Gabriella's January Visit

What could be better to brighten up the gloomy days of winter than a visit from our sweet little 20 month old niece, Gabriella. For several days, Uncle Fred and I tried to 'child-proof' the house as best we could for a toddler who we were told loves to open drawers, take things out, and climb on any thing that offers a place to put your foot. So, when Gabriella arrived, we thought we were pretty well prepared...which lasted about two minutes...before she was off and running and finding all kinds of things we hadn't given a second thought about her ability to climb, reach or investigate.

Having driven all the way from Dallas, Texas, Gabriella and her parents visit was two-fold; to spend a few days with us and to gather with the rest of Fred's family in Olney, IL to celebrate Fred's father's 95th birthday.

  On Saturday, January 16th, we drove to Olney where we spent the next two days visiting with and observing Fred, Sr's birthday.  On Sunday we gathered at Burgin with ice cream and cake to wish Dad Moehle a very happy birthday.  Following the birthday party, we returned back to the apartment where we were staying and prepared a delicious turkey dinner. 

We returned back to Carbondale on Monday and enjoyed eating at the World Famous 17th Bar and Grill in Murphysboro that evening. As Gabriella's favorite animal is a 'pink pig,' she got to see a large wooden carved pig at the restaurant.  She also got to visit with cousin Shelley while in Murphysboro.

On Tuesday, Gabriella was in for another treat, a visit to University Farms where she actually got to see her favorite animal, in fact she got to see a whole pen full of squealy, pink pigs!