We’ve had a recent influx of visitors from the East. Daniel, Jenny and Kirstie arrived several weeks ago. Daniel put in a skylight in our kitchen window. It looks beautiful! It was great seeing Jenny and Daniel. Kirstie will have been here for a month in all. It is so much fun to get a long period of time with her to enjoy life together! I love how Joel especially latches on to his aunts when he sees them. His pet name for Kirstie is “Ayah.” Heidi arrived last Tuesday and will be here for two weeks. She adds many things to our home including hearty laughter.

Today is lonely with just Joel and Chalice. It seems our neighborhood has gone to sleep. I keep wondering what’s going to happen like in that game “Mafia” when all the people “go to sleep” then wake up and SOMETHING has happened. I suppose it doesn’t help that I’m still trying to plow through a huge reading assignment for my course on terrorism. Truly, a peaceful neighborhood is a pleasant diversion from mowing, helicopters, and yappy dogs.

David is in Chicago for a painting conference this week. Heidi and Kirstie are in Disneyland for the day. Joel is identifying every item around him. Chalice will be a whole year next Wednesday! Joel frequently gets stuck and says “I suck” over and over!