My dad and his new wife Bonnie recently came for a visit. This was really my first opportunity to get to know Bonnie. Although I met her in California a few days before the wedding, we really didn't get too much of a chance to get to know each other. There were so many people around and of course, she was busy with wedding preparations. We mostly spent time getting to know her parents, quickly known as Grandpa Gene and Grandma Phyllis. What wonderful people they are and it was a pleasure to get to know them! Anyway, Dad and Bonnie arrived smack in the middle of our 4th of July party that we were hosting. They quickly made themselves at home and we began what would end up as a really enjoyable visit! We went to Phillips Park and Zoo, Navy Pier, Rainforest Cafe', Bubba Gumps, Beef-A-Roo (twice!) and even to a childhood favorite, Blackhawk Statue in Oregon, IL. Some of my favorite moments were picking mulberries at Lake Wabonsie, getting to see the Blackhawk Statue with my kids, seeing how happy my dad is and watching movies in the evening. But most of all, my favorite was watching my kids bond with their new grandma! I think that Bonnie fits in our family really well and I appreciate the fact that she really loves my kids! And on a more selfish note, I really enjoyed getting to know her as a friend/mom. I know that sounds weird to say so quickly after my own mom’s death, but my mom and I were never really that close. That’s not to say that I didn’t love her and that these past few months have been easy. It is extremely difficult to lose your mom, even if you weren’t great friends. In fact, in some ways it can be very hard because it’s confusing, frustrating and you often feel full of regret. The older I get and the more I think about my childhood, I realize that there was a lot that I wasn’t aware of and I have a bit more sympathy for my mom and some of the mistakes she made. But, it also makes me look a little closer at the things I do with or for my kids and try not to make those same mistakes. Anyway, that was a bit of a tangent! I am really thankful to the Lord for bringing Bonnie into all of our lives! Enjoy some pictures from their visit!