Father's day

We had the best father's day that anyone could imagine this year. Well, okay, it depends on how good your imagination is, but this was a pretty darn good one. My Uncle John (who is terrified of planes) managed to fly out to Cleveland. He came out to see us, but primarily to see his biological father, Don. So, we all drove down to West Virginia and spent the weekend with Grandpa Don and Grandma Carmen. We got in late that Friday night and spent a few minutes talking with Grandpa Don before we went to bed. In the picture below, Grandpa Don (left) is holding Rhoda while I choke on a strawberry. Uncle John is on the right and is obviously amused by my choking or more likely what Grandpa Don was saying. The next morning, Carmen drove us all to the Tamarack which is a store that sells only items made in West Virginia. Below Kit enjoys the sights and sounds of the Tamarack while Rhoda afectionaly flips that bear the bird. As a surprise, Carmen decided to buy Rhoda this sweet little pink doll. Rhoda took to that doll immediately. It is clear that her parents are in for a pink whirlwind--she grabbed the doll and wouldn't let go. What was even more amazing was that it was the first item or toy she has ever really responded to.Since we moved east Don and Carmen's has come to feel like a second home to us. We feel so relaxed there nestled in the hills. We always take it easy and spend a lot of time talking and eating in the cosy kitchen. This time the conversation was expecialy good with John to contribute. Saturday night we had the chance to meet Carmen's niece who is going to go to San Francisco for art school. This made for even more stimulating conversations as she was extremely intelligent and fun. Unfortunately, we didn't take any pictures, but she showed us her artwork which was absolutely wonderful. Kristen also got a chance to nap with Rhoda and to introduce her to cats. I really know I'm in trouble now that there are two cat lovers in the family. (Just not as much trouble as the cats.) On Sunday morning, we all gathered round to complete a crossword puzzle. Together, with everyone helping, we completed the whole thing. Even Rhodie put in her two cents though I'm not sure what language those cents were in. Later that afternoon, we made a trip to a park in West Virginia. It was a beautiful overlook of one of the mountain valleys of West Virginia. I think the pictures say it all. Not only was it a beautiful overlook, but there were some picturesque trails. This trail leads through some tunnels and eventualy winds all the way down the gorge. We took tons of pictures, unfortunately most of them did not turn out as we wanted them too. It is very hard to describe what it is like to be in those tunnels with so much rock above you, but I must say it was very exciting and fun. On the whole it was a wonderful trip. Below is Rhoda wearing a crown of flowers that Kit made for her out of some wild daisies. Everyone loved Rhoda and she certanly loved them back. She had never given so many smiles to strangers before. And last but not least, Uncle John got to visit his biological father for the first time! It was so good to see them together.