Surviving the girls' visit

Ok, Jon's daughters, Brittany 16 and Chelsea 14, came to visit us. Brittany could only stay for one week because of her school but Chelsea stayed for three weeks. Wow...it was quite an experience. They have been raised (if you can call it that) much different than Kirsten.

Don't get me wrong, we had lots of fun with them while they were here, but there was several serous conversations during their stay also. It also reminded Jon and I of just how precious our quiet house really is. lol

None of us had ever been to the Grand Canyon, so Jon and I decided that would be our family trip. The girls slept nearly the entire way there and it rained on us almost the entire way. But when we got there, the clouds parted and the skies cleared. It was truely beautiful. We were all glad that we had made the long drive.

Jon to be driving in that state of mind. But thank God, we made it home safely.

The drive home was hard because we were all worn out and tired. But also because the girls chose the ride home to talk with their dad and I about some very disturbing issues that had happened in their lives recently. We were proud that they felt safe and comfortable enough to discuss these issued with us, but Jon was driving. And that was not very safe for any of us, for

Jon took all of us to his work place for a personal tour. We were able to actually go down into the mine pit. It was exciting to see all of the big equipment up close. It was interesting, but very hot and the truck ride was very bumpy. The safety guy, Sam, gave Brittany, Chelsea and I each a piece of copper with the ASARCO name imprinted in it. I think Jon was more excited about that than either of us. lol

We took the girls ice skating one night and had a great time. Jon skated with them. I haven't ever ice-skated and it has been about 17 years since I have been on roller skates. There was no way they were going to get me out on ice. lol They did try, but it was never going to happen.

The rest of their visit was spent at home. Which was good because Jon really got to spend quality time with his girls. We all played board games, card games, checkers, watched movies and of course played on the computer. He has really missed them over the years. He has tired many times to get them but his ex-wife always came up with some reason why they could not visit. After spending time with them he could really see just how much they needed him in their lives, if only for structure and decipline.

All in all the visit with Brittany and Chelsea was a good experience. We love them very much and would love to have them again soon.