McKinlay Family Visit 2012

What a beautiful day!  We went up to Carmel, New York to visit the McKinlay Clan.  Aunt Irene and Mom were sisters and they were close and so are we!  The drive typically takes a little more than an hour and with a wonderful day like today, it was pure pleasure.  Vicki even said she was so relaxed she felt as if she was sitting in her living room.

After about an hour or more of chatting and playing catch up, we feasted on a wonderful chicken dish Laurie created.  Of course, this was after yummy Italian cheeses and meats John and Lizz provided.

John is the epitome of immaturity - and I say that with nothing but love!

Thankfully, he will NEVER grow up.

Here is Lizz, Laurie [cousin] and Vicki!

 And that's Lizz, Laurie and Moi!

Only one of Laurie's daughters was in attendance, but Melissa is and always will be a most welcome attendee.  Just wish Kristina and her beautiful little girl, Emalyn had been there.  Here's Melissa . . .

playing with her cell phone.

YEARS ago - and I DO mean YEARS ago [probably when Melissa was three] - Aunt Irene [her grandmother and my favorite aunt] started taking photos of Melissa and me together.  I've been challenged by Mama Laurie to put a collage together and I'm going to do my very best, but it's going to take more than the challenged week!

John and Lizz have two adorable girls, Olivia and Jaclyn:

Both of the girls are in LOVE with horses.  Olivia, the older, rides quite nicely and just as soon as Jaclyn gets a tad bit older, she's going to climb on.

Desserts were provided:  fruit, apple pie and donuts.  Vicki and Laurie were delighted in partaking of both.

As always, it's sad to say goodbye.  But we're all so fortunate to have each other in our lives, even though it's once a year.  Maybe next year, the McKinlay Clan will join us in Vermont.  Boy, would Mom and Aunt Irene approve of that!

John and Lizz - lovebirds always:

and

John, Lizz and The Girls:  Jaclyn in pink and Olivia in blue.  GREAT family!

On the way home, Vicki was kind enough to pull over so I could take a few shots at a little lake:

I SO love the Northeast in the Fall!

Ciao for now - more soon!