Surprise!

Mae and I had planned their return visit back in January.  At first, we were both keeping it hush-hush from our kids.  Then I found out that she'd let the cat out of the bag but her kids really, really wanted to surprise mine; so the hush-hush I remained.  It wasn't easy as the time approached; many times Chris and I almost slipped but we managed to keep the secret.
 
Chris picked them up from the airport on the way home from work.  He texted me they were around the corner and told me to take kids to the bonus room.  The Parays ducked down in the car so they wouldn't be spied as Chris parked in the garage.  I waited and took this video:

I think that says it all!
   
Mae and I spent the next afternoon touring the area, eating lunch and catching up.  Then Chris took them to dinner at Corbett's.  

The following morning I took the crew for a walk in Hemlock Bluff Reserve.  The weather was beautiful!

Then we re-celebrated Lance's birthday.

For the remainder of time, we adults talked and the kids played; which was exactly what we wanted to do; so we did for four glorious days. 

It rained the day they left; here and in Florida.  I thought it very appropriate, it matched the heavy hearts all around.  In a few days, our hearts lightened at the thought of meeting again soon knowing that a little time and distance doesn't effect the friendship of family.