This is the Place

We've had a lot of visitors this Spring. Shortly after our return from Hawaii, my sister Lisa and her children came to stay for a week.

We played water balloons on the trampoline, (Uncle Jeff is SO cool)

went to Bluebell ice cream factory,

and the park and the beach.

A lot of time was spent in front of Photo Booth. Always good for a laugh.

I also got Lisa hooked on Downton Abbey. One night, we watched Downton Abbey late into the night and my sister was highly disturbed by one character in particular, O'Brien, the ladies maid. Not just her personality but her ringlet bangs in front and pointy sideburns. In a fit of late night sisterly silliness, we both tried to fix our hair like O'Brien. We laughed until we cried. I'm only a little embarrassed to admit it. But with my naturally curly hair, I make a pretty good O'Brien.

After my sister left, my dad came and my grandparents came to visit. My dad came for the great first hay cutting, and my grandparents came just to visit. The hay cutting is a good story. Apparently hay can burst into flames if baled before it dries completely. My dad was undeterred by this knowledge and set to baling. I reminded him we've had a fire in the pasture before, and what should I do if, when the hay is sitting out by the barn, it catches fire? His response was, (and I quote) "don't worry, the barn is metallic." As in, it won't burn. Ahhh, that's comforting.

Grandpa is a farmer through and through and I think he really liked being out there turning the hay over and working outside.

He helped not only my dad with the hay, but me with my outdoor plants, which despite my best efforts, have a tendency to die on me. He helped me by planting my orange tree and helping plant and water some flowers on my porch. He gave last rites to a few plants which had already died. But he saved the indoor ones. I'm happy to report Grandpa, all the plants, indoor and out, that were living when you came to visit, are still living! Aren't you proud?

Their visit was pleasant in every way, and helpful to me and my dad. I loved that they could play with my kids, and spend time relaxing. Also, I laughed my head off with my grandma while watching a show she never misses, Dancing With the Stars. I love both my grandpa and grandma, and truly believe they are two of the finest people I know. I loved having them, and would love to have them again.