We had an absolutely wonderful time returning to the scene of the crime -- to Nappanee, Indiana, where we were married 11 years ago this summer.
The obvious highlight was getting to see friends and Tracy had an absolutely great time with Dina & Heather, as well as many, many others of her friends from her years in Nappanee.
We had the privilege of staying with Heather & Ken -- and their kids were so incredibly gracious to give up their rooms so we could use their beds. It was so fun to see our kids hit it off immediately as though they were long lost friends.
We also got to see Dina & Matt's house and spend an afternoon with them. It was absolutely spectacular weather -- even a bit chilly, and to celebrate Tracy's birthday (and homecoming), Heather had invited some of Tracy's best friends from her 5 years in Nappanee. Lots of stories were shared, memories were retold and new ones were created. Tears were also shed, and the timelessness of great friendships was proven true once again. Thanks to Ken, we had a great BBQ, and everyone chipped in some incredibly delicious food as we ate and ate and laughed and laughed.
Gabriella, of course, found the new puppy and Dina's two dogs to be life-long friends and spent hours and hours with dogs. After a couple of initial scares -- accidentally dropping the little puppy, she learned how to hold the puppy better and was his constant companion. Gabi also made sure to tell us how well she had trained Dina's dogs who would come to her when she called and slapped her knees, (It worked out well since the dogs are in obedience competitions.)
We were also able to return to the chapel where we were married and reenacted the kiss that sealed our marriage -- though our kids didn't seem quite as interested and were were surprised how small the chapel seemed without any chairs or in the excitement of the moment.
What a treat! Michelle and Dave Warren were back in Ohio visiting Dave's family. They managed to get away for a day to spend some time in NW Ohio. How fun to spend an evening with them. It was way too short, but how inspiring to hear their philosophy of family vacations, Michelle's new work in public policy and the excitement of getting a bill passed in Colorado. 
We had a fun hike through Oak Openings. Laura came along with us on the Sand Dunes trail -- and Rania didn't stop every few feet to get sand out of her crocks! 
Laura also decided that Rania needed to have a "photo shoot" so she made up Rania's hair and directed a photo shoot -- telling Rania how to hold her hands and how to look as we took pictures around the house. (If only we had a photographer who knew what he was doing!)
Aaron, David and Kristen helped us have a wonderful evening with some fun fireworks. They had some smoke bombs and a bunch of other fireworks which were lots of fun for our kids as we got to watch the big ones. 
Thanks to Grandpa Levi, we had a celebration at Bangor Liberty Friends Church to connect with everyone. There were family photos for each group, groups, parents, kids, and grandkids. Then grandpa led us in a wonderful celebration and brief introductions of what we were all doing. 
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A lot of time during our visit was spent just down the road at Uncle Ray's farm. The girls were crazy about seeing the new kittens that had just been born on the form. So they had lots of fun going down and petting, holding, playing, and just seeing the kittens. Several times a day, they would make the trip down the road to see the kittens.
Uncle Ray let all the grandkids drive his huge tractor, and took them for a ride in a semi. Auntie Marta and Tracy also had the chance to drive along in the semi -- with lots of room for everyone in the two beds in the back. He also let us see the combine and some of his other huge equipment he uses to farm. What a treat to spend some time on the farm!
As part of the reunion, there was a lot of soccer played in the yard next to Grandpa Levi's house. The kids sure did have fun playing. Reeve trying to take on his opponents; Micah kicking (and sometimes hitting the ball), and Auntie Tasha trying to be a superstar in the goal. Doug was quite super sad that his knee injury prevented him from playing, but the Aunties (and Uncle Mark) sure took care of the kids with endless soccer matches. We even got to catch some of the quarterfinals of the World Cup between matches. 
Plenty of time to pose with pictures! Nothing like a horse and some girls to burn film!
What a great time with the 2010 Willits Family reunion. We had lots of fun being together as a family, as well as meeting new members of the family, spouses of cousins whom Doug had not yet met. 
It was also a spectacular time to play with cousins! Gabi & Rania even got to meet Ally -- their second cousin, and they had a LOT of fun with Ally while Reeve played a lot with his cousins. 
We had an absolutely wonderful time returning to the scene of the crime -- to Nappanee, Indiana, where we were married 11 years ago this summer. 
Gabriella, of course, found the new puppy and Dina's two dogs to be life-long friends and spent hours and hours with dogs. After a couple of initial scares -- accidentally dropping the little puppy, she learned how to hold the puppy better and was his constant companion. Gabi also made sure to tell us how well she had trained Dina's dogs who would come to her when she called and slapped her knees, (It worked out well since the dogs are in obedience competitions.)
