A Huge Thank You to all our Visitors!

Over the past few months, we have been very blessed to have several of our family and closest friends come visit us in Manchester.  Here's a snapshot of our visitors (in the order of their appearance in England).

Amanda's sister, Aunt Kait, came out for a week in late February.  Drew was working quite a bit so she was a huge help with Eli and even watched him for an evening so we could go have a nice Valentine's dinner.  Highlights of the visit include: A tour of Old Trafford/ a Manchester United football game, lots of shopping, and a trip to the peak district for Bakewell tarts!





Aunt Tina and Uncle Perry came in early March.  Again, it was great to have the extra hands with Elijah and we enjoyed the company, as well.  They also took an evening of babysitting so we could have Amanda's birthday dinner at La Vina tapas restaurant.  Highlights of their visit would be a day trip to Chester and a girls lunch out (followed by a guys night out).  The Dingers also enjoyed a side trip to London and to see Stonehenge.

Zac and Stacy Dooley were the next to visit.  It was really fun to watch them both with Eli and little E was very happy to get to know his godfather a little better.  Zac and Stacy made themselves right at home (especially in the kitchen) and cooked us up some of our "American" favorites, including fajitas (Cocino de Mino style) and biscuts and sausage gravy.  Highlights of the trip included learning more about Manchester (visits to the Art Galleries, Museum of Science and Industry, and John Rylands Library, and the Manchester city walking tour) and lots of great meals (including dinner out at Man Zen).  They also enjoyed a side trip to Dublin.

Then came the grandparents!  Grandpa and Grandma Ward made the trip to the UK to visit us in Manchester, as well as celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary with a trip to Edinburgh.  Highlights of the visit included: daily trips to the Hale bakery, dinner out at the Brazilian steakhouse, and lots of quality family time.  Also, Drew enjoyed taking his dad to a Manchester United game and Grandma got to stay a few extra days to watch Elijah's swimming lessons and get a taste of Katsouris deli. 

Grandpa and Grandpa Agel were right behind the Wards. They had loads of fun playing with their first grandchild.  Highlights of their trip included: a trip to the Quays (including the Imperial War Museum and the outlet mall with the Cadbury chocolate outlet), the Jubilee Afternoon Tea, Elijah's first haircut, and dinner out at Yara Syrian restaurant.  Grandma and Grandpa Agel were also able to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary with a romantic trip to Paris.

Our final visitors this spring were Matt and Liz Medgaarden.  As always, they came bearing gifts, including summer clothes for Eli and a bottle of single malt scotch they picked up from Scotland on their way in.  Highlights of their trip were guys night out in Manchester, dinner at the Spice Lounge Indian restaurant, and lots of time to relax and laugh together!  (So sorry I don't have any pictures of Matt and Liz!)

We would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone, first of all, for making the trip, and, secondly, for all the babysitting, gifts, treats, meals, and great fellowship during your time here with us.  We enjoyed spending time with each of you and love you all very much.  And for those of you who we couldn't include in this blog, know you are always welcome!