Busy Monday

Today Will and I both worked a half-day, so we could get everything ready for Aunt Donelda's visit. For the west coast friends and family, Donelda is Will's Aunt from Florida. She was married to Grandma Liz's brother, Ed. Uncle Ed sadly passed away a few months ago from cancer. I only met him once, but Will was very close to him and always has so many great things to say about him. After meeting Ed and Donelda, I instantly liked both of them and was very excited to get to know them better. I am sad not to get that chance with Ed, but I feel that through his family that so respected and loved him I am definitely getting to know the sort of person he was. After his passing, there was a site for people to read about Ed and to leave comments. I looked through quite a few of them and there were people leaving comments from all over the globe. His life touched so many and he accomplished so much. Will and I were so impressed and inspired. My heart goes out to all of the Gallagly's and Brack's that lost a wonderful man.



Donelda is currently driving the eastern states on her way to Canada to visit her family. We are so glad she could stop by for a visit. We had some fancy cheese and wine at our place first. I had a lot of fun picking out the cheeses and we got to try a new Chianti wine (both mine and Will's favorite) from Italy. It was a very good, dry wine.



Donelda looks amazing! For all that she has been through this past year, she really looks great! She was also in amazingly good spirits. Colin was very interested in her and the new books she brought him. She bought him an Elmo potty training book and a Thomas the Train book, both are the ones that have buttons that make sounds. Colin LOVES them!! He pushes the buttons that play music and starts clapping. Then looks at us to let us know it is our turn to clap, so cute!



Liz and Michael were able to make the trip up as well. Michael's cat Missy, passed away today. She lived a very long life for a cat. Michael has had her since he was in pre-school and now he is 21.



We all went to Red Robin for dinner. We thought a kid friendly place would be easier than a fancy place, Donelda agreed and thought everyone is in need of a good hamburger everyonce in a while. Dinner was great! Colin kept everyone entertained and ate a ton of food (as usual).



**Note** I started this on Monday, but was not able to finish it until this morning.



We had a great visit with Aunt Donelda, Grandma Liz and Uncle Michael! Thank you Donelda for making time in your travels to see us! We love you and hope to see you down in Florida soon!