Our Gracious Hosts

And finally, I would be remiss if I didn't heap a pile of praise upon our hosts for this past weekend, my mom's cousin Judi and her husband Butch. Judi and Butch have a way of making anyone feel right at home, and I can't thank them enough for making us so comfortable (or gemeutlich, as I think the Germans might say). We showed up at their house after 11 PM on Friday night and I immediately felt welcome. We're assured good food and good company while we're there, and I always look forward to visiting them. I woke up Sunday morning to the smell of bacon and sausage as Butch began preparing a huge breakfast for us...mmm, it's making my mouth water just thinking about it. So a huge thank you to the Soules for putting us up (and for putting up with us) for the weekend. I hope we see you guys again soon!

We always knew Linus was safe sleeping outside since he had the duck to guard him.
Linus does like his motorcycles. But this time he has to take a back seat to Butch.

Judi found this contraption--sort of a rocking chair with springs--at a yard sale (I think). We think it's pretty old considering something like this probably wouldn't pass today's child safety standards. That's probably why it's so fun.