They Warm The Cockles Of My Heart....

Yesterday was another one of those wonderful, memorable "family days" for us.

My niece, Keeley came to visit Tag and me at the campground in the afternoon

and we got to share some time together with her grandma, uncle and aunt, too.

I've watched her closely this past year, and I can't believe how much she's changed

in a short twelve months. She's only thirteen, but already is nearly equal to my 5'8"

height! She's gone from a lanky little girl to a poised, pretty, young woman who is

still a tomboy at heart (like her Aunt Donna). It's always fun to interact with her.

Keeley, Tag and Sally

 Her grandma Sally and I have become close, too. You see, last August the former

 sister-in-law I wrote about who passed was Sally's daughter (and Keeley's mom).

The two of them are still working through their loss, but they have each other

and they are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel...and it's all good.

l-r: Gary, Nancy, Keeley, Tag and Sally

 When they came to see me (Tag, really!) yesterday, Sally's brother and

sister-in-law also came out to say "hi". We've met before and they're great,

supportive people. We also get along well and it was so nice seeing them again.

 This is a photograph I intend to treasure for a long time.

You see, just as Sally was getting ready to snap it, Keeley leaned over and

tossed her arm over my shoulder. This sweet girl is so full of affection and

I was blessed that she shared some of it with me. Of course, Tag was also

completely taken with her and was happy to be in each and every shot!

My "thank you" for her hug...a heartfelt buss on the cheek.

Before I knew it, it was time for them to leave for home. Next time I see

them, we'll be able to spend much more time together. Perhaps she and

Sally will come down and stay in one of the cabins at the campground,

or we'll invite them to "cozy up" in the Flying Cloud That would be fun!

Front row l-r: Malachi, Ezekiel, Phin, August, Kailana and Malia. Adults l-r: Johanna, Josh, me, Eli, Amanda, Aaron, Nathaniel and Chelsea.

 

 

 After Sally and Keeley left,  Handsome and I traveled to meet my Aunt Eli,

 cousins Amanda, Johanna and Nathaniel - and their spouses and children - for dinner.

 We met at a great Italian restaurant that was an easy drive for all of us, and we got to

 catch up on each other's lives before leaving for our respective homes in different towns.

Before we parted company, Handsome snapped this photograph to commemorate

our time together. I know my uncle was watching over us as we gathered his wife

and family together and he would indeed be proud of the adults his children have 

become.  Eli's grandchildren are delightful to be around and we were glad to be

able to enjoy that time with them. Next summer - and seeing them all again - 

can't come soon enough. It seems our time is over before it's really begun!

A few more days and we'll be packing up our campsite and turning for home.

Until then, we still have time to devote to family and friends. I want to savor it all.

Happy Friday!

I know you're all busy making your own memories. Enjoy every precious minute.