Last night Renee called and asked if we could be home this morning to receive a package requiring a signature. That was baffling. But, yes, we could. Thinking about it, we thought: Ellie's birthday is coming up soon, so that could be it, but then what could be so valuable as to require a signature? Is she getting a surprise iPhone?

This morning, as we were having coffee, we found out. The whole Nies family, showed up on our doorstep, for a visit—and what a visit it was. Breakfast at Jessica's, lots of playground time at the park and then hide-and-go-seek up on the hill and around the water tower. Also some bike riding...Ellie no longer need training wheels. And, lounging on the back patio, flower picking, playing post office in the garage...generally enjoying a fine spring morning.

Then, this evening, as we were sitting out on the back patio enjoying a fine evening, we noticed an unusual blob way up in the big ash tree that resides between us and the neighbors. We had heard rumors of a huge raccoon roaming the neighborhood, and closer inspection revealed the blob to be it. Eventually, the animal descended and ambled off. And the whole time Pax stayed inside.