Across the miles...

Distance doesn't matter when it comes to family ties. Moving to the middle of the country definately makes visits not only less frequent, they are infinately more precious. Having your only two kids together again, spending time doing the things the three of us enjoy, sharing meals and jokes and laughs - it's the best thing in the world.
And of course time just passed too quickly. We were so busy playing with horses and the punks, we almost forgot to get a picture of the three of us! Just hours before putting Pat on a plane back to Washington, we took a minute to immortalize our mini-reunion.

One of the really fun things about visiting your sibling is getting acquainted with their family. It didn't take long for Pat to become "Uncle Pat" to his admiring nephews. Being a horse trainer and riding instructor put him right at the peak of their hero list. But what really put him over the top, was letting the punks help build the porch. Grandpa Dennis had let the boys help build on the cabin project, so they were eager to show off their hammering skills. Just like his dad, Pat was patient and showed them some tricks of the trade. They are learning life skills with every nail they hit.

Horses have always been a special part of our family dynamics. Carrie was an active rider and competitor until she started her family, and has never lost her passion for horses. Pat is acquiring a following both in Washington and Wisconsin as an extraordinary trainer and instructor. So we weren't too surprised to see the boy's confidence in riding rocket with the first sessions with Uncle Pat, and their enjoyment follow right along. Carrie is very happy to have her gang share her love of horses. One of her visions for her family is now a reality - riding together on a big farm with woods and trails and ponds.

Thanks to Pat, I have a back porch, Carrie has a piece of a dream, the punks have new skills, and the horses have better manners!

I'm tellin' ya, a guy either has it or he doesn't, and the votes are in - Uncle Pat HAS IT!

All in all, Pat's two-week visit was an A+ success. He's booked to return next year - when the snow is completely gone.

Well, I never said he was PERFECT...