Wed., March 26

Been kinda busy lately... We left NC Saturday evening after several delays we finally got on the road around 7:15pm. We ran into some sleet and snow around Beckley, WV. Bob tried to run us out of gas 30 min. from Parkersburg, WV ... it was after 1am and we were running on fumes but we made it to a gas station just in time. We arrived at my parents house (Heath, OH) around 2:30am and Skylar and Dylan decided that they wanted to eat and be up after sleeping so much in the truck. GREAT! So Bob ran up to White Castle and got them some mozerella cheese sticks and also ran to Wal-mart as we did not pick up the kids Easter baskets before we left NC. So once he got back and the kids ate they seemed to settle down pretty quick and soon fNoell fast asleep. Got up around 9am, slowly got everyone else up, got the kids a bath and dressed and got ready for Easter. Grandma of course had an egg hunt prepared and gifts for the kids. Dad went and picked up Aunt Nancy and Aunt Susan and Uncle Bill showed up later. Rebekah was sick so Gavin came alone and we all crammed in around Mom's famous dining room table. I can't wait until we move closer so we can have everyone over and they can all cram in around my dining room table. Went to Tollie's later and had dinner with the Culver's not much else happened that night.
Monday Bob went and spent some time with Jessica and Laynie alone, and when I asked him how it felt to be a grandpa and he said it felt great, and I could tell that he was tearful as it was an overwelling experience for him. The kids and I got to go over later and visit but since Laynie was sick they couldn't touch her. I was shocked that they actually listened and were very good, not making alot of noise and running around like they normally do. I was very proud of them and made sure they knew how good they were being. Just normal visiting the rest of the time that we were there. Went out to Joe's Crab Shack with my sister in law Tollie and her boyfriend Brian one night. Nothing much else exciting happened, everyone working while we are on vacation, it is hard to try and plan vacations and visits with family unless you live close I suppose but unfortunately this is not something I am used to but am hoping that within the next two years I will be able to plan birthdays and weekend visits and all sorts of things with my family.

You know growing up all those years not having my family around you would think that it doesn't affect me as much as it does. But it does I guess especially now that I have my own family and knowing the kind of things that myself and my sister missed out on. Having your cousins around you all the time being able to spend more time with your grandparents and aunts and uncles. I know just because you live near your family or atleast in the same state doesn't mean that you will get to do these things on a regular basis but I am guessing that it would be more than once a year. Gavin don't get upset cause I didn't mention you but you did get to move to Ohio when you were still young I know it is not the same as living there your whole life but I still think you benefitted more than Heather and I. I love you Bro and miss you more and more every day. Just remember that and be good otherwise I'll hunt you down and kick your a**. LOL (on my moped no doubt)