Jodie Came to Visit!

We had a lovely visit with Jodie, and got to show her some of our favorite spots on the island!








We saw an AMAZING sunset at Deception Pass State Park.



Jodie got this photo of what Carolyn called "The Scream Room" at Ft. Casey. The girls like echoes.





We all had a ball at the Highland Games





And of course we took Jodie to the lavender farm!

IL Trip Round II

Well, Bless Gramma's heart, a couple of days after we returned back to Washington, she went home to be with Jesus. She was ready, though even after 93 years of having her on this earth, none of us wanted to see her go.

So... We turned around and headed back to IL--me with glands the size of basketballs all over my neck. But these things build character, right?

Andy was flown off of the ship and we were so grateful for that. He was able to join us early in our stay and after the services and such were over we were able to visit more family and friends in the area.


We met up with cousin Grace who tried out the Tricycle.


Uncle Brad loves his baby girl. Can you tell?




Abbie on Uncle Brock's shoulders. No niece or nephew (or any kid for that matter) is immune to Uncle Brock's charm. I think he's a kid magnet.


Andy was happy to be back in his home town and to see the Ski Bottling plant again. Ahhh... Ski.


We also got to visit with Kyle and Sarah and I finally got to hold the adorable Katy. Oh is she precious!


Of course we headed to Bloomington to visit with the Smith's. Carolyn adored playing with "The Boys." She STILL hasn't stopped talking about "The Boys."



Silly Wesley... We always end up with a photo or two of his tongue.


And ok--how adorable is Baby Reagan?!


Andy thoroughly bonded with the Smith kiddos. It was wonderful!


On the way back to Papa's from the Smith's, we stopped very spontaneosly at Wildlife Prairie Park. Can I say that it was in typical (Val) Roseberry fashioned 'Should've thought that one through better' style. It was one of the hottest days of the year and us unclimatized Washintonians were tromping around in it. We stayed hydrated and really enjoyed ourselves anyway.


We LOVED seeing the bears. We were able to get really close to them and thoroughly enjoyed watching them play and find ways to stay cool.


It was so nice to see the plethora of midwestern butterflies...


Including a monarch cocoon.


I had to include the photo of our wall (Thanks Brooke!).