Summer in the States

A month in the States and we didn't get everything done we wanted, didn't get to see everyone we wanted, and didn't have enough time at all.







First stop was Joplin to see Mike, Chris and their three beautiful children. My how they've grown. Besides being beautiful (and handsome) they are smart and happy. What more could you ask for. They came for a visit to our hotel room and we all went for a swim (except for Bob who was the official picture taker). Another day Logan went with us out and about and we stopped at "The Falls" to enjoy the scenery and look for wiggly things in the puddles.




We planned to go to the zoo in Springfield but rainy weather moved our plans to Bass Pro Shop then on to Lambert's for lunch. If any one of you do not know about Lambert's Restaurant, they are known for throwing hot rolls to the customers ("Home of the Throwed Rolls"). The kids were having so much fun signaling for rolls that we had to start holding their hands down when the guy came around. Logan was trying to get someone to throw him rolls for several days afterward. It was a nice day, even without the zoo and as you can see.....a very tired family somehow found its way home.



We also got to see their new house. They had just agreed to buy it and now, already, are living there. It's a very nice house. Five bedrooms. Plenty of room for Grandma and Grandpa to stay when they come to visit.


While in Joplin we spent some time with Madyline (Bob's mom). We tried to see her every day that we were in town. I wish we lived closer and could see her more often. It's sad to try to help her recall each one of the children when she sees them so seldom.


From Joplin we traveled up to Kansas City to see Ken, Lynette and Sophia. That 'Fia is a doll. She loves people and took to us right away-----she also took to the lady at the restaurant whom she had never seen before. That's okay, though, as long as she lets me give her lots of hugs, she can like other people, too.



We had a great time swimming in the apartment pool. Sophia loves the water. In fact, she would walk around the house with her legs through the float/boat that she loves to sit in at the pool. We meant to visit Ken's restaurant and sample some of the great food that he makes but time just didn't allow.






While we were there 'Fia had her second birthday and birthday party. What fun. She also loves helium-filled balloons and walked around with as many as she could gather at the party. When one would float away, she grabbed both sides of her face (Macauley Caulkin-style) and said with great emphasis, "Oh, no!" What a cutie.





After leaving Missouri, we drove to see the Craig family in Michigan stopping along the way (it's a long trip) to shop at the outlet mall. It's always my favorite place to stop. Just right for stretching the legs (and the pocket book).

David and Jessica have just bought a new house, too, and we got to see it (well, of course.... stay in it). They have both worked really hard getting rooms done. Of course, when they redo a room, they strip floors and walls and pretty much start it all over. Looks great when they're done but it's a lot of work, I know.


I expected to walk in the door and be handed a paintbrush, or at least a scraper but Jae took some time off to just hang with Mom and Dad and we relaxed for our last week in the States. A walk downtown in their quaint little suburb of Rockford led us to toy stores, ice cream shops and people setting up for a blues concert. What a nice place to live.




Another couple of days found us at the beach ( no matter whether in Sicily or Michigan, we love the beach) where we watched the ships, played in the sand and explored the dunes. The water was a bit too cold for our taste but we got in a few times. Watching Grant play and playing with him was the best part of the beach trips.




Michigan has the Tigers......and...... they have the Whitecaps minor league team. We went to a game and had a great time. Such excitement and enthusiasm for a minor league team. I'm told there were over 7,000 people there. Grant had a good time watching the ball game, playing on the playground boucy toys and eating this cotton candy. We had fun watching him stuff it into his mouth.

We had a wonderful time with all the grandkids, playing, reading stories, etc. but it was time for us to come back to the reality of our temporary home in Sicily and the two dogs under the care of a sitter who were patiently waiting for our return.

And now, dear friends and family, we are back in Sicily. We plan to enjoy, very much, this last year we are here. You will see more of our travels and travails and soon be seeing the fun and frustration of trying to get out of this place to move back to the States. I hear it's a real bear getting out of here. Harder than getting in.....and we had to have an FBI background check for that.