A wonderful, wired weekend update

Mom and Dad took the time to come and see us this weekend, braving what was sure to be a crazy visit with the grandkids.  Lots of good things happened this weekend, but they were very patient even though we were all squeezed into such a small space and tripping over each other and wrestling (they boys) in the living room and wanting to exert our independence (hello age 6!).  I'm sure it was a bit of a challenge staying calm when there was nowhere to go to get away, but we managed to have some really good time too.

Friday was Madi's birthday and we decided to walk down to Rocky Point Pier to show Grandma and Grandma some of our favorite destinations.  While we were there we watched them put a new dock into the ocean with a crane.  This kept everyone entertained for a good half hour.  We played on the park, walked on the wet sand when the tide went out, collected shells and visited the vegetable/fruit stand. Once we got home it was time for the birthday supper - Madi's choice of burgers and fries, and then a caramel cake that Grandma bought for her.

Eight years old already!  We can hardly believe it.  She has grown up in leaps and bounds lately, giving us hope that the others will follow suit and our house will eventually quiet down.  She got all kinds of girly things from her family - flip flops, a swimming suit, a hair curler/crimper, nail polish, lip gloss, oh - and a snakes and ladders game from Mac so she can play with him!

The next day was very exciting.  Dad went crab fishing with Clayton, Mac and Dan and really enjoyed himself.  They caught 4 big keepers, so it was crab for supper.  Dad ate 1 and 1/2 and probably would have enjoyed more if the boys would let him have them.  He seemed surprised to enjoy it so much.  Mom tried one bite (yes, she really put it in her mouth!).  It took her a bit to warm up to the idea, and once she did she immediately ate some ceasar salad to wash it down.  Not her cup of tea!  I think it was even worse for her to watch them pull the crab apart to eat it.  They were so good though.  This is definitely the time of year to catch them.  They are really meaty and sweet.  Dan has decided to just play in the water and on the beach in the summer and crab fish in the winter.

Saturday afternoon was the highlight of the weekend.  Madison was baptized and confirmed by her Dad with lots of our friend from the ward, and of course mom and dad, in attendance.  She looked beautiful in the pink dress mom brought her, but she radiated in the white jumpsuit.  It's hard to believe our first baptism has come and gone!  She told me she felt like a brand new baby when she came out of the water.  What a fun girl.  She was given some very nice cards and a soft, cuddly blanket.  Mom and Dad gave wonderful talks and mom even held it together for the first sentence or two.  (Just kidding mom.  It wouldn't be the same if you didn't get emotional.  I'd start to worry.)  Madison was so happy they agreed to speak and did such a good job of it. 

Dad and Madi on her special day.

That was about it for the excitement, other than a trip to the pool.  Sunday was just a relax, rainy day and then Mom and Dad flew out this afternoon.  It was so good to see them.  The kids sure loved having them here and it makes the miles seem a little less when they can fly here in an hour.  I felt kind of bad because we were all either sick or coming down with colds, so the crank factor in our home was a little high, as well as the tiredness.  But nonetheless, we got to spend the weekend together and give real hugs and kisses instead of just blowing them on the webcam.  What a great time!