Almost Nancy's Birthday!

Her good friend brought an early birthday cake as she won't be with Nancy on her actual birthday. You can see we had lots of Costco food and most of it was left uneaten. Next time we do this we'll have the party early in our visit so we can eat the food during the remainder of our stay.

Nancy taught me many things while I was with her. In addition to hosting a small party she also knows everything about dressing and health. You know how good she looks when she steps out for the day. I aspired to be like her so she demonstrated the lengthy process involved and after her proper instruction I realized that I looked only very slightly different from normal. So it isn't the process but the original product that can be enhanced. We had a great visit which included seeing Dr. Phil playing golf and Stomp! at the theater. I almost forgot to mention we did lots of shopping so we have new summer clothing. And new walking shoes with soles that will slim us while we walk. See what you missed?

The most fun coming home was arriving in Seattle to change planes and having Peyton and Walker there to meet me. It was a nice surprise that Cyd arranged as she knew I had a long layover. They were so excited and so was I. Of course it was a little bit of a chore to get out of the secure area and then re-enter. That counts for a January visit and it is important that we see each other at least once a month.

I was excited to see Miles and Lucas also. My mom put her hand on mine when I saw her and seemed to know who I was so that was great. That recognition is variable but it's nice whenever. And it has been very sunny here this week. I guess this is our year to have a mild winter. I think tulips will be up soon. Please write to Willie!

Rain in Palm Springs?

It might sound crazy but yes, it did pour down rain here last night while your sister and I were trying to get to a movie. We should have stayed dry and saved the disappointing ending of Up in the Air. Anyway there is much discussion on the local news regarding the impending flooding but so far things are pretty much as normal. We walked around the Marriott today for an hour or so and talked to some women from Michigan.

Tonight we are going to dinner with Nancy's friends for an early birthday celebration for Nancy. Then she invited 16 girlfriends for a visit tomorrow afternoon at this condo. Looks like a trip to Costco for food today. We also have tickets for the Bob Hope Classic tomorrow and an invitation for more golf celebrity viewing at PGA West on Friday afternoon. It might be interesting to watch if the rain doesn't stop. I feel like we're sort of reliving Alberta, Palmer, Betty and Brice's desert vacations almost. It's nice to remember the great times they spent here in the desert even from a Desert Center perspective.

It was such fun having you here for a few days with us. I especially liked all the laughing even when it hurt to laugh. We can use a few more cousins for next year. Diana says she's good for one week. How did all the Chicago friends react to your Bonnie Hunt scene?

BH

Peyton and Walker Are Four Years Old

Here are a few of the people who helped them celebrate. Luckily our photographer, Linda, made it so we have almost everyone in a pose. The party was unstructured and mostly adults attended. Linda brought her granddaughter, Esther. The twins were so excited and we think perhaps Christmas and birthday are a little too close together for any four year-old to withstand. Nevertheless, it will always be a five-day celebration.

Claire and I watched the twins one day while the parents worked. We totally had control and they were so good and we were so pleased with ourselves. We went for a long walk, played Candyland, Ladybug, Hiss and Feed the Kitty. Then we put puzzles together and watched Shrek. That and a nap took care of the day. Of course, when their parents walked in the door they suddenly were very needy. I don’t know why parents have such a negative effect on their children but it feels great to say, “We had no problems with them at all.”

We are waiting for the photos of your trip. It sounds like you were on a ship much of the time. I am anxious to get to CA not to see Bonnie Hunt but to see my cousins and the sunshine. Nancy reports the Palm Springs weather to be 75 degrees which certainly beats our cold rainy drizzle. Get your summer clothes packed and be ready for tennis, golf, hiking and biking.