August 3, 2025
Late post this evening—we’ve been enjoying a visit from our niece Caity and her husband Hunter, who arrived from Ohio Saturday evening. It’s been such a pleasure having them here.
Late this morning, Joe picked fresh basil and Italian parsley from the garden. We had enough basil to make 17 cups of pesto, and just enough parsley for two cups of chimichurri. My afternoon was spent in the kitchen blending and cleaning up.
Megan, Jeremy, and Oliver came by to visit with Caity and Hunter and ended up staying for dinner.
When Oliver was first introduced to Caity and Hunter, he stared at Caity for the longest time. Then he looked at Megan. Then back at Caity. He repeated this several times, as if trying to puzzle something out. It reminded me of a moment back in September 2019, when Megan and I were in Ohio for one of Caity’s niece’s birthday parties. One of the youngest girls, just a toddler, stared back and forth between Caity and Megan in that same curious way. I can see the family resemblance—but babies seem to see something even stronger.
Oliver’s reaction to Hunter was a little different. Usually, he’s the easiest-going little guy—smiling, content, and never fussy when someone new holds him. Tonight, though, he stared at Hunter with wide eyes. When Grandpa Joe brought him closer, Oliver burst into tears. All through dinner, he kept his eyes locked on Hunter.
After the meal, Caity sat next to Hunter with Oliver in her lap. Oliver braced his little arms against the table and gave Hunter the occasional side-eye, still unsure. Then, Caity stood a little closer to Hunter while holding Oliver. Oliver kept watching. Suddenly, Caity placed Oliver in Hunter’s arms—and just like that, he was fine. Cool as a cucumber. Smiling even. By the end of the night, Hunter and Oliver were having a nice little visit of their own.
Caity and Hunter spend a lot of time with their nieces and nephews back in Ohio, and it shows—they’re wonderful with children.
Oliver won’t remember tonight, but I’m glad he met them. It’s these small, sweet moments that weave our family stories together.
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