Sharing Them With the World

Today was a big, big day in Sylvia and Charlie's lives -- the first day of Kindergarten! I visited each of them last night to give them a big good luck hug and a little treat to celebrate the eve of the big day. As excited as they are to start this journey called school, I keep thinking about the fact that now they must be "shared." All of a sudden Rach/Sylvain and Matt/Jenn will be living by school schedules, sports, and activities that may not always revolve around the family. Little by little, they will need mom and dad less as they make new friends and learn the ways of the world. It has to happen and it's a healthy thing to happen; many parents with challenged children would love to have kids who could "do for themselves." But I know this was such a hard time for me when Rach and Jordan were no longer just mine, and I no longer called all the shots. I had to start wielding to their schedules and take time with their homework and be sure they got to their activities/sports. Much of it was fun, don't get me wrong. But it's just that pulling away feeling that pulls at the heart.

There will no doubt be lots of times in the next 13+ years of school when they will want nothing to do at all with mom and dad and being anywhere but home sounds like a good idea. But God willing, they will all come out at the other end as beautiful, kind, caring adults who will then some day be sad when their babies start growing up. I keep saying I just want the world to be nice to them; I want everyone in the world to love them as much as I do, which I know can't happen. But I'm certain of one thing, Charlie and Sylvia are loved tremendously by a whole lot of people, not just mom/dad/brothers/sisters, but all the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. They are loved and will always have a place to go if times get tough. And if that's not enough, God loves them even more than all that, since they are God's children too.

So today was their first real day of going out into the world. I wrote on their balloons last night something I really hope they will remember every day -- Be Kind, Have Courage, Work Hard. That's what they need to do each day, and Grammy needs to pray each day that world will treat them well. God bless our precious babies as we share them with the world.

Sylvi-Pie is Five

Sylvia. Sweet Sylvi-pie. She's melted my heart from the day she was born. And I can't believe it's been five years already, that we drove to Louisville in the middle of the night in a horrible lightning storm to see her make her grand entrance. It was the first time I'd really seen a baby born (except maybe a few animals in the country when I was a kid). I didn't see my own babies born, since I made sure they turned that big mirror away so I wouldn't have to look at that "mess down there." But when it was my daughter giving birth, it was a different story. I barely made it in time, after Jay dropped me at the ER entrance and a wonderful security guard ran with me down the hall and pointed the way to L&D. But I made it, and at that moment, I got a new title, Grammy. And, I was surprised and so honored when Rachael and Sylvain announced after the birth that her name was Sylvia Joyce. I have a namesake! Such a sweet thing for them to do.


Sylvia is a delight, smart, silly, and oh so girly. She is a wonderful big sister, and has a heart of gold. I love the little lady she is turning into and she loves to try new things, because "she is not afraid of anything!" I praise God for bringing her into the world and into my life. I think He has grand plans for her. But mostly I hope his plan involves being a good, kind person. I got to see the new Cinderella movie with her and Margot, and Rach and her friend, and I hope Sylvia always remembers the part where Cinderella's mom tells her to always "have courage, and be kind." That's what I want for her, and all my grandkids.


Rachael made sure Sylvia's 5th birthday was a big deal. She wanted a Frozen birthday, so I did my best at making a Frozen cake. I think it turned out okay, but to her it was the best cake ever! And she had the best birthday ever with her preschool friends all invited to a little party at her house. Then on Easter Sunday, her birthday (along with mine and Matt's) was celebrated again. And to top it off, Rachael gave her a special surprise ON her birthday, with tickets to see the broadway play Lion King. Not only was she going to see the play, but her and mommy were going to a "fancy" restaurant first. What a special night that was for her, and for Rachael too. Times like these will never be forgotten by one little girl who just turned five, and one special little mommy who will soon turn 34. I love both these girls to pieces!

Easter Memories

I don't have a whole lot of memories of time spent with my grandmothers. Most of my memories of them were that they were old farm women, in cotton dresses and aprons, and often bonnets when out in the fields. My mom's mother died when I was pretty young, about 5 years old I think, so my memories of her are pretty vague. I really don't remember her spending time with us at all. I have many more memories of Grandma Neltner, since our first house was built on their farm, then when we moved to a bigger house, it was just up the road. Since we lived so close to grandma and grandpa Neltner, we often got to do farm things, like help throw potatoes on the trailer after they were dug up, or jump off the roof of the pigpen and ride the pigs. I remember often watching grandpa milk the cows, and he'd love to squirt us until we screamed and ran out of the barn. (Maybe he didn't really want us there!). But one of my favorite things to do was help grandma gather eggs in the chicken coop. She'd have her basket, or sometimes just use her apron, and I'd love to see how many of those little treasures awaited us. At Easter, grandma had a special night when the girl cousins (me and my 2 sisters and the 3 Hartig girls) would go to her house to color eggs. I remember a kitchen table covered in newspaper and huge pots of boiled, farm fresh eggs and we'd have a ball dying those beautiful eggs! Every Easter I think of those long ago Easters and coloring eggs with grandma. I used to have Tyler and Abby dye eggs with me when they were little. But now I'm so thrilled to have my own grandkids to share the fun with! This year Sylvia and Margot came over to help and they did an awesome job. These girls are turning into such little sweethearts and they really seem to have so much fun together! I love nothing more than to hear their sweet giggles and squeals and to hear about their love for everything Frozen and Hello Kitty. So, some day when they are dying Easter eggs with their children and then grandchildren, I hope they will think back about the Easters they spent at Grammy's house coloring eggs and telling stories about Elsa and Anna.

Mom's Story, and Happy Birthday!

She was only 35 years old when the world came crashing in on her. Seven months pregnant with her 6th child, and her husband is killed in a car crash. This one event is what has defined my mom's entire life, and the lives of all of us, her kids. To say she is a strong woman is an understatement. How many women could go on after such a tragedy? How many women would have turned to alcohol or drugs just to get through the day? But not mom, she was cut from a different cloth. She not only found a way to go on, she found a way to raise those kids, all alone, to be kind, thoughtful and caring people (no brag, just fact). I've always been especially impressed with the fact that she was able to raise two boys alone, and neither one of them were ever any trouble. They had every reason to be delinquents and to use the fact that they were fatherless to be druggies and slackers and to run wild. But mom made us all tow the line, even the boys, and that in itself is a testament to how she parented. Sometimes I think back to those early years, right after dad died. I remember now and then when one of dad's friends or brother or brother-in-law would stop in, I could see mom trying to not cry in front of us kids. She wanted to be strong for us. But as an adult, you realize how her heart was just broken. Not only did she grieve for the loss of the love of her life, but lived with the constant worry that maybe she couldn't do it alone, or God forbid should something happen to her. I remember shopping with her at Mesh's on Monmouth Street in Newport (with 6 kids in tow) and she ran into someone she knew. Of course, whenever she ran into friends or family, they always asked how she was getting along. I distinctly remember that shopping trip and hearing her tell the woman that her prayer now was that God would let her live long enough to raise these kids. Until I heard that, it never occurred to me that we could be orphaned, and it scared me to death. I was terrified when she just went down the road, a mile away, after dark and left me and my older sister to take care of the kids. If she were gone more than an hour or so, I was certain she was laying in a ditch; that she too was dying in a car crash. I'd so often call grandma's house just to ask grandma if mom had left yet because one of the little ones was fighting or something; all I really needed to know was that she really was still there and that she would be home eventually. She was still alive. That's how a nine-year-old thinks. That 35 year old woman turned 85 years old on May 9th. She's never remarried, never even dated. As adults, I'm sure all of us kids wish she had found someone else to share her life with. But looking back, if that had happened, who knows how it would have turned out? We may have had a horrible step dad, the boys may had turned into those delinquents after all. In the end, mom literally gave up her life for us. We all say we would do anything for our kids, we'd give our very lives for our kids. Well, mom really did. She may not have found another husband, but I truly think she followed Gods plan; she gave it all for her six kids. And those kids have always lived near her and have all married and have families of their own. She's been blessed with 16 grandkids (18 if you could my two stepchildren) and 6 great-grandkids (9 if you could my step-grandkids). These have been her blessings. I think God has blessed her abundantly for giving her life for her kids; she is surrounded by three generations of family who love her and owe their lives to her. Happy 85th Mom! You done good.

A Little Boy Baptised

Yesterday was Albert's baptism, on the last day of Christmas. St. Patrick's is a beautiful church, and especially at Christmas time. Fr. Jeff VonLehman was one of the priests at St. Joe's years ago when the kids were in grade school and I always felt he made such a connection with his congregation, especially kids. So now that he's at St. Pat's, it is a dream come true! Rachael loved him as a little girl, and is thrilled that the kids get to know him too. He is so good with kids and embraces them and families, so it was a perfect combination for a beautiful Baptism. Probably my favorite part of Baptism with Fr. Jeff is that he asks the father to hold up their newly baptized baby to the church community and present him "Lion King style." It really is so beautiful to hold your child up high and have the congregation applaud the newest member of the church. Fr. Jeff was also so good at meshing the gospels, which happened to be about Christ's baptism, with Albert's baptism and kept mentioning him throughout the service, calling him Albert the Great. Adorable little Albert is always so laid back, and he was just that throughout the Mass. Even during the pouring of the water (which they do in the middle of Mass in front of the whole congregation instead of after Mass with just the family) dear little Albert didn't make a peep. The girls were good too, and I'm just so thrilled that Rachael is building a beautiful little family and a beautiful life with Sylvain and her precious babies. I know she is on cloud nine living the life she always dreamed of. God has blessed her and all of us. But mostly, yesterday, God Blessed Baby Albert!

An Early Christmas with the Wee Ones

More than any gift in the world we could give or get, the gift of time with our family is the most precious. So, this year, Jay and I decided to take our family to Great Wolf Lodge as our "gift" to our kids/grandkids on the first Saturday in December. What a great decision!! With six grandkids from 5 months to 5 years, we knew this was going to be a very special magical Christmas. What can be more fun than the holidays with these kids who all have the wonder of Christmas in their eyes. What is more adorable than a 2-year-old spontaneously breaking out in song -- nothing! But here is how our weekend went, lest I forget some day. Great Wolf Lodge is a wonderful place with a huge indoor water park, and it's just north of Cincinnati so less than an hour away. The lodge lobby was transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland, with visits from Santa and Mrs. Clause and bedtime stories in the lobby at 8 p.m., complete with snow fall. So when entering at 1:00 on Saturday, our mouths dropped at the beauty of the place. We checked in to use the water park, even though the rooms would not be ready for check in until 4:00 (although we got in the rooms much earlier). I had in tow matching Christmas pajamas for all the adults and grandkids, as well as a couple of games for the little ones. We also had plenty of snacks and libations. (Rum and diet coke, no carbs! But still comes with a hangover -- oh well, it's the holidays!) The kids had a ball spending the afternoon in the water park, while I stayed in Matt/Jenn's room with Alex who was sleeping in my lap. When it was time for him to wake up, I was able to join in the fun in the water park. About that time Jenny (Bean) got there and also joined in the fun. Jordan is the only family member not there, as he was in Gatlinburg with a group of friends. :( After lots of water rides and slides, the worn out crew had pizza from the pizza place in the lodge for dinner, then headed back to our rooms for our Pajama Party! Everyone opened their wrapped gift of pajamas and put them on. Of course, grammy had little gift bags with coloring books and crayons and stickers and candy for each precious wee one. There was also Pin the Star on the Christmas Tree, and Christmas Trivia games. Little ones love anything that's a game, so they had a ball. Charlie and Sylvia worked hard at "decorating" the tree with stickers, while Margot and Claire were engrossed in their coloring projects. The best part of the evening was the adorable pictures we got of all the little ones in their Christmas pajamas, and even the family picture (minus Jordan) turned out awesome with everyone in their pjs. Before the night was over, the "old" kids headed to the bar in their jammies for a little adult partying. It was such a fun night for all of us! The next day check out was 11:00, but you could stay at the water park the entire day. Since Matt/Jenn's kids were exhausted, Jenn headed home with the kids after checkout. Jay had to take Matt to the airport about Noon, so that just left me and the Fasciottos at the water park until about 3:00. They all had a great family day in the water while I watched Albert on the side lines. I also got to get in the lazy river with the girls and we had a ball. All in all, I feel like this Christmas season has just been the best! We had so much fun being together at such a magical place for Christmas. I hope we can do something like this every year, or at least while the grandkids are still young enough to enjoy such a trip. WE ARE SO BLESSED.

More than 30 Years of Gingerbread Houses

It was time for the gingerbread house construction. I started making these way, way back when I was pregnant with Rachael, and my then boss got 4-5 of us together for a few years at her "house" in Indian Hill (really, it was like the Sound of Music mansion) to make gingerbread houses. She would have the gingerbread pieces made by a bakery and we'd all bring a bag of candy to share in decorating the houses. After we quit doing this at Brenda's house, I wanted to keep it up, so every year since then (maybe 1 or 2 were skipped along the way) there has been a gingerbread house in my home. I've had the same gingerbread recipe and pattern pieces to cut out for more than 30 years. The kids loved it growing up, Jordan probably more than Rachael. He was really quite good at constructing it so it wouldn't fall to pieces, and he and Rach both liked decorating. Jordan, the artist, always seemed to come up with something a little different each year, and I loved to watch him get into it. As they got older, I had to do a bit more coaxing to get them to join me in making the house, but somehow it always got done. Then when they moved out, there were a few years in there when I made it myself (not much fun). But thankfully, my sister moved in up the street and it wasn't long before Abby and Tyler were joining Aunt Joycie in the gingerbread house tradition. Now that they are "tweens" their enthusiasm has lessened, but that's okay because now there are the grandkids to join in the fun. I can probably handle 2 kids at a time, but more than that would be a disaster. So, the Saturday before Thanksgiving seemed like a great time to introduce Sylvia to the fine are of building a gingerbread house and I snuck her out while her sister took her nap. (I would have loved to have Charlie join us, but getting him out of the house without Claire would have been impossible, so for this year at least, just one grandkid.) Anyway, since Sylvia loves all things arts and crafts, this was an incredible craft project for her to work on. She did a great job, especially making the M&M sidewalk and sprinkling the powdered sugar snow on the roof. I don't think any of the other women I started this tradition with are still making gingerbread houses, and they'd probably think I was crazy doing it all these years. But it's just not Christmas to me without it. I'm so happy I have the next generation to join in on the fun, and I hope this continues for many more years, even after I'm gone. It's something I hope at least one of the kids will pass on as a fond memory of Grammy and, at least at Christmas time, they will be thinking of me.

Kicking off the Holidays

Today was a day to kick off both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Jay and I took the little girls to the Tom Turkey Sing Along at Music Hall with the Pops. The girls loved the ballerinas and the dancing turkeys and dancing food. Sylvia was also in awe of the beautiful big chandelier, since it is about 100 times bigger than the chandelier in her room. It was a fun little show, but we were very glad Charlie could not go (basketball game), as he would NOT have been fond of the ballerinas. Dancing ninja turtles, maybe, but not ballerinas.

After lunch at Grammy's, Margot went home to take a nap, and Poppie took Claire home to hang with Charlie and Alex for the day. So Sylvia and I made some chocolate chip cookies, and then Rach called to see if I wanted to go with her and the kids to Festival of Lights. Sylvain was working at the Reds for a wedding, so I jumped at the chance to spend the evening with my favorite little family. We got there early enough to see Santa (Sylvia wants Mulan and Pocahontas costumes and Margot wants a Frozen blanket and a story book) and the reindeer with not much of a line, and we also got to see the black light show. By the time we were leaving it was so packed you could hardly move, and the lines to get in at 7:15 were so long! It was the 1st night of FOL, and a pretty, mild night, so everyone had the same idea to get to the zoo. I'm just glad we got there early, because waiting in lines all night would not be my idea of a good time. So all in all it was a wonderful day of making memories with the grandkids. I still thank God every day that He brought Rach and her family back here to Northern Kentucky. I enjoy every minute I get to spend with any and all of the little ones, and I'm also so thankful that Rach/Sylvain and Matt/Jenn allow us to be with them so much. It's our greatest joy!

In the Presence of Princesses

I got to spend today with a couple princesses. The Children's Theater performed "Beauty and the Beast Jr." at The Taft today, and my almost 3-yr-old Claire and 4-1/2 (NOT 4!) year old Sylvia were my guests. These girls are all about princesses and were more than a little excited to get to wear their princess attire outside of Grammy's house or their own homes. They got to go OUT as princesses, and no boys allowed, and what could be better! Some think this is silly and just too "girly" and teaches them to wait for their knight in shining armor to sweep them away to a wonderful world of castles and kingdoms -- and I say let them be princesses while they can. They live in castles and the grammyvan is their carriage and we drove through the "forest" on our way to the show. These are princesses with imaginations and giggles and twirls and all that is good in little girl world. They will learn soon enough that the world doesn't work like that, but when you are almost 3 and 4-1/2 (NOT 4!), the world is all nice and pretty and full of wonder and joy. Let them imagine and dream and play make-believe all they want. There is a whole life time to face the real world, but not this day, not while in the presence of Princesses, riding in Grammy's carriage through the enchanted forest on our way to the castle to see Beauty and the Beast. Soak up the enchantment while you can, and enjoy every minute of it. I sure did.

