Family Ties

On Friday a couple of weeks ago, Andy and I were talking about the future of our cars.  My Buick Rainier was about on its last leg.  It was stalling a lot, the air conditioning wasn't working and it needed a few other things "tuned".  So, we decided that he was going to go and look at new vehicles on Saturday.  Talk about last minute.  We also decided it would not be a good idea for me to go.  Why?  The first reason, I always find something that I get my heart set on and we would probably start arguing if it didn't turn out.  Second, it would probably be a longer day for the boys because it wouldn't be ANY fun for them.  And, the third reason being I am not a negotiator on any level.  If they were selling the car for $12,000, I probably would have chimed in and said, "How about $12,500, you did a nice job of explaining everything to us after all".  So, the boys and I went to the zoo with Eva and Emily Hoppe and Andy took my dad with him to look at new vehicles.   They ended up finding a mini van that was perfect for our family.  It is not fancy or have a lot of bells and whistles, but it does what we need it to do for our family.  Get from point A to point B, safely.  I have to admit, I feel like I lost any "cool" factor I had going for me, but the car works nicely.  Andy did a great job of negotiating and working out all the fine details.  Again, another time when his strength has helped our family.  I definitely would not have been able to do everything he did that day and end up with a car.  Thank goodness for him!  And, we are so lucky to have my dad.  He helped a lot with his connections to the dealership and his knowledge about buying a car.  If you knew him, you would know that a vehicle doesn't last too long with him before he purchases a newer or different truck.  I love that I didn't have to do much with this at all!

After 10 hours of them looking and all the paperwork, we went back to my parents house for some pizza and fruit.  

Here is Aiden eating some of that fruit.  He's not usually this messy.  

My happy little boy.

The view from my parent's deck. 

Grandpa and Alex watching the sunset and bunnies in the yard.

The boys on St. Patrick's Day.  Thanks for the socks, Grandpa and Grandma!  You would swear my youngest is Irish, but it is just the hair.  There is no Irish in that one!

 

On Sunday of this weekend, Uncle Pete was home from Texas for a quick visit.  Alex was beyond happy to spend quality time with his Uncle.  They, along with Uncle Luke, ran around the yard wrestling and playing TBall, which quickly turned into football. 

Aiden was enjoying spending time with Grandpa, walking around and exploring the great outdoors!

Haha..I had to add this.  My brothers had just got back from a trip to Las Vegas to visit my cousin, Frankie, for his birthday.  Luke was suckered into buying these fashionable sun glasses by a friend.  They are Gucci.  

Here is his "Gucci" smile...

Here is his real smile!

Wagon rides from Uncle Luke are the best!

We didn't miss a chance to get us all together for a family picture.  We may not all be looking at the camera, but at least we all made it into the picture, right?

Going for a walk on the trail.

Finding Grandpa's tractor was a special surprise on our walk!

One of Aiden's new favorite things.  He will pull your arms until you throw him. 

What else would we do in the yard, but wrestle??

Aiden was petting Bambi.  

 

This is where Grandpa hid during an intense game of Hide and Go Seek.

Well, Uncle Pete, it was sure fun having you home.  Even if only for a couple of hours.  When we were getting ready to leave for the day, Alex started crying and said he didn't want to leave Uncle Pete.  It breaks my heart.  He is so innocent and he loves his Uncle so much.  I am glad Pete is finding success and happiness in his career.  I wish him nothing but the best and love him very much!