On Sunday, February 9, 2014, Anna and Mike Himes brought Ryan, Molly, and Leela from Macungie after Sunday School to Willow Valley in time for Sunday dinner. They had planned to come in January to help me celebrate my 88th birthday, but Mike’s two week trip to Thailand and Ryan’s strep throat postponed the celebration.

We had a good time hearing about all that had happened since we saw them at our December 27 Christmas dinner. Mike was on business from Air Products, and had some extra excitement because of the protests in Thailand.  FaceTime on the iPad helped to keep the children in touch with Daddy.

After dinner watching Ryan play games on his iPad replaced earlier games that could no longer compete.

Swimming was the main activity, as usual. Ryan and Mike played football, and Molly learned to duck her head under water. Leela was not quite ready for this stage.

Mike gave me another lesson on the use of my iPhone, helping me to take and send photos.

Anna had baked Mimi’s buttermilk cake recipe and brought it for our belated birthday celebration.

Afterwards they left for Macungie in another one of the many snow storms of this endless winter, arriving home safe and sound a little later than usual.

Al and I are so blessed to have occasions such as this to enjoy the sunshine of a happy family visit, and watch great grandchildren grow and mature.