Lots to Catch Up On!

Wow, I can't remember when I've gone this long without posting a blog entry – maybe never! But, the weekend was just too busy plus I wasn't able to upload pictures to the computer 'cause I didn't bring the USB cord with me. Instead, you'll get a longer post than usual today. :)

First, I have to give a HUGE shout-out to my friend, Tricia, who opened her home to us for the weekend. AND SHE WASN'T EVEN THERE!! Yeah, that's right. She was away for the weekend, but so graciously allowed us to stay at her house while we were in Columbia. Now, that's a friend, folks!

Friday was just a day to get down to Columbia and get settled in at Tricia's. We had nothing planned for that day. But, it sure was nice to be there as we were getting out the door early on Saturday morning for Kelly & Kate's swim meet that started at 8am. Having never been to a swim meet before, Randy & I didn't know what to expect. It is pandemonium; or “organized chaos” as Randy called it. Kids were everywhere, both swimmers and siblings. Add parents and grandparents and you've got some crowd.

The toughest thing we found was the waiting. Depending on how many kids you have on a team and the events in which they all swim, you can have a long wait between events. Kelly swam fairly early on in her first event, the individual medley.

Kate didn't swim in her first event until an hour and a half into the meet!

Both girls really love swimming and it was fun to watch them. James, their dad, is one of the team managers and Amita, their mom, was on timer duty for half the meet. We didn't get to visit at all because they were both so busy, but the girls sat with us off and on. The main thing was that the girls knew we were there and were supportive of them.

One really funny thing I need to share is that this random kid came up to Randy and just stuck his face in Randy’s face and had a stare-down. It was hilarious!! Neither Kelly nor Kate knew the kid and the kid just picked Randy out to “play with.” He was on the girls’ team, but wasn’t a friend of theirs. Very random, but very funny.

Saturday afternoon was the open house at our niece, Megan's, house. Megan and her husband, Matt, had bought a house in Columbia back in the spring and then had a baby in May, so they figured they had good reasons to celebrate and share their excitement with friends and family. I didn't get any pictures of Matt, Megan & Ryleigh, but got a few of other family members.

My folks; I think they look GREAT. Especially considering the health issues they’ve fought the last couple of years.

My mom with her granddaughter, Lisa who is holding the newest great granddaughter, Ryleigh. Other greats are (l to r) Kelsey, Kylie & Reagan.

My bro-in-law, Lou, cousin’s husband, Tony, and Randy.

Jason and Randy just chillin’.

Sunday morning we went to our former church, Grace Community. I had worked in several areas of ministry at Grace from 1998 – 2002, so there are lots of memories there. It's always like going home when we visit. We saw lots of old friends; got lots of hugs; heard “are you still doing that RV thing?” questions; and, of course, heard a fantastic message. Very bittersweet to be there. :)

We wound up our time in Columbia by going to David & Beth's home for a late breakfast. Beth & I worked together at Grace and became very good friends. We get together at least a couple of times when we come back East. When we do, it's always a good time, lots of laughs and good conversation.

The weekend ended with us watching Reagan for a couple of hours Sunday evening while Jason & Lindsay went out. A great way to end the weekend, in my humble opinion – being entertained by the wittiest granddaughter on the planet.

Today we are recovering a bit from the weekend and getting ready for our next adventure. Tomorrow we are going to North Carolina to visit with friends, Dan & Debbie. We'll visit for a few days, then they are off to a work thing for Debbie leaving us to house & dog sit.

Thanks for spending time with us, catching up! Until the next time . . .