Fall Fun!

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

It has been a sad week at the Litteken's. One of daddy's very good friends, Larry Schmitt, unexpectedly passed away this week. He was in a bad motorcycle accident. We really do not see him very much. Both daddy and Larry have been so busy with their families the last several years, but they lived next door to each other since Daddy was 7 months old. They ran around a lot together in high school and growing up, but grew apart some since they both got married. Larry was a groomsmen in our wedding, too. He will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we will miss him. It also reminded us how precious life is, and to keep enjoying every minute of it.

You both had your very first sleepover at anyone's house. It came about kind of unexpectedly. Mom and Dad went out for our every other month Lookingglass Playhouse date while you both stayed at Grammy and Papa's house. When we got back, Joshua was almost asleep. He fell asleep listening to Grammy read Peter Pan. We tried to wake him to tell him that we were leaving, but he continued to sleep. Luke said that he was read to sleep at Grammy's house. I was a little unprepared for this, but I knew that we would be coming over to get you early at Grammy's house. On the way home, I kept thinking that Grammy was going to call us and tell us to come back and pick you up, but she never called. It was definitely different coming home and being here without you. Grammy said that Joshua woke up at about 4 am and asked Grammy if "Mom and Dad had left him here." Then, he went back to sleep. Both boys were disappointed when we came over to get them so early the next morning.

The fall weather has been great this week - lots of bike rides and time spent outside. Today we spent the afternoon with Grammy at a fall festival. We have gone almost every year since Joshua was two. There is always a hay ride, games, fresh apple cider, painting pumpkins, a bounce house and tons of fun. Then, church with Grammy and dinner with Grammy and Papa. We arre very blessed to have Grammy and Papa be such a big part of our lives.

Please pray for Nana. She misses Papa Ed so much. Please pray for Papa Mort. He seems to be getting weaker and weaker. It is getting harder for him to do anything. I love you both more today than I did yesterday.

Love,

Mama