Bethannie Heads Home

Like a whirlwind, Hurricane Bethannie came and went, leaving this morning for her 15-hour trip back to Colorado. It was a long drive for just a two-day visit, but we're all glad she came.

As usual, Payton took her mommy's departure hard. Peter and I spent extra time with Payton, and we all played hooky today. Visits to the Pumpkin Patch and to the apple orchard for cider doughnuts and berry-picking did distract her for a bit. By this afternoon, Payton was her sweet, funny self again (ah, to be 10!)

Payton Turns 10

So today is Payton's big day! We had cinnamon rolls and birthday presents before Payton, Beth and Beth's boyfriend Todd went off to school with cookies for the class. This way Pay can show off her pretty, young mommy, and Beth can see what a nice learning environment Payton enjoys every day.

It will be a short day at school, though, because then everyone is off to the tattoo parlor for Beth's new tat. (Ozzie and Harriett, we're not, but that's OK too.)

Been Too Long

Today we got an overdue arrival -- Bethannie! She and her partner Todd drove straight-through from Colorado to Rockford, about 1,000 miles or so. The occasion is Payton's 10th birthday (tomorrow), and she was delighted to see Beth (and so were her dad, brother, and me). We haven't had a visit with Beth in a year-and-a-half ... where does the time go?

They brought along a surprise -- Jack, their lively and very bright Jack Russell terrier. Jack (a female) is keeping Lucky and Benji busy, leading them around by their noses.