Mini-Family Reunion

Dear Family -
Since my last post on 6-13-08, the magical memories of summer days continue with lots of playfulness -- and great get-togethers. Being with Riley is the Best!!! Of course, she constantly tells me "grandma, you're the best!" -- and I agree with her whole-heartedly. I AM the best around her, because she makes it totally easy to laugh and play all day long. I was reading her a pretty little bedtime story titled "Cat Heaven" -- and, of course, she kept asking me if that was where Asia (Nicholle's 18 year old kitty that passed away a couple of years ago) was now. So, I said, yes, she was in Cat Heaven....and Riley said "Maybe she'll come back!!!" -- in the most excited tone of voice -- and threw herself down on the bed, and said "That will be the best day of my life!"
She says that a lot. When we were driving to New Hampshire the next day to visit Erin, Justin, LInda and Myers -- we passed a llama farm, and Matt called Riley's attention to them......once again, she said in her high-pitched voice --"Oh, wow - I've never seen a llama -- this is the best day of my life!" And I'm telling you, anyone nearby FEELS LIKE IT'S THE BEST DAY OF THEIR LIVES! Her enthusiasm is thrillingly contagious!
We had a beautiful trip through the Green Mountains of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire for aobut 2-1/2 hours, and there was Erin waving to us at the end of her loooooong driveway.
Justin already had the grill going for lunch, and Linda and Myers were there, also! Everyone was dressed in their summer whites! It was cool and beautiful weather. We enjoyed delicious grilled burgers, a great bean salad and mixed fruit -- all prepared by Erin and Justin. Then we lit the candles on a scrumptious double-chocolate cake and sang Happy Bitthday to Myers! Riley was the only one who got a "present" -- as Aunt Linda had found yet another lady bug gift, that was a darling silver mylar kite with a big ladybug on the front. She unwrapped it immediately and wanted to see it fly -- but, not quite enough wind.....so, she came inside and gave the kite to Myers, sitting comfortably in an easy chair and said "hold it up!" .... then she ran back and forth holding the string holder and letting it out more and more and callin g to Myers "Hold it higher, , higher!" -- you never tell Riley something can't be done.
We all piled in 2 cars and Erin led the way into Hanover to show us around Dartmouth campus.
It's such a lovely New England town -- full of historical houses and teeming with collegians. We New Yorkers finally had to say goodbye at about 7pm and wended our way back over the hills to Saratoga. We're looking forward to seeing the New Hampshirians in New York -- and returning to visit them at peak leaf-peeping season!
Happy Thoughts to all,
Camille