New Sammi and Family Pictures

Kelly and I had a really great drive up to Vermont yesterday. Things were somewhat subdued at first by Jason's decision to stay home but God blessed us with good fellowship and traveling mercies for the duration of the trip.

We arrived in Rutland (Indian for "Snow Everywhere") right around dinner time. Boy! Were we surprised at how big Sammi has gotten in two months! She greeted us at the door with a big smile and standing on her own two feet! Luckily we got a picture of this amazing event (she's not terribly steady, being less than three months old). I have been assured by some baby experts that Sammi is gifted and progressing way beyond the norm for a 'young adult' here age. She insisted on wearing something 'a little special' for the occasion and we all agreed that her choice was seasonally appropriate. Her personal fashion consultant at 'Babies Are Us' a very exclusive boutique with locations in Miami, New York and Los angeles, among other places)helped her pick it out.

Todd made some killer Country Fried Steak and followed it up with even more dangerous-to-your-waistline Apple Pie. He's quite a cook and dinner was superb! Desert was deliciously deadly! Worse yet, the remainder of the pie sits on the counter.....taunting us, open and vulnerable to any well implemented plan to mount a late-night, unexpected assault upon it flaky crust and juicy filling. We're strategising even as I write this note.

It was great to see the family. We got a chance to get caught up during dinner and
then spent a sweet evening opening gifts and chatting each other up. Sammi was openly moved when she opened her new hanging elephant thingy and was particularly excited over her 'Baby Einstein' gift even though her Grandfather is firmly convinced that she has already progressed beyond the point that someone as limited in his capabilities as Einstein would be able to adequately challenge her.

In the morning, Ruth produced another temptation.....fruitcake! Yes, I'm guilty of actually enjoying it. I had the opportunity to sit with her while we had some with coffee. This time alone made the ten hour drive worth it. I'm so thankful for the woman God is making her into.

We'll be here until Friday, then we head home.