Isn't it interesting how family is always so important, but taken for granted so often at the same time. Mike is the youngest of five children. With all five kids having families of their own and busy lives, seeing one another does not happen often enough. Yesterday we had the good fortune to spend the late afternoon and evening at Mike's sister, Debbie's house with her family. Debbie's husband Greg grilled hamburgers and we helped him roast hot dogs over the open fire. We tried to get the kids to help out, but they were a little uncertain and did not get too close. Debbie and Greg's boys, Cory (graduated from high school last year) and Chad (in high school), joined us for dinner and then we all went swimming. Ryan jumped in the water time and time again like he has done before, but Lydia and Emily joined in feet first! I have always been very comfortable in the water and a pretty strong swimmer. I hoped my children would enjoy the water and be strong swimmers themselves. We are planning on signing them up for swimming lessons, but are showing them things on our own at this point. Emily was jumping in the water over and over, jumping higher and higher each time she would jump. The first time she went under she swallowed some water, but after that first time she held her breath and did such a great job! We were so proud of her!! After finishing off the evening of great fun and fellowship, we shared a watermelon dried off and headed home. The kids passed out on the way home. It was a great time! Thank you Debbie and Greg!