We had a wonderful time seeing family in December.

Visiting Kent's Great Aunt Lela Wilbur Stephens and daughter, Dorothy was a real treat for us as well as the children.  Listening to Aunt Lela reminisce about the past and family members who have gone before was very interesting. Since his childhood, Kent knew he was related to Secretary of the Navy, Curtis D. Wilbur.  While we were studying the construction of the Hoover Dam, we wondered about a possible kinship with the Secretary of the Interior, Ray L. Wilbur. Aunt Lela confirmed that these were both cousins of her father that regularly came to the family reunions. What we did not know was that President Warren G. Harding was another elder cousin of this Irish clan. Aunt Lela seemed reluctant to mention this relationship, yet thought it good to share it with us. We will strive to be diligent in reading documents thoroughly prior to signing, having learned from the his past.

After going to New York to see Aunt Lela, we headed northeast to Maine. Karen's brother, Brian, and his wife, Holley, along with cousins Kierra and Abrin welcomed us to the town of Freeport. Holley did a wonderful job organizing the meals prior to our arrival. All the food was delicious! The children enjoyed the time to get to know one another. 

We went on a hike through the woods around Freeport and launched a model rocket in an open field. (This is one of Kent William's hobbies. He enjoys painting the rockets and assembling them in preparation for their launches.) The first launch with a 300 foot rocket motor was successful as we recovered the rocket. On the second launch, the 1,000 foot rocket motor was ignited, and the rocket was not seen again! Bowling at the Brunswick Naval Air Station was next on the agenda. Everyone had a great time. Karen especially enjoyed all her spares and strikes with the aid of the bumpers set up for the children.

For more pictures of these days you may CLICK HERE.