Visitors!

Yeah, Allegiant, the airline which brings Helen and William non-stop from Nashville to Richmond. Helen says that it is so much better. But the flights only go on Thursdays and Sundays so the visit is going to be short. Here they are though!

We were sure that they were hungry so suggested lunch at Olive Garden. It was very nice.

In the evening Papa and Omi remembered the routine ... bath time ... reading time ... good times!

Friday December 28 ~ The weather is not so nice. James thinks William would enjoy the science museum and of course he was right. William loves it.

Sarah and Co had left Wednesday to visit the other grandparents and relatives. They planned on coming back on Friday. It's quite a drive and they can't be home before 4 pm. Both older boys kept asking when they might see their cousin. I volunteered to bring dinner for us all. Taco Salad is so easy and everybody seems to enjoy it. William was happy to help us with the preparations. He cut all the tomatoes.

Ahhh, what a good time we had all together. Helen always can take perfect selfies.

William was invited to spend the night with Caleb. He brought his PJs. 

Saturday: Sarah sent us photos. The four cousins!

We were there about 10:30 am. What a glorious day. The sun was shining. The children were playing out in the yard.

Yes, Papa is a pusher. For his grandsons he can even be a push-over.

The plan was to go to the River City 3 Railers Holiday Train Display at the Great Big Greenhouse which is active on weekends during this season. Of course the boys (well, we all) enjoyed that.

Ha-ha, the blue sign says: "Unattended children will be given an espresso & a free puppy."

We called a lunch order in to Panera Co. and as we were driving with two cars, Papa and I picked it up to take back to the house. The boys wanted a picnic outside. Great choice.

We all kept saying what a difference the new addition to their house makes (the stairs down from the screened patio). It was so worth Wade and Sarah's effort. I think all their changes to their house have proven to be brilliant, making it so much more efficient and comfortable. Ha-ha, Sarah and I are addicted to HGTV.

Back inside when it turned colder and the twins needed their nap, Wade and Sarah and Helen took the two older boys bowling. James and I happily stayed behind with the nappers. They came back happy about how much fun they had.

Then I was not allowed in the kitchen because Caleb and William helped Sarah decorating "something".

We ordered pizza for dinner and then I received a "surprise".

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A little more play and when it was the twins bedtime it was our time to leave too. Helen had to think of packing again. Some washing etc.

The cousins good-bye-ing was dramatic. They hugged and didn't want to let go. It does a grandparent's heart good. But still ...

Sunday morning Papa had to serve at church and I drove to the airport. I had packed some birthday cookie provisions for William to put into his backpack. When I came home I sat down with a piece and the cup (with coffee) William had made for me a few years ago.

Sigh.