Cal and Maggie Visit Syracuse

Cal made plans with me lat weekend to visit Syracuse today.  I was excited that he would be able to make a trip to Indiana and glad that Maggie would be able to visit Cal's hometown and meet Grandma and Grandpa as well.  I was also happy that Cameron could hang out with us today.  He had talked about going to Cedar Point with Alina today, but they were able to go yesterday instead. Cameron had been talking about taking her to the amusement park for her birthday for a long time, so I was thrilled that it finally worked out in their schedules. It had been an awesome trip for both.  I enjoyed listening to him talk about all of the rides that they went on and the food that they had tried while he drove home late last night.

Cal and Maggie arrived today just before noon.  On the way, Cal drove her by a few of his childhood spots including the high school and our old house.  Once they arrived, Maggie met Grandma and Grandpa while Cal opened his birthday gifts from them and Cameron before we headed to lunch at Oakwood.  It was a little cool on the patio, but the atmosphere was perfect for our meal.  The six of us talked and shared stories with each other and filled Maggie in on life in Syracuse.  It was a lot of fun.

After lunch, Cameron took us on a driving tour through town, around the lake and by the golf course while Cal pointed out more of his favorite places.  When we got back to Grandma's, we all played Oh Hell.  It was new to Maggie, but she did a lot better at that then when we showed her how to play Racko back in April.  Cal ended up the big winner, but everyone did have a good time.  Cal, Maggie and I then took a walk around Oakwood.  It was nice to spend some time with them and watch Cal try out Grandpa's new "bird laser."  They left for Hacienda shortly after we returned.  Maggie wanted some of their ranch as Meg had raved about it when they were at the Cheesecake Factory last night.  Maggie was also hoping to see an Amish person as she had not lived near any in Orland Park.  I was definitely sad to see them go as their visit seemed so short, but overall I was just incredibly happy that we got to spend such a fun afternoon with them.