I got this email from Kristin today and thought it was so nice - and interesting to see someone else's view of Mel. So I copied some of it here...

Hi Kathi,

It sure is quiet around here without our special visitor. We had a wonderful time with Melanie! Thank you so much for entrusting us with her. I hope she had fun. It was pretty cold at the park, but it didn't seem to bother her, and she went on every single jungle gym. She was better at climbing the "rock wall" than kids twice her size, just zipping up and asking me, "can you fit?" I followed her all over and had a blast. She instructed me when to take her picture, too! So cute. She ate so well and even loved the pesto linguini! She is growing up soooo fast, we couldn't believe her independence (dresses herself, goes to the potty great, and wow, what a vocabulary!). Reminds me of Kayleigh at two, speaking in complete sentences and so intelligent! She is charming and sweet, always says thank you and would just say out of the blue, "I love Chelsea", or "I love Bob". I loved hearing her talk, sing, giggle and make the best faces and noises! We feel so blessed to have family nearby and love all of your children so dearly I cannot say how much...

Kristin

She sent some photos...

(Click on photo thumbnails to enlarge)

[slideshow]

Thanks Kristin for being a great playmate and babysitter!!!