Our home town(s)

Cutting the grass with Grandpa Dave for the very first time

Watch out! I think Carter is going to put it in reverse now.

Carter is thinking that this is pretty cool gramps!

Swinging along with Grandpa John

At the Peru mall riding the icecream truck ride.

Often times city friends of our ask.....now were exactly are you from? What is Spring Valley like? I laugh. I tell them it is a small town 90 miles southwest of here. I often tell them it is near Starve Rock many people know of that location. Or I just tell them to listen to the John Cougar Melloncamp song " Small Town." That will pretty much some it up. I never thought I would find myself saying this but as much as I could not wait to escape the small town boredom and gossip, lately I have been looking forward to visiting a lot. The main reason is simple. It is Carter. Carter absolutely LOVES going to our home towns (mine is Spring Valley & Darrell's is actually considered the "village" of Dalzell) to play, run and be with his grandparents. Carter has really gotten attached to all four of his grandparents lately and Moxie my mother-in-laws adorable dog. I think it is the space thing. Both grandparents have nice big yards, one has a swing, both have pools, friendly neighbors and just so much to see outside versus the hustle and bustle of city living and noise! We do hope to move some day soon to a bigger home with a backyard for Carter, but we won't move home, home "SV & DZ," but just a bit closer. Anyways, we feel very fortunate to have Noonie & Grandpa Dave & Noni & Grandpa John so close our son and so helpful to us!