Mike and Anna Himes brought Ryan, Molly, and Leela to Willow Valley from Macungie after Sunday School on November 24, 2013, in time for Sunday dinner with Al and I.

Ryan turned 12 last week and is now considered an adult at Willow Valley, which is only fair since he now eats as much as an adult since his football experience this fall.  He is doing very well in sixth grade. Molly is a talkative eight year old in second grade, and is an avid reader. Leela’s fifth birthday was in June, and she is becoming an independent kindergartener.

It was too cold for me to take Leela and Molly outside while the rest finished dinner, so we went back to our apartment and they spent some time looking at the photo albums.

Anna is so faithful about sending me e-mails and photos of their many activities, which I print.  Molly read the e-mails with great interest.

Leela loves to tussle with Ryan, who is a very patient big brother with both of his sisters. Mike was patient with me as he taught me many of the things I need to learn about my new iPhone.

Molly took pride in showing her Dad what she is learning in swimming classes, and Leela is now able to amuse herself in the pool while Anna and I watch and catch up on the news.

We had another very pleasant afternoon being together and watching a growing family enjoying each others company and sharing it with us.

They are planning to go to State College for Thanksgiving and spending it with Barby and Paul Ruskin and Becky, Dan, and Evy Shirer. Becky’s baby girl is due January 25, 2014, so they will make the most of this time together.