A Special Place

We spent the past three days visiting my mom, dad, sister and her family in Spokane. Mom and Dad's house (also affectionately known as Mema and Papa's) is a VERY special place. Obviously, it is special to me because I grew up there but it is special to Ellie (and soon Kate) because my parents do a wonderful job of making it feel that way. My mom ALWAYS decorates every nook and cranny for the holidays so the kids love to come in and seek and find all the decorations. Dad ALWAYS prepares yummy food and this visit he and Ellie made a traditional fried bread that my grandma and great grandma used to make. I spent some time with my best friend in high school, Jenny, and her two little boys. She is only home for a short time because she just had a baby (she lives in Tajikistan now!) so it was incredible that we were able to meet up at all. My sister and I were able to see a movie, Dan and I had a "date" and Ellie got to go to Nick's kindergarten class. We had the best visit with everyone and even though all the kids had a cold (even Kate!), the cousins enjoyed running around in the kids' basement (seriously it is a toy wonderland) and just being together.

Mema and Papa's Welcome

Ellie LOVES seeing all the decorations. These are just a few...

Kate drove us to Spokane. Dan had to tell her to slow down and obey the speed limit numerous times. Kate, don't you know your Daddy is a trooper? :)

Papa and Ellie making fried dough. It is SOOOOO yummy! My favorite!

Kate got lots of love from everyone

It was "E" week at Nick's school so he shared "ELLIE" for his show n' tell. It was adorable! (Ironically, the little boy in front is ALSO Ellie's cousin on the McDonald side!)

Papa took the kids to McDonald's as a special treat afterward

Thanks Mema and Papa and Sissy's Family for a GREAT visit!