SO Good to see family and friends

OK OK OK...I know I have been a bad blogger. Seems like every time I think of doing it, the computer is occupied by either Nathan or Mac, yes Mac!!! He is an avid computer user. I love it! I also can't wait for him to have his own computer set up at the new house, so I can have my time on this one. I hate to pull him off of it when he is learning and exploring his way around Horton or the "penguins."
Mac, Eli and I spent a wonderful week in IN this past week. It was so good to see everyone.
PaBob and Nonnee were great hosts to us in B'ton. They always spoil Mac and Eli when they see them, which is their perogative. Eli had a big happening on their living room floor. I had placed him on his belly, then I took a big gulp of Diet Coke from my stadium cup, looked back at Eli, and he was on his back!!!! Drats! I missed his first real roll-over. I said this to friends and family already, that if he had been my first child, I would have cried, but he is the second, so I am already over it! Isn't that horrible! :)
I think Grandma Headley was surprised to see how big the boys were. I know she had a few peaceful moments holding and cuddling Eli. Those times truly are precious.
Mac seemed to "fold" back into his old ways at Kelly's house with his buddies. They had the first annual "Diggers and Puppies" bike race, in honor of the 500 I think. Unfortunately Mac is not well versed on the bikes or trikes. I think that will be a gift this year. He really needs to learn how to peddle!!! Of course, when playing in Kelly's backyard, he is the one child who lays completely flat in the sandbox. Do you think that means he a sand-lover?! I suppose that is good, except that he had on jeans and a fleece. It was real fun trying to shake the sand out of those clothes.
When I saw Mac with his buddies, I could really see how much he has grown. He is now almost as tall as the oldest child there. Hearing from the other moms about the changes they saw in him, i.e. height&speach, it really brought them out to me. I knew he had grown and developed in 2 months, but I didn't really realize how much. It was sweet to see how nothing really changes with those kids. It was always the same three playing together. Then there was Mac with his love, his beloved Kate. They always play off by themselves. Not necessarily together, but near one another, like two old souls who take comfort in knowing the other is nearby. No words are needed, just the closeness. On Thursday, as we were getting ready to leave, it was nap time. The cots were set up in the living room and Mac asked where his was. Then he picked a cot to lay down on, so he could extend his time there. It was, of course, Kate's.

While in Washington, we saw lots of branches of our family tree. Grandma and Grandpa Carpenter came over with Chris and got to see the boys. I know Eli loved the attention. He has never slept so well as he did in Grandma's arms. We also got to hand out with the "McClarren" side of our family, which does NOT happen near enough. I realize we are all busy with our own kids and lives, but come on... I think this was the first time I had been in the same place with all three of my cousins and their kids and my aunt in YEARS!!!! IT was so good seeing them. Mac had a blast with all the boys. He didn't know what hit him. It was great for him. And the silly string...Aunt Stella is a genious!!!

Leaving on Wednesday was tough for all of us. We really do look forward to seeing everyone again. And we really do expect visitors. :)