RON RETURNS FROM L.A. WITH MOTHER

Yesterday Ron brought Mother home for a month's visit. It is wonderful to have him back and Mother too. For some silly reason our temperatures, that were in the mid 70's for over a week, soared to nearly triple digits. Go figure!

The heat is rather difficult on Mom so we stuck around the house all afternoon. She enjoyed checking out our home improvements. She hasn't been here in over a year. I also think she likes just flaking out with Ron. We put all our family photo albums on a big book shelf in the guestroom and she likes going through those. So many blessed memories. Hopefully it will be cooler tomorrow and we can get her out somewhere.

SWIMMING WITH NICO

Nico began his first swimming class this week. It is, of course, a water familiarization experience. But he loves it. His mom and dad get in the water with him and everyone plays around, kicking, splashing, bouncing, dancing in circles etc. Look at Nico go after that water bar bell. What fun they all have! Me too! I didn't swim, but I got to play with Nico after.

HANGING OUT WITH ALICE AND ANTHONY

Such precious darlings. Alice and Anthony are such unique little personalities. Each time I see them they spend more time smiling, cooing and playing. Check them out. On Thursday night they came to Auntie May's and Uncle Rick's for dinner. Have you ever seen more expressive faces? I just loved joining them for early morning walks for coffee before their daddy went to work.

BACK IN PORTLAND FOR A VISIT

Guess what? Rick and May flew me to Portland for a visit and to help with Nico because they had some important deadlines to meet with their work. How lucky am I? Don't miss Nico's first two teeth. Hopefully, they can be detected on the close up shots. We played with puzzles and ball. Nico throws and catches like a champ already.

Ron is in L. A. helping to ready his mom's house for renting. It is a huge job, but somebody must do it. Ron is not so lucky.

I arrived on Tuesday morning. May and I took two walks before the day was over. I was able to attend Nico's swim class. It is so cute!

On Wednesday we went to visit Alice and Anthony. Those two were absolutely adorable and smiled and talked to me before they took their naps.

Today I met Ron, Amy and the twins for an early morning walk to coffee. Their new home and neighbor are just beautiful. I returned to Rick and May's around 8:30 am. I get to feed Nico and play with him all the time. This is heaven. In the afternoon I prepared a spaghetti dinner for all the kids and grandkids. Tonight was one of those heavenly times in life when the family was almost all together. We do miss Ron and Lisa, of course.

I have one more day here with everyone. I must get home to take care of Yogi. We could only find him a sitter for four days. It will be difficult to leave. I am so grateful to Rick and May for providing me this opportunity to see my loved ones.