Where do I begin?

I've been away from my blog for so long, I have almost forgotten the last time I posted. Oh yes, I remember now, I was excitedly awaiting the arrival of my dear niece and SIL for a weekend visit. They did, indeed, come to visit and we had a delightful time. Given that that was eleven or twelve days ago, I'm just going to post a couple of pictures. I just couldn't let the visit go by without chronicling it.

As is our custom when she visits, we shopped. This is just one of the darling outfits she purchased (with her own money, I might add). Both her mother and I have said she will need to wear a tank underneath it.

That evening, we had a magnificent sunset and I must share a picture or two of it.

Isn't it magnificent? While we were taking pictures of this, our neighbor came out and offered us some blackberries. My SIL, Deb, is the best pie maker in the universe---so, we had blackberry pie for dessert on Sunday. Absolutely to die for.

Deb and Kacy were no more than out the door when Jim and I had to leave for the ordination of our dear friend, Jeff. What a glorious celebration. We have known Jeff since he was a toddler. We are dear friends with his parents, grandparents, his brother, Peter, and their wives and children. It was truly a time of rejoicing.

Although Paige, et al arrived later on Sunday evening, I still went off early to have "Loser's Breakfast" with Lara (Jeff's wife), her girls, her MIL and her grandMIL. Lara and Jeff will be leaving for their new church home soon and she wanted to be sure we had one last breakfast together.

Lara and Sienna (with her cool sunglasses).

Here is Evelyn Lily crawling on her belly like a Marine commando. She can walk with help, but at this point this is her favorite mode of transportation.

Lara and her girls. We are so going to miss these ladies. Lara and Jeff moved back to our area, and in with Sandi and Ric when Sienna was still a baby. We are so engaged with these darling people. We will grieve the loss of their presence here with us as we rejoice in their new beginning.

Grandma Sandi took this picture so that Great Grandma Sue could be in it with us. We just love Sue who lives about 50 miles away from us in a wonderful wonderland cottage. We visit her every year and love having her visit with us.

So, that is the first part of my many days of absence from Blogland. I am off to Las Vegas tomorrow, but hope to post some pictures and journalling of our delightful trip to New England. We had perfect weather and wonderful company for the trip. Tune in later for more in the crazy life of Hippochick.

"I don't know the key to success,

but the key to failure is trying to

please everybody"

~Bill Cosby

~Hippo Hugs~