Family Visit

I will post pictures soon, but for now I just wanted to write. My parents were here visiting us this past week. And we had a great time together. But needless to say, it was definitely a working vacation for my dad. My dad - he's such a great guy and I love him so much. Marc and I wanted to build a deck off the back of our house. But we really didn't know how to start this process. So, we decided that since my dad was coming for a visit, we'd ask him to help us. Now, for those of you who don't know my dad, he's a perfectionist. And that's someone that you want working on these types of projects. Anyway, Monday afternoon Marc came home early from work and he, my father and a friend of ours started on this project. My dad then got up every morning and started working on it whether Marc was home or not. By the time my parents left, the deck was 98% finished. All we have left to do is finish the handrails for the stairs. My mom also helped when my dad needed it. But she was more of a help to me. She helped keep the house clean and watched the girls when I needed to take care of Cole. And she was also more than willing to hold my son during some of his cranky times in the evening. And yes, I love my mom, too.

Since they came out so close to Maggie's birthday, we decided to celebrate with them. Mom and Emma helped me decorate the kitchen while Maggie was down for her nap. When she woke up, Maggie was so excited to see her "Poodle Party". We had a great time. Mom and dad got her the cutest little sundress. But the best was the little Adirondack chair they had made for her - painted red - her favorite color. Now that chair is on our new deck and she LOVES it!

It was great just to sit and talk with mom and dad. That's the part I miss the most. I don't get to do that very often anymore. Not when the visits are few and far between. But the best is yet to come. It looks like both my brothers and their families and Marc and I will all be going to my parents house for the same week in August! I CAN'T WAIT!!! I am so excited to spend time with all of them and just have a great "Winters" week (for those of you who don't know, my maiden name is Winters). I sometimes think it's so funny that a family who adores each other live all over the US. But there are so many families who can't stand each other that live in the same town. Do we wish we lived closer together - oh yes. But we all know we are exactly where God wants us to be. And even though that's hard, it seems to make our times together so much sweeter. So, I had a great week with my family here - the girls did, too. The adore Mimi and Papa. And I'm looking forward to our time together again soon!