More Surprise Visitors

Out of the blue I got a phone call that my long time friend Helen, her husband Dave, and there sweet daughter- ‘baby Rosie’ as my son calls her were going to be in town picking up some tires they found on craigslist and they would be available to stop in for a few minutes. Awesome! They only had a few minutes but it was just enough time for Caelun to get a bunch of hugs and kisses in on baby Rosie. This child LOVES babies. He loves them so much he will try to hug and kiss any one he sees any where, any time- the grocery store, the park, a restaurant, etc.. regardless if he knows them at all. It has made for a few awkward moments as I am profoundly apologizing regarding his spontaneous affection toward a baby in the check out line at the grocery store. Luckily for him Helen and Rosie were amendable to his overtures.

Notice the MO- no pants and the beloved boots- I guess every one has to have a ‘look’ right?

Rosie wasn’t to sure about that kiss.. hmmm

Maybe if we turn her around so she can see it coming- less of a sneak attack so to speak.

That’s better.

I can’t blame him- such a cute little face I want to hug and kiss her too.

A visit from the Turmos the day after the 4th

“Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you
should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and
lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people
who knew you when you were young.” Mary Schmich from Wear Sunscreen

Melissa and I danced together in the same studio when we were kids and then in the same ballet company, FBT, when we were in high school. Clint, Joel ,and  I all went to the same community college, Montcalm Community College. Melissa, Joel, and I all attended and graduated from Central Michigan University together.  Melissa and I danced in 2 companies at CMU a hip hop company – Shades Of Ebony and a modern company – Orchesis together. That is a lot of paths crisscrossing across years. Twenty years and four children later we manage to keep in touch. The day after the 4th they just happened to be in the neighborhood- from Florida- (wink) and we had a wonderful dinner off the grill.

Nothing says summer like corn o the cob.

Joel is so tolerant as Caelun lines up the cups.

Turmos and bubbles

Surprise! Surprise! Our dear college friends, Joel and Melissa Turmo and their wonderful boys, who now reside in the sunny state of FL, popped in unannounced. Melissa and I danced in the same dance company in high school and then again in college at CMU. Joel, Clint and I all went to the same community college. Joel, Melissa and I all graduated from CMU. As you can see we have a long history with connections on several levels. We boring adults sat and talked while our boy and their boys played with bubbles. It was fabulous to catch up even if it was just for a few hours. Yeah for unexpected surprises!

 

The bubble gun shot in the air.

 

Caelun loves the bubbles the big boys make.

 

Way to represent Central Michigan University for a room full of CMU grads.- and we didn’t even know they were coming.

    

Clint helps retrieve toys from under the couch.

Yeah for old friends from out of town dropping by.

Out of Town Visitors

Some old friends found their way to our little burg. The Turmo family- Joel, Melissa, David, and Andrew. Indulge me with a trip through twenty- plus years. Melissa and I danced for the same studio and also for FBT back in Flint when I was in high school. Joel went to community college with Clint, Dawn and I - we were all on Student Senate. After MCC, Dawn and I went to CMU, Clint went to MSU, and Joel went to a private Lutheran College ( I can't remember the name- Joel let me know and I will up date it). Joel then left that school and joined a traveling theater group called Covenant Players traveling through out the country and eventually over seas to Europe preforming at churches along the way. Mean while Melissa came to CMU and we were re-connected through the dance company Shades of Ebony (we were some of the lighter shades) and eventually Orchesis. Joel left covenant Players and came to CMU. I introduced him to Melissa and the rest is history to to speak. Actually Joel, Melissa, Dawn, and I all graduated from CMU. Joel and Melissa got married, and Joel went to Western to go to grad. school for occupational therapy, (Clint is doing his grad. work at WMU now as well- Melissa, Dawn, and I probably shouldn't talk to either one of them considering they are Broncos). Melissa started writing for a newspaper using her journalism degree, Dawn took a teaching job, and I went to grad. school a CMU. At this time Clint graduated from MSU, got married, moved to NH, moved back, started working at Munson Hospital, and had Abby. Time went on, Joel took a job at the University of Wisconsin at Appleton, I got married, took the teaching job at Forest Hills, Dawn changed teaching jobs from Ashley to Breckenridge. Joel and Melissa had David and then Andrew. Clint got divorced. I got divorced. Clint and I got married. Clint took a teaching job with KCTC. We had Caelun. Joel then attended seminary in TN, to become an Episcopal priest. He was just ordained in May and assigned a church in Boca Raton FL. Before beginning his assignment they took a month to go visit everybody, thus landing in Cedar Springs. It is hard to believe that these four other people have been on this adventure with me on and off for twenty years now. Melissa and I have know each other even longer. I don't feel that old. Such is life. I am excited to get to listen to Joel's sermons via the web- especially since we had the same public speaking teacher back at MCC. In fact, Joel, Clint and I all had Pastoor- Dawn I did you have him or Fatka? I think it is funny that the four of us are making our living public speaking- three teachers and a preacher- who would have thunk?

Joel re-locates Andrew who thought our ladder looked inviting.

Melissa and Clint get acquainted.

My dad checks out "the college kids" with now graying hair.

Dawn keeps Caelun entertained
Melissa and David get ready to eat lunch.

Andrew checks out the beginning of our tree house
Joel helps set out the food- they brought potato salad- yum!
Everybody catches up

Aunt Dawn keeps Caelun entertained.

Joel admires our new fence
David enjoys the yard.


Look the flowers match David's shirt.
Yum cheese puffs- Aunt dawn you are the best!
Even better cheese puffs on daddy's head!