"On Holiday" in Minnesota

We are back home in Minnesota and how wonderful it feels! I have been here for a week, and Lyle arrived yesterday. The few weeks that we are here will be busy with birthdays, catching up with friends and families, and of course, renewing our relationships with granddaughters! They didn't forget us! Ava, Katelyn, and Anna all were excited to see us come back and gave us big hugs and kisses. And Amanda warmed up to me right away! Ahh......how blessed we are!

Summer is a time for spending time at beaches, lakes, and in boats. We have missed that in Paris, so we had to settle for a make-believe beach along the river Seine. The past few years, the mayor started a "Paris Plage" event where they cart in tons of sand and a bunch of palm trees, water sprayers, beach chairs, and cabanas to create a mini "south of France" look along the river. I think it is for all of those Parisians who DON'T leave for their annual August holidays! My friends Stephen and Frances and I took an afternoon and "walked the beach", along with thousands of others enjoying a 90 degree day.

Back in Minnesota, I enjoyed another "pretend beach" in a park where they had little rivers running through a town park nearby......perfect for little girls to splash in and enjoy a day with Grammy......

We are looking forward to a REAL beach tomorrow with Lyle's brother and all the family!

Meanwhile, I have kept busy with my family, having some sleep-overs and even having the two oldest, cousins Ava and Katelyn, alone overnight with Gramma. It went pretty well, but wore Gramma out a bit! Whew......this is why you are young when you have kids!!

How can you top the feeling you get when they run into your arms when they first see you......

......and enjoy playing, again, at Gramma's and Grampa's house.....

And you know what else is great? It only takes 20 minutes to dry my sheets in the dryer, NOT 2 hours!!!!! Ah......America!