Grandpa & Grandma's Visit

My parents came to visit for a whole week. We were so excited. Counting down the days til' "Grandma and Grandpa" would be here. Mom and Dad were on their way home from the quartet convention in Kentucky, so they made us a "stop" on the way home. And we were so glad. We think it should be an annual tradition. :)

They arrived on a Monday night, and after supper, brought out some lovely treasures for us all.

Laura got blessed with her own ride on car! Dad and Mom had found it at Cracker Barrel for 80% off - an amazing deal. It's so cute, and Laura is quite please with her own toy....

....and so was Erik.

For the first few days, it was a bit busy, as the kids all wanted their turns to ride it - now it has calmed down, and they all enjoy it, but thankfully, not all at once. :)

Grandma spent some time every day with Katie, helping her with her school.

My mom is such a good teacher with her. :)

With little Laura outside.

Grandpa showing them how the "Hoover Craft" thingy works that he brought for them.

Don't you love Katie's hair - she's into, "doing it herself". :)

Then the guys did a major miracle to our home. They poured a cement step where our mud pies used to be baked...what a delight! I didn't think they'd be able to get all that down in a few hours, but they did, and what a help that will be to have things fixed up (eventually) on our front step and driveway. You'll have to see the after pictures in about a month!

My hardworking dad.

Katie and Laura with their matching dresses that came from Uncle Andrew and Aunt Becca when Laura was first born. They can finally wear them now - aren't they adorable? :)

Grandpa, indulging his grandson with THE book on tractors, trains, and all things that have wheels - Erik's favorite book - Richard Scarry's "Things that Go" and two more that are in one combined and abused book. :)

Katy and Mom reading more of a girl book - kinda. :)

We had a couple more days with mom and dad, and then they left. Sigh... it goes by too quickly.

We did get in some wonderful discussions, fun times, and practiced a song to sing for Sunday - "Burden's are Lifted At Calvary" - with Dad, Mom, James and I. It was so nice to sing with them again. Mom and Dad spoiled us by taking us to a lovely restaurant one day, and we just enjoyed them so much. Then it's over...

All of a sudden, they're getting into the car, and you realize that... wait. You may not see them for another year...and then the goodbye gets hard. Really hard. And then you have tears, and so does mom, but she's trying so hard not too.... they leave, and then you cry on James for just a bit.

And then continue on.

I'm happy, they're happy - we just miss each other.

Cause being with family is so special.