Wonder Years with Chris and Wendy

 Our second road trip of the summer was in September, and just a little bit shorter, clocking just over 2000 miles. I'd say it's time to give this poor car a rest.  We visited three good friends from different times in our lives. But, started this trip with a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA. Our favorite picture (below) is one he did of some of the first Peace Corps Volunteers. Chris got to meet the woman at the top, in the middle, just behind JFK. She was visiting the museum at the time.  Our next visit was with Joanne, another Peace Corps friend and one who holds a special place in both our hearts. Here she is with her granddaughter, Elaina.  Moving on from Massachusetts to Maine, we spent a few days with Ralph and Carol, more friends from Baltimore. One advantage of living in many different places: we have friends all over. We got to relax, visit a garden and watch the sunset from the balcony. Who could ask for anything more! Our final stop ...

In August, we traveled 2500 miles to visit family and friends, starting with a baby shower for our niece, Evelyn, in Grand Blanc, MI.  From there, we visited two friends in Michigan. Marcy, an old Peace Corps buddy and her husband Bill in Midland, MI and Katherine, a friend from our church in Baltimore, who now lives in Grand Rapids.  From there we drove through Canada to Western New York and saw more family and friends, Aunt Dot, Wendy's mom and some old friends, Debby and her husband, Ken. And our niece, Melanie, who is also expecting her first baby! And we finished off the trip with a brief visit with our daughter Lily and her son, Wes, north of Baltimore. And a final visit with Chris' brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Susie in Pennsylvania.  A long trip, but so good to see so many family members and friends! Evelyn's baby, Paul, was born on September 30. We think he is beautiful!Congratulations to the parents, Evelyn and Brian.