Twenty fingers & Twenty toes...: UNCLE MC comes to town!! :)

Sometimes the BEST things in life come very unexpectedly.

That is how I would describe Uncle M's trip to visit us this past week.

Since our move -- we'd been discussing when a good time to visit would be. Due to a line up of guests this fall - we thought after Christmas would be best.

But -- in a twist of life events for Uncle M -- he was afforded some unexpected time off from work ... leaving him room in his schedule to book a last minute flight to spend FOUR days with us.

We learned of his travel just shortly before he arrived -- and although I enjoy the prep for visitors ... the prep didn't really seem to matter.

We were just giddy with excitement he was coming to see us!!

Ms. R was up from her nap when it was time to get him from the airport -- and of course I didn't capture it on film, but as SOON as she saw him it was straight into his arms and big smiles all the way home.

She did not skip a beat remembering him ... it was priceless.

Our first night with him went quickly -- dinner ... then the usual bath time and bedtime for the girls. We tried to stay up and visit - but with the time change for him and my usual exhaustion -- we headed to bed.

Sunday morning -- it was time for Viking football -- which in the West starts at 10am so we had to be geared up early.

We were very blessed to have a neighbor gal come to stay with the girls while the hubs and I along with Uncle M -- headed to a bar that broadcasts all MN Vikings Games. We went into the game with high hopes and we were rewarded with a BIG WIN!! We all had a blast -- pizza, beer and a great game! It was awesome! So happy for Uncle P and his first BIG win this season!!! Yeah!!

Later that day -- we took Uncle M on our usual hike down by the water. He was able to take in some sights .. many BIG boats ... house boats ... and the beautiful Lake Union. I think he enjoyed himself. :)

Monday was a real treat, too. Uncle M and I had a few hours to ourselves ... and so we took a land and water tour of the city together. It's something I've wanted to do since we moved here. It was the perfect opportunity. We enjoyed seeing MUCH of the city and our driver was a wacky, fun lady who kept us entertained for 90 straight minutes.

Back on the home front - Uncle M was the star of the show!!

For some reason -- a tape measure was the hot item to play with .... and so they had a lot of fun with that!

I have to apologize for all cell phone pics -- daddy left the good camera at work. Boooo.

But, here are a few highlights of Uncle M with the girls.

The famous tape measure!

Harder to see here, but they have it stretched across the living room. Not sure what they are "measuring"??

Measuring Ms. R, perhaps??!

Uncle M quickly learned that the girls would much prefer eating off HIS plate. He obliged them every time, too. Lucky girls!

He was also quite skilled at making a game out of eating dinner ... and it worked.

Every bite gone!

We were able to enjoy a brief outing to park the on Monday afternoon.

Uncle M is the perfect size for this type of equipment. ;)

Mommy strongly dislikes the merry-go-round ... and so the girls ate up every minute of being pushed by Uncle M.

This picture describes it perfectly -- he had the best touch for getting giggles with wind blowing through their hair!

Pure bliss!

But -- after 30 minutes .... the downpour began ..... and we had to head home.

Ms. R had no problem taking Uncle M by the hand. ;)

SO SWEET.

Being far from home isn't easy as we all know -- but it warms my heart beyond expression ... how the girls have not forgotten "our family".

You can not create or duplicate this type of bond. You can't force it with children. It's either there -- or it's not.

And -- each time we've had special guests come to visit -- we are filled with JOY to see the bonds have not been broken by distance or time.

After baths each night .. the girls would pile into Uncle M's lap -- and ask for "books".

I'm fairly certain -- that Uncles were made in heaven of pure, genuine gold.

And .. I know my girls would completely agree.