Progressive Dinner

With ferocious storms and flooding to east;  we've had beautiful weather here in Illinois. this morning clear and a fresh breeze as I sit on the porch reading scriptures. Saturday was an equally grand day an early morning walk with Rindy at Lake Herrick then home for bookshelf purging. Our night was split -  appetizers at Michael and Mari's in  - they live in a great house not too far from us , real close to Laura and Robert. 

After that a  quick trip down and across a couple of blocks the block to Lindsay's and Josh's.

They too live in a great place serving tacos. The food was fine and they have an office set up to die for. I think this new center of the universe will make for some  fun family gatherings.

2nd Ending

So what is sadder than then the end of summer?
Summer ending twice.
Last week Mac returned to school clearly bringing summer to a screeching halt.
And then today what happens-Brigham and Evan packed up and flew back to BYU.
The problem with adult offspring is they are always leaving. I guess the better perspective would be is that they are always arriving. We are anxious for Brigham and Evan to arrive once again. Its been a wonderful summer - the best summer.

In the meantime I'll anticipate the third ending of summer on labor day. I hear its the charm.

Cousins, Cousins, Everywhere

So if you have been faithfully following the blog you will have noted that many are the cousins who have passed through Naperville. This weekend being no different has been full of family. It started Saturday with the air-show at bob's then dinner last night at laura's and scones tonight here. Rindy does conjure up a delightful scone. Anyhow the insight is that home is where the heart is and the heart is in Naperville.

All the little babies make for a squealing squawking riotous good time the most entertaining conversation at Abigail (flake) and Brigham prattled back and forth to each other for a couple of minutes It really is fun to gather together. Evan took most of the pictures so I have to include his self portrait and actually one of me.

Air Show

Last year was a first and today was a spectacular second. My cousin Bob and his wife Sallie invited us to their home in downtown Chicago to watch the Airshow.

They live on the 16th floor of their building which over looks Oak Beach, adjacent to North Beach.

The day started with heavy rain. We were sure it would be rained out;  there weren't a third of the boats on the lake or people on the beach. The.weather in its typical Midwest fashion changes on a dime. We left home in light rain, traveled downtown in rain and then it cleared.  As we drove down Michigan avenue it was hopping with the vibrancy of a big city.

To view the planes at such proximity and range comprises a visual treat. The planes really seem right there as if within reach. The dives, the acceleration the aerobics the precision combine for a memorable event. Along with Bob and Sallie we were joined by Robert and Laura, Mike and Marie, and Paul (who was in town for a short visit.)

Illinois is alright

Can it be

Summer streams by too quickly in Illinois.
Perhaps it is the lack of a State Fair tradition ( oh they have one alright but it is not THE State Fair.)
Perhaps it is the constant coming and going all summer and the lack of any real down time'
Perhaps it is the acceleration of time that comes with aging.
Perhaps it is that summer is just too short.

Nonetheless, summer is over and Mackey is Back in School.
Back to her incredibly busy , very demanding schedule.
She is growing up too quickly

Naming

One of our religious traditions and ordinances is the giving of a name and a blessing to new born babies. This normally happens in the course of a Sacrament meeting, the weekly worship service. During the service there is a time where a new born is brought by the father, or priesthood bearer and a few others with the priesthood who join in holding the baby while one acts as voice of the priesthood, in this case Blair, the father, pronounces the name by which the infant shall be known upon the records of the church and pronounces those blessing deemed appropriate and moved upon by the spirit to share.

“Through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit, and for the divine benefit of his loved ones, a father has the privilege of unifying his mind and will with that of our Heavenly Father. To function in that capacity is an awesome responsibility and sublime gift”

In many instances, and certainly this day, there is a powerful and sweet spirit, which accompanies the blessing. The congregation was deeply reverent and the Spirit was pronounced as Blair spoke. June Blair Wilson she is! It is a wonderful and uplifting experience and solidifies and strengthens a family's link one to another. It was a right time and place to be.

After church we went with Julie’s family, the Rentmeesters to Blair and Julie’s house for dinner and games. We consider ourselves twice blessed in that we delight in Julie, are grateful for her and can not imagine a better friend and partner for our son; and we added great friends in joining with her family. Gatherings of the extended family are always enjoyable even though I’m not the best at Sheepshead. Jean and Dean were patient with our card playing skills

Its Grand

People witnessed that it would be grand and so frequently we need to experience for ourselves  to be believers. I have been a true believer for many years, nigh unto four, yet it was as grand last night as when I first held the very first.

A busy and intense day at work was followed by arriving home and discovering it was my turn - my turn at it all..

I crossed the thresh hold and was met by a hungry clan of people. Mackey was enlisted as my assistant and we quickly made dinner. The seven of us - Brig - Evan - Mac - Eden - Dean - Rindy - me gathered round the table; ate our meal and enjoyed family time. We did not eat fancy, I do not cook fancy yet it was grand.

After dinner Brigham and Evan headed off toward institute, Mac and Rindy had things to do,  so the two kids held hands and I walked down the block to the playground. We climbed, we crawled, we slid - yes it was grand.

After  a playful span we headed home and it was a non-soap bath time. Its been awhile since I've had two in the tub and you forget all the splashing and frolicking that is involved, not too big of a deal getting wet. For bath time has forever been a grand time.

Once spic and span we descended to the family room and I read Cat in the Hat and Go Dog Go. Oh the fun we had. Kids books are grand.


Scriptures a song or two and family prayer then whisk the younger one off to bed (Mackey chipped in there)  while Eden I chatted for just a minute before a sack of potatoes disappearance. Bed time rituals are grand.

No - It does not get much better. Great kids.  Grateful to be so close. Yes it was a grand evening. Life is grand.

Junie Babe? No - Baby June

My mother has long been fondly called Junie Babe by those in the know - not many but those who know. Today we met Baby June. And for those not in the know June Blair Wilson was born to Julie and Blair Wilson - yesterday coming in at 8 lbs and 21 inches. needless to say she is beautiful.

We drove up and visited this delightful little girl and her mother in the Watertown hospital today. its nice to be close enough to do a same day road trip. The other significant players Julie and Blair:

And the supporting cast: