A shout out to kathy!

So I just returned from a week in the desert...I was expecting some hot, dry, heat -days in the pool, cacti, some tumbleweed. (Video Clip: Rayne dancing to Frank Sinatra at the Olive Garden)

It rained. So hard that the streets flooded from the mountains. It was also cold, go figure!
There was one day of whining...by me...a big thank you to my sister for making sure that my whining did not ruin the visit. Also Jose was very patient and even gave me a back massage when I pulled my neck out.
(Video Clip: Rayne and Kathy feeding the ducks)

But the visit was completely awesome. Because even when there is rain in the desert there is RAYNE in the desert. She is a most special niece. She is a delight to hang out with. We danced, we sang, we watched a horrific video about colors that makes her scream in delight, we bounced a big red ball all over the house, we tried baked squash together and found it super wonderful, we read books (sometimes repeated 4 times each), we gave kisses, we snuggled, we hugged, we played little jokes on each other, and we discovered that we both love shiny jewelry. In short, we got to know each other, as aunt and niece, as friends.

But I also got to know how patient and kind my sister is as a mom and wife. She works so hard with Rayne every day. Rayne could be a coddled little girl who cries and whimpers when life gets hard, she would be excused, it was a difficult first year. But instead, I got to hang out with a niece who is happy, independent, fearless, and delighted to explore the world around her.
(Video Clip: Rayne and Kathy on the swings)

When ya'll meet Rayne you'll know who to thank after she gives you the biggest, sloppiest kiss ever! My sister, her mom.


(Video Clip: Rayne's First Car Wash was a bit traumatic)