Kind and Gentle

Eunice Humbert was kind and gentle, and she died today. She was 92, in a nursing home and pretty much out of it for well over a year. So her passing is a blessing, as she is now with her God and with the love of her life, Jack. But all day I've been thinking of her and the years I had with her. She was my first mother-in-law, and I loved her dearly. I was 19 when I met her, and she was truly my second mother. I grew up with her. I think back on all the times I did stupid stuff as a young wife, and then a new mom, and she never, ever criticized, ever. Because that was Eunice. Kind and gentle. I remember I always wanted to be like her; I always hoped that some day when we had kids, I would be a mom like her. But I wasn't. Because Eunice was quiet and calm, and that's not in my genes. My family is loud, and opinionated, and laughs loud and yells loud. So I could never hold a candle to sweet, calm, gentle Eunice. But even though I couldn't BE like her, I learned so much from her. I used to relish our conversations over doing the dishes. She was just so easy to talk to, and I felt like I could confide in her about anything. She just had a way of making you feel better. Going to see Eunice was like going to a spa -- her home just had a calm aura about it. If you were stressed walking in, by the time you left you felt like everything would be okay. I used to love just sitting in her calm surroundings. She adored her husband, and loved her kids and grandkids. I think back and remember when she'd get mad at my then husband over stupid stuff he did, all she'd say was "Oh, Mike!", and that was it. She'd be giggling again in a matter of minutes, because she just couldn't stay mad, at anyone. She found good in everyone, and she never, ever spoke badly of anyone. She was a devout Christian and watched PTL and Oral Roberts (the Joel Osteen of the 70s); we think she probably built Oral Roberts University with all the money she sent him. I was so lucky that even after the divorce, Eunice was my support. She never abandoned me, and I knew she loved me as much as I loved her. And she loved her son fiercely, and she loved his new wife. And it was all okay because she had plenty of love to go around. And all of us over all these years were truly blessed that we all got to be in her world. I will never, ever forget her and the kind of person she was and the kind of life she led. Kind and gentle.

Been a little busy....

Well, maybe lazy. I was just reading my old posts and can't believe it's been 3 years since I've written anything. I really wanted this to be something I'd do at least occasionally, so I'm going to give it another try, and maybe find something to write about at least monthly. For now, I just want to do a quick catch up on what's been going on. When I left off, we had 2 grandkids, and now we have 6! We simply adore Charlie (5), Sylvia (4), Claire (almost 3), Margot (2) Alex (7 months), and little Albert (3 months). We love spending time with them and are so lucky that their parents let us have that time. Jenny is still at FlipDaddy's and recently got a dog. Matt is now a Financial Planner and father of 3. Jenn is a nurse working part time. Rachael has been teaching for ten years already, and Sylvain lost his teaching job over a year ago and now works for Google at home and stays with the kids. Jordan is still in Louisville, and just this week starting working for Amazon. We've been on a couple nice trips in the past few years; an Alaskan Cruise with friends, Nancy and Denny Goebel 2 years ago. And last year we took all the kids and grandkids to Hilton Head. Jay lost his job in April 2013, worked a couple part time jobs, then after a year landed another sales job with WestMed. It's nice having our "normal" income back and leading the life we were used to. I'm going to try to put a few pictures on here and just leave it at that... Happy Fall!!

Laughter through the tears

My heart is so full tonight, in thanks for the blessing of having my daughter and her family back in Northern Ky after more than 10 years. After all this time, as of tonight, she lives just 8 miles from me -- 8 short miles!!! So why is my heart breaking when she walked out the door ealier this evening with that sweet little toddler of hers to spend their first night in their new home? Because for the past 4 months she and her husband and sweet Sylvia have lived with me and Jay, and I have loved every minute of it. What I thought was going to be something we'd "tolerate" turned out to be a joy. Waking up every morning to those little footsteps running down the hall calling "Me-me" (Grammy), and coming to my room to put on necklaces and blush on her cheeks was such a gift. A gift I would not have gotten if their house had sold sooner, or they found a new home sooner. These hassles for them turned out to be a true blessing; 4 months of day-to-day life with my sweet Sylvia. And "paw-paw" was just as smitten with her as I was.

So, while we are happy Rachael, Sylvain and Sylvia are sleeping in their own home tonight, and after 4 months are settling back into a normal life as a family 3 (and one on the way), I can't help but miss them already. I'm incredibly happy and sad at the same time, and I thank God for having this family that brings me so much joy, and laughter through the tears!

