Some of you may not know, but my family from PA came to visit last week (the 7th-17th). It was really good to see them. Maggie, Ruby, and I have not seen them since the first week of December when we flew there to raise support for TreeHouse. Some things about the “little family” have changed and some have not. Mark and Grace still like to cuddle and play with each other; I can still beat Mark in basketball and Madden Football 2007; Grace still sports the bandanna’s on her head, Mom still loves dogs and wants one, and Dad is constantly learning something new about a new electronic device he just got. Grace and Mark are growing up and maturing so quickly! It still seems like they should be 6 or 7 years old still! Mom and Dad are gladly and graciously accepting the new role of Grandma and Grandpa (I’m pretty sure they don’t mind the ” officially old” label that goes with those two names!)

I am very glad that Ruby got to see everyone because faces in a book or on the computer are not good enough. She will remember everyone better now that she’s seen them and has names for the faces and voices. I don’t want her to grow up not knowing her grandparents well and I think this past week was a good step in keeping them fresh in her mind. I also think it will be good for her to see them again around September because she will have someone to give her some extra attention while Maggie and I focus on the new baby. Ruby LOVES having your undivided attention so it is going to be a pretty big wake up call for her when she has to share her mommy and daddy. We are taking steps now to reduce the adjustment period but it is still going to happen. Oh well, life will go on!

Well, I am leaving for a TreeHouse Staff Retreat tomorrow morning so I should go to bed. Once again, thanks Mom and Dad for coming out here with Grace and Mark! We all enjoyed seeing you and connecting with you. The new baby will be here before we know it and we’ll be seeing you again!

Dan