My youngest sister and her family have blown in for the weekend. We get to visit with them two or three times a year, and they have managed to carve out three and a half days in their busy schedules to share with us.

The girls are sixteen (next week) and fifteen (in a couple of months). I suspect that those of you who have raised kids understand how challenging it can be to find free time in their lives so that they can make a trip like this. Their parents are just as busy.
They drove up yesterday and we loafed through the afternoon, chatting and catching up on everyone’s lives. I had planned Spinach Salad for dinner, knowing that we had teens who don’t do green. I added a roasted chicken breast to the mix, so that people could add it to the salad, or make sandwiches, if they wished. No one went hungry! The youngest helped me with a summer fruit salad, and her mom produced a homemade tart cherry pie for dessert!
Things got off to a quiet start this morning for everyone by my sis and me. We went out to weed for 90 minutes, and you should see those gardens now! WOW….she’s good!
Once everyone was up and about, Dear Husband shuffled them off to the boat. They’ll sail this afternoon, have a catered dinner, perhaps wander through a Taste of Chicago or the new Millennium Park, and then watch the fireworks from the boat. The plan is to stay on the boat tonight, and then drive home tomorrow. I hope the swells are gentle and that they make it through the night comfortably.
Tomorrow, when they return, we’re all making a trip to visit Dear Husband’s daughter and her family for an afternoon barbecue. I bet our guests will be worn out when they finally get home. I think they’ll be with us for breakfast on Tuesday morning, before it’s time for them to head out.
Ellie, the beagle is keeping Elegant Mother and me company while everyone else is away for the day. She’s doing her absolute beagle best to look mournful, having been left behind by her family. We’ve been without Defer for a year now, so we’re having to work to remember our furry guest’s needs. Elegant Mother has discovered that ALL the wastebaskets have to be put out of reach or her living room will be strewn with tissues!
I hope that all of you have a wonderful Fourth of July celebration. Keep in mind WHY we celebrate. May freedom be protected and ring through out our land forever!