Surprise Visit!

For about a month, I had a big secret to keep from Merrilee.  It wasn't easy, since this child manages to pick up on every clue and usually discovers secrets whether she wants to or not.  I had to do my best not to give it away, and a couple of times I thought I might have lost the fight, but secrecy did prevail, and Merrilee had the surprise of her life!

Last year we had planned to have our friends from Maryland, Katie and her three children Walt, Libby, and Annalee, come and visit, but things fell through and we were all so disappointed.  This year I decided to keep it a secret from Merrilee, and Katie and I plotted and planned to make it happen.  We even planned it down to how we were going to take photos when Merrilee answered the door.

The big day came two weeks ago, and sure enough, Merrilee was thunderstruck!  I was afraid she had figured it out because the day before she asked me if Katie and I had made plans for them to visit this summer.  But it was just an innocent question and she never knew.

Merrilee and Annalee were dear friends before we moved, and it was priceless to see them enjoy their time together again.  Merrilee has really missed having such a close friend.

Katie and the kids only stayed for two nights, but we packed in as much as we could.  We took the kids to the aquarium and the zoo, played in the pool for hours, and Merrilee and Libby even attempted piano/harp duets.

Jacob and Walt got to share bunk beds and Jacob really enjoyed having another boy in the house.

Libby also seemed taken with Katie Mei, and even remarked how much she loved feeling like a big sister.

Katie, we already miss all of you all over again, and hope we can do this once again next year.  Thanks for taking the time to come down here and stay with us!