Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Visiting Cousins

My sister, Katherine and her family(2 kids, 4 and 2) live about 4 hours away, in Virginia. She has invited us down several times in the past couple of years, but for various reasons we have not made it. Last week she was visiting my parents, and we decided that we would do it the next weekend. So Saturday morning Ed and I packed up the 3 kids and the dog for the journey. The kids were happy most of the trip, eating snacks and watching movies. Even K was content to look around, or nap most of the trip. We arrived midafternoon, and settled in. The kids played inside and out, running in the woods and having fun with "new" toys. After a delicious dinner our kids went to bed and Ed and I were able to relax in front of the fire and catch up with Katherine and Rusty.

The next day we had lunch at a pizza place and went next door to an indoor arcade and playplace. After returning home