Vacation in Minnesota

It’s been a very nice week so far at Grandma and Grandpa’s house here in Minnesota. Grandma and Grandpa are actually my parents, Olive and Elaine Westman, but with the kids now, we’re always going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house.  It’s been very relaxing, with very little going on.  We arrived Tuesday night, and had some sloppy joes with the family. My sisters, Barb and Sharon were here, along with my sister-in-law Donna and the girls, Tori, Julia and Caitlin, and Sharon’s husband Roberto.  Emily had been spending a few weeks here, so it was nice to see her again! Emily and Jillian, Sharon’s daughter, Jillian and Emily had prepared a special birthday song and dance for Olivia, so we were treated to our first performance of the week.

Wednesday and Thursday were both very relaxing days, with nothing much going on. Grandma made us a delicious breakfast both mornings, and then we just spent the day relaxing at the house, playing games, Wii, reading, and taking it easy. It really has felt like a true vacation.

Friday we went over to Jeanette’s house and spent the day with Jessica, Mike and Josie; Sarah Rose and Rebecca; and Jeanette. It was bitter-sweet since it was the first gathering on Tina’s side of the family without Jerome. His presence was missed greatly!  We had a fun time playing ladderball and other outdoor games.  We had a great lunch, and then steaks and burgers on the grill for dinner.

Today is Saturday, and it’s a special day since it’s Olivia’s 7th Birthday! She spent the night at Jillian’s house, so I haven’t even seen her yet! But, we’re celebrating Grandpa’s 87th birthday, and Olivia’s 7th birthday later this afternoon.  Tina is making some nice signs to hang up for her birthday.

My Dad actually just finished writing a book about his life called “From Arrowheads to Golf Balls”. For years now, we’ve always asked him to write his stories down that he would share with us.  Well, he finally did, and it’s been so neat to read about his childhood and our ancestry. He tells about how my great-great-grandparents (on both sides) came over from Sweden and settled here in this area. It’s been amazing to read about our family heritage, and even back then the dependence on God, and the faith of our fore-fathers. So cool!

We head home tomorrow late morning. It’s been a great week! It’s always frustrating when resources are tight on vacation, but God always provides what we need. I know He’ll provide a way for us to get the gas we need to get home tomorrow, for food along the way, and to make it to Wednesday.