Here's my baby on our last day together sharing a home; while we baked cookies, her mom and dad and many family and friends moved everything to their new home. I'll miss her so much, but I'm so very thrilled to have her so close by.

Later in the day, Good Time Charlie came over. Sylvia ADORES her cousin Charlie, and he is so, so good with her. They sqealed and played and didn't even fight over Woody. I'm so glad he's spending the night with us tonight, so it won't seem so quiet here in the morning with the Fasciottos gone. Here's a picture of our cutie pies.

And while we're at it, I'm posting a family picture. Now, I have no idea how other families get those great shots, with kids and babies and everything. Poor little Claire can't even be seen! This is the best we could do with our motley crew at Thanksgiving -- God bless us everyone!

Spring Training

A couple weeks ago we went to Reds spring training in Phoenix with friends Karen and Mike Chalfant, and what a ball (pardon the pun). One of the highlights was visiting the practice facility/complex/offices. It afforded us up close and "too" personal glimpes of not only the brain trust (Castellini and his group having a big meeting) but got to see their offices, weight rooms, etc. A bonus was walking by Dusty Baker's office, and seeing him taking a pee; his bathroom is off of his office and I guess they don't get many "outsiders" as he didn't bother closing the bathroom door. So, as we went by and the girl pointed out his office, we glanced in and beyond the office, there he stood in what appeared to be a bathroom in the "urinal" position. I wasn't sure I really saw what I thought, and then I heard the flush. Yep, he was taking a leak! Beyond that little gem, we got many autographs (Joey Votto is very hot, but I LOVE Brandon Phillips -- what a friendly guy).

In addition to seeing 3 games, we took a day and drove to Sedona and spent a night in Flagstaff. Sedona is just beyond words, natural beauty beyond belief. We had a wonderful time in 80-90 degree weather, and now we are back, opening day is tomorrow, and the forecast is 46 degree high. It sure was nice to have a little taste of summer.

A Nice Getaway

French Lick, Indiana. I'd never been there, but thought it was some golf place, at least I know my friend's husband used to go with his buddies there to golf. When Jay and I were trying to come up with a not-too-far getaway spot, we decided to check out French Lick. (Bonus, you go through Louisville to get there, so an excuse to stop and see the most beautiful grandbaby in the world!)

So, Friday night we took off for Louisville and stopped at the Fasciottos to have dinner with Rach/Sylvain/Jordan (I made vegetable lasagne and took it along, and it was pretty pretty darn good, thank you.) We got to spend time with the Nugget and got to do the "bedtime thing" with her since mommy and daddy took off to see a movie. We spent the night at the Hampton Inn near by, then headed to French Lick Saturday morning, about an hour away. The town of French Lick is the pits, but the resort, which sits right along the main road (not up on a hill away from the ugly city) was simply beautiful. It's made up of 2 hotels, French Lick Hotel and West Baden Hotel. Since F-L hotel has a casino, we opted to stay at West Baden thinking it would be more quiet. Good idea! West Baden was simply gorgeous! By far the prettiest hotel and room I'd ever stayed in.

Since we got there early, we started out by walking around F-L hotel and cruised through the shops (where I bought an awesome coat - 60% off!). This hotel was built in 1845, and all the great old time stars visited there over the years. Back then, they came by train and horse and buggy, coming for the mineral spring water. Ten years later they built the West Baden, connected by a trolley. There are wonderful pictures in the lobby of the shambles WB had become by the 1990s. It was bought by a wealthy family and $500 million renovation took place and restored it to it's glory around 1997. It really is something to see.

Then we went to the casino (added about 5 years ago) and low and behold, they had video roulette!! It was so much fun! Only $2 minimum, and no one shoving you or smoking in your face. We had a ball and even won a little money. There's also a spa, bowling ally, indoor and outdoor pools, hiking trails, horseback riding, and in the summer all kinds of kidsfest things. And there's golf, but $350 to play, according to the shuttle driver.

Then we headed to the other hotel to check in and it was spectacular. The rotunda in the main lobby was so impressive. We had dinner at their restaurant, Sinclairs', and I had the best salmon of my life. We went back and gambled a bit more, as shuttles take you back and forth all night. Won a little more money, then called it a night.

Sunday morning we checked out and went to Mass at a tiny little Catholic church right down the road. The priest was the best! The parish was obviously very poor, but what a dynamic priest at the helm. It was a great ending to such a great weekend. If it weren't so expensive, it would be a wonderful place to take the whole family.