Barby and Paul Ruskin arrived at Willow Valley from State College about 2 PM on Saturday, January 12, 2013. They had colds at Christmas time and missed our December 27 family dinner they had planned to attend. We opened presents and spent the afternoon catching up on their lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barby is fully recovered from her summer back surgery, and is enjoying getting back to her counted cross stitch projects. Her latest is a large sampler for Anna.

Paul is communications director for the Office of Physical Plant at Penn State, and recently wrote articles informing residents of State College about the change from coal to natural gas throughout the University. He is still passionate about the environment, and has new groups to work with on sustainability.

Anna and Mike Himes brought Ryan, Molly, and Leela here for dinner about 4:45 PM after an afternoon at the North Museum at F and M College. They have a subscription to their regular shows, and we are delighted that they join us afterwards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ryan elected to sit with his grandparents at dinner and filled them in on all the things he had been doing at school and in scouts. I sat with Molly and Leela, and heard all about the things they enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The kids had helped to decorate cup cakes which they brought to celebrate my 87th birthday on January 18. There is nothing I enjoy better than hearing great grandchildren sing Happy Birthday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Afterwards the Ruskins and Himes families discussed their February trip to Disney World, which was a surprise Christmas present to the  kids.

The Himes returned to Macungie about 8 PM, but Barby and Paul stayed with us overnight and had Sunday dinner with us.

It was a great combination Christmas/birthday weekend, and we are so thankful that we have family close enough to be a part of their lives.