Feb. 28, Thursday - Meeting up with Family & Chickens

After our stay in San Francisco, we headed into the Valley via train and car to visit with Jon's sister, Betsy and her family for a few days. Our train ride was interesting with all of our luggage and two kids with one transfer to another train in the middle. It took a little bit to get situated but thankfully both Brianna and Carl slept part of the way. We rode the train to the end of the line, where Betsy and Justin were waiting for us to bring us the rest of the way to their house. We get to play with cousin Justin when he comes to Minnesota but this was a chance for us to visit him at his house! We were thrilled that it worked out to visit, it's always nice to have an excuse (the conference) to see family. 

One of the cool things Justin had to show us were the chickens in his backyard! It was pretty much immediate. Brianna quickly grasped the concept and at any given time, she was asking if she could go out and see the chickens. And one in particular caught her eye, Hoppy, who had one lame leg. She always wanted to go out and make sure Hoppy, or as she called her jumper or hopper, was doing alright and not being bothered by the other chickens or if she was feeling ok. 

It was beautiful weather while we were there. Still on the cooler side but with the sun shinning, just perfect. Once we got to their house, most of the pictures ended up being of the chickens... sorry about that. But it does sum up really well what the kids did! Carl learned pretty fast too that being outside and looking at chickens, or playing on their play-set was awesome. They had fun outdoor toys, trucks, and a tractor that could keep him busy for a long time.

We were not without puppy love once we got to their house. They have a big dog, Koty, much bigger than Eko (I think Betsy said around 150, Eko's 90 lbs). He was gentle with the kids and I think Carl loved having him around!

But of course, back to the main event of the day... Chickens! As evening approached, Brianna even had a chance to feed the chickens. That was exciting. She thought it felt weird, but anything to help her friend Hoppy!

We even got in some informational reading in before dinner on one of Justin's favorite topics!

Then, after the sun went down and the chickens had gone to bed, it was the indoor play, which was just as fun! Here they are with their homemade microphones playing a little game with Aunt Betsy. I think it went something like this, "If you eat the tomatoes then you wiggle in your carseat." I don't quite remember all the "If, then" statements they were creating but it sure brought out the giggles!

I was so blessed by Betsy during our stay. She is accustomed to modifying recipes for Justin's allergies, but on top of his we added gluten to the mix, making meal times just a little more interesting. But, Betsy was ready and willing to make food that was Brianna and Carl, as well as, Justin safe. She had meal ideas prepared and even a yummy stew in the crockpot for dinner our first night. Here's a story that Betsy wrote on her blog that I just love and want to keep for our memories too...

Brianna and Carl are allergic to gluten, so I dusted off my gluten-free flours and recipes for their visit. The first night, I set down a basket of fresh-from-the-oven gluten-free dinner rolls. Brianna looked up at me and asked-with her eyes big and round, "Aunt Betsy, do you have any gyuten fwee bwead?" It blessed my heart to be able to smile and tell her that the basket I just put down was gluten free!   

The rolls were delicious, and the interaction was so sweet. Thank you Betsy for thinking of us and finding great recipes for our meals. Again, it blessed us and I know the kids had so much fun at Aunt Betsy and Uncle Dave's house!

Brianna got to sleep in cousin Justin's room and Carl, well, he got to sleep on the floor by mom and dad. Everyone went to bed well and we were thankful for a little quite before bed too. We needed our sleep for another day of adventures with family!