning, the father brings out a portable bathtub for the baby and gives him a bath.  He loves it.   At one point the dog goes into the weeds over to the side of the manicured lawn to take care of business, apparently well trained enough to go where people don't walk.  Father is busy with the child, but observes that the dog has wandered away.  After the bath, the father takes the darling baby inside to Mom.  Then he cleans the area and picks up the pallet.  

Next he walks over toward the weeds at the edge of the manicured lawn, appearing to search for something.  He looks and looks, and we see a doggie pick-up bag in his hand.

Fast Forward - to today as we start our early morning walk and see our neighbor outside.  We introduce ourselves.  He is Matt, and the baby is Wilson, nicknamed "Willie."   Mom is Liz, a nurse, who gave up her career for now to be a full-time mother.  The dog is named Shadow, and he really did shadow Willie.  We confess to Matt that we spied on them yesterday.

I am so impressed with this nice family, and pronounce Matt "Father of the Year."

They have a long way to go today, so are leaving around 7:45a.  We continue our walk around the campground and down the sidewalk near the office.

By the time they get to the exit of the campground, we are approaching and see they have their garbage bag and are looking for the dumpster.  Unfortunately, it is back at the other side of the park, so Herb insists on taking it from Matt to toss, so they can get on the road.  We wish them safe travels.

Willie of Sweet Georgia Brown,

   and of Walldog and Willie

   Sunday, July 24, 2022