The week so far has been an enjoyable one, to say the very least.
We had perfect weather over the weekend with low humidity and comfortable temperatures.
My uncle Todd and aunt Marylou took us out to lunch on Sunday on their way through town after visiting my cousin Meridith. Marylou got to see our house for the first time, and Dallas took a particular liking to Todd. When Rob was showing off all the tricks Dallas knows, every time she successfully did one Todd would give her such a spirited congratulation that she would run over and sit down in front of him to receive the reward of affection. It was nice to catch up with them, and to hear about my cousin Eric's recent wedding on a 10,000 foot mountain in Telluride, Colorado, the crazy windstorm that declared their Illinois county a disaster zone, and the progress Todd and Dad are making on the house. We had lunch at Granite City in Eagan. It was a meal that Todd had been craving for quite some time and in case there was any doubt at all, TODD LOVED HIS BLEU PEPPERCORN BURGER.
After seeing Dad's family on Sunday, we had a nice dinner last night with my mom's family at my aunt Diane and uncle Roger's house. It was a chance to see my parents, aunts and uncles, and even two grandmothers! Though the grandmothers aren't my real grandparents, it sort of felt like they were and it was nice to see both of them. Diane had quite the array of food, complete with berries and veggies, delicious grilled salmon, and fruit-garnished iced tea. I love spending time with my family; watching uncle Dean laugh, and hearing about aunt Kristen's stories, seeing Diane's happy summer glow, and hearing Dad and Roger chuckling away about something only they understand. And I love watching how my mom and her sister Diane are so alike. Last night they began talking about one of their shared traits when they suddenly, and in unison, broke into the song "Sisters" by Irving Berlin (from the movie White Christmas).
It really has been a lovely week! I can only hope for more days like these soon.