This posting will complete our wonderful time together with Jason, Melissa, Jack and Maggie.

We had campfires at night with sparklers, laughs, stories, songs and smores.  Richie, Becca, Estella and Brenna camped out in our yard even after the coyotes howled.  

 Maggie is really good at giving bear hugs

 Jack is listening to a story about coyotes.  Actually when we were singing around the fire that night they answered back with their cries from across the river.  That got everyone's attention!!!!

 Then it was time for sparkler. 

 They were making wishes!

I wonder what Maggie was thinking!

 Estella created a design with hers !

The next day we were off to Mollyockett Day 

It is a time when you see people that you don't see all year long.  The kids enjoyed a parade where everyone was throwing candy.   Estella and Jack were right out there with the characters giving a high 5. 

 It was a hot afternoon and Maggie started out just cooling her hands but before long she was cooling her feet. 

 Jason was able to catch up to his high school teacher, mentor, baseball coach and life long friend. 

 The kids were asked to sit down really close together. 

 Brenna is not afraid of wildlife.  Jack had a little trouble figuring out the best way to hold the thing, but became a pro in moments.  We were a little late for the famous frog jumping contest, but these frogs were from the winning bucket.   They just happen to be from our neighborhood and so our friends let the kids have their own jumping event.  

 It is always interesting to figure out how to get the best frogs from a bucket of them.  Jack was going for best one.  A few got lose, but with a little help they all made it safely back in the bucket for their return to the quiet pond life.  

And then there was face painting 

 Some very creative options! With kids willing to share their talents.  Brenna was a princess clown.  Jack wanted to be a clown, spiderman and tic tac toe game all in one.  Maggie decided on a butterfly but had a little trouble waiting for the complete painting.  Estella had artist Becca create a beautiful butterfly.  

 Then parents could get painting at no cost.  

When Maggie is not sure about a situation

she is always watching from the safety of her mother's arms.

Then our 9 days of visiting came to an end.  Lavena and Tucker met us at Friendly's in Portland for a quick sandwich and then off to the airport.   We had a wonderful time together with lots of laughs, songs, stories and even tears as we found out about Grandma Dee's illness.  We love having the family together and are so very proud of each and everyone of you.  We could not ask for anything more.  As the miles separate us know that you are all thought often and being prayed for daily.   Love you all very much.