We decided to leave as soon as we were awake on Friday morning and make our first stop near Tahlequah, Oklahoma where my father-in-law and his family grew up. I have been in touch with Stephen's aunt, Sandra, on Facebook. She has been so wonderful and is just in LOVE with Jesstine. So, we asked if she and Gilbert (Stephen's uncle), would like for us to drop by. We drove by the home where my father-in-law grew up. I can't imagine how much it has changed in the eyes of my husband or his dad and dad's brothers. I noticed a change and I have only seen it on three or four different occasions. Here are some pictures of what was waiting for us:
This is a quilt that Sandra made for SPECIAL for Jesstine! It is AMAZING! The pictures don't do it justice. It is a masterpiece! I remember this quilting pattern from when I was a little girl. It is a pattern that is a classic. It is called Sun Bonnet Sue. There are the little touches that make it special. It shows some of Jesstine's personality with some of the things she likes best (for instance the soccer ball in the center square). Then there is the fact that some of the fabric on this quilt is actually from the collection of fabric that Jesstine's Great Grandmother, Jessie, (part of her namesake as well) used in her own quilting! There is a little letter attached to the corner that Sandra wrote for Jesstine describing the different aspects of it!
Another look (and thank you Sandra for the pictures).
Jesstine LOVED rolling around on it! I hope she appreciates the significance of it someday. Stephen and I certainly appreciate Sandra's thoughtfulness in making this for our little Jesstine!!
Making herself at home on Sandra and Gilbert's couch!
Along with the beautiful quilt, Sandra and Gilbert teamed up and created a doll bed for Jesstine, complete with mattress and doll quilt! Dumpty really appreciated this! Jesstine even tried to climb in it! She will NOT be doing that again!
Another shot of the quilt!
I think this was after lunch when Jesstine was SO tired!After lunch, Jesstine, Stephen and Gilbert went for a walk. I had recently bought Jesstine a pair of rain boots like she has been begging for for 6 months! It started to rain so they came inside. Jesstine was inside for maybe 10 mins. and was really restless, so Gilbert took her outside! Below is the picture we got just before we left. Jesstine and Gilbert had a blast playing outside!! Can't wait to go back again!
Uncle Gilbert, Aunt Sandra and Jesstine.
Jesstine playing in the arch at the end of the beautiful walkway leading up to Gilbert and Sandra's GORGEOUS house!
This is on the van ride to our next destination. Jesstine was fussing because she wasn't going to get to watch a DVD. I was trying to get a picture of her pouty face.Anyone who has ever traveled with us or heard of our travels knows that Jesstine does NOT sleep well in the car! We weren't optimistic, but she was pretty tired. With in a few moments, this is what I saw! Amazingly this happened not once, but TWICE on our trip. She slept for about an hour after seeing Gilbert and Sandra and then again on our trip home today.
After going to Gilbert and Sandra's, we went to Stephen's brother's house in Broken Arrow. My sister-in-love invited me to a lady's dinner Friday night (which I really enjoyed). Then Saturday we all trekked out into the cold to watch my nephews, Noah and Ian, play their final soccer games of the season. We enjoyed an evening at their house while Ian had a birthday party to attend. Then we all got up Sunday morning and headed to church! The kids all had a blast together! It amazes me the bond that Jesstine and Ian have! She has a great bond with Noah and Connor too, but Ian and her are two peas in a pod! We had such a great time but you always know you have had a great "vacation" when you are glad to be home. The whole trip home, Jesstine kept saying, "Want to go home, Mommy!" When we sat down to dinner, she said, "Want to go Aunt Jenni house." LOVE that girl!
In Him,
Lacie
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