Visit from the Seattleites!

At the beginning of August, we got to spend 5 awesome days with my sister and her family!  It really is a treat to have the Alexander family in Texas.  They have a very busy schedule up in the Northwest and getting lots of time to travel isn't something they are always have the luxury of doing.  Also when having people travel to Texas during the summer from a place where they don't even have central AC in their homes, you've got to be prepared for them.  Thankfully we have a pool that despite any efforts to participate in outdoor activities, we could always cool them down with. 

Obviously, the biggest surprise was to see my nephew who is almost 14.  It had been a few years since I had seen him and he has quickly passed me in height.  He was the first baby of all the sisters and to see him so grown up was only a reminder of how much time has passed so quickly.  Jacob is a sweet, smart, joyful, God-fearing teen who really is awesome to hang out with.  Not only did he let the little girls bounce all over him, but then he could stay up late with the adults and have fun conversation.  He wants to go to Texas A&M when he graduates high school.  You can be sure this Aunt is going to be bribing him heavily to make sure that happens! ;-)  It only helps that his Dad, Granddad, Uncle, another Aunt and Uncle Billy all went there too!

10 years difference between these two cousins

Jacob had way more fun than this pictures shows... I promise!

We loved our time with Jonathan too!  Sadly, his job doesn't allow him as much time to travel as summer allows Paige and Jacob, so it had been even LONGER since we had seen him.  JWA is awesome (obviously) for so many reasons.  He and Paige were pretty big parts of me coming to know the Lord and for that I am always thankful.  So even though I've had Jonathan in my life for a long time... I really enjoyed seeing him and Billy hang out. They both have a lot in common. And let's be honest... only a select few get the prize of a Gunthorp girl! ha.

JWA, BB, Maggie and Lovey jamming to music at the park

And of course seeing my sweet oldest sister is always a precious gift!  It's never for long enough or as often as I would like... but its still awesome.  I love getting to see her with Emma and Maggie.  She would read to them all day long if I let her.  She loved reverting to the 'younger years' and pulling out paper plates, yarn, straws, glue and tape for Emma to craft with. She drew up a cute little Olaf for our frig and the girls still are taking notice of it weeks later.  Sweet Paige tears up when Maggie cries and pushes them on the swing despite the fact she's melting in the heat.  People always wonder how we stay so close despite the miles, but we just do... we talk/email/facetime and even though we are far away, we really are close. 

Paige is focused on the goal despite the heat!

Alexander Crew with E&M

We love you Alexanders and are so grateful for the time we got to spend with you!!  Know God has big plans for each of you this next year!  Love you guys and can't wait till next summer!