Iowa Invades Canada

Let me set the scene for you! The place: Essex, Ontario, The date: June 1998 The Invasion: The Iowan's take over Essex !!! and a grand time was had by all. This page will take you on a tour of Thongs and Stud's visit to us. I can't tell you what a great time we had and how wonderful it was to finally meet them in person. After talking to Thongs nearly as long as (or as long) as I have been talking to Jeff; we became as close as sisters. Actually closer than sisters because we chose to be family. She has become one of my best friends, she is someone I rely on, someone who is always there for me, someone who I truly love and care for and she truly loves and cares for us too. My girls refer to Thongs and Stud as Aunt and Uncle and their kids as their cousins, you don't even have to explain to them that even though we aren't related by blood the family bond is still there. In our house when Aunt Thongs calls the crowd goes wild, and my oldest knows that if I'm getting on her case she can call Iowa and find a compassionate ear to listen (although Aunt Thongs really must stop telling her that her mother is no good and she should move to Iowa, the child packs her clothes on a regular basis). I am so proud and so priviledged to count Thongs and Stud among our family now. Stud has the greatest sense of humour ( he kept us in stitches for 3 days ), a great love of live and a great love of his family. Let me tell you better people you will not find. Stay tuned for the continuing adventure of Essex evades Iowa coming to a computer screen near you in August. In the meantime enjoy these photos and have yourself a good laugh -- I know we did!