F is For Family and Fantastic!

March 27- March 30

We had visitors--Ron's cousin, Becky, and her beautiful family came all the way from Michigan to spend time with us. Ron is Godfather to their eldest daughter, Caitlin. They have a very sweet relationship. Caitlin is very affectionate and loves to hold her "Uncle" Ron's hand and give him big hugs. This little girl has melted his heart. Can you believe this.....I had never met Caitlin or their youngest two children. It had been 10 years since I had seen them. We are never going to let this much time go by in between visits. Our time together was truly blessed. They are special.

Pat and Becky

Ryan and Nora

and

Caitlin

Ron and Becky---special cousins!

Ron, Caitlin and Lucey Lu

A trip to the Arch-The Westward Expansion Museum
Caitlin in the middle-- Christian in green and Andrew in blue.

They brought Lucey this wonderful gift....a puzzle/blocks by P*rents. Thank you Becky and Pat. Lucey loves her new toy and we have had hours of fun with it.


Becky and Pat brought us another special treat..."Real" maple syrup. Their family makes maple syrup and they brought us this huge container. The boys and I just read a fantastic book called, Miracle on Maple Hill. We learned that it takes 43 gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple syrup. Boy do we appreciate this huge jar brought to us. We are spoiled now! Have you ever priced pure maple syrup in the grocery store.....sooooo expensive! How can we ever go back to imitation?

The Gateway Arch....Beautiful! I never get tired of looking at it.

Everyone went up in the Arch except for Lucey and I. We waited underneath. The group had a great time. It was the first time Andrew and Christian went to the top. They loved it!

Caitlin and Ron

Caitlin took this picture of our family (minus Adam who was at home doing school work). Thank you Caitlin!

So cute!

Lucey and Ryan

Nora looking through Adam's baby book. Caitlin looking through our wedding album. Christian looking on.

Another treat that week--Becky's parents, Mel and Sue drove in all the way from Wyoming. Ron was able to spend some real quality time with them and with other family in Illinois (The wonderful Lake family!). I sure wish I could have been there. I know it was a meaningful time for all of them. They also showered Ron with gifts for Lucey....I'm working on yet another "thank you" post...you'll see all the sweet things Lucey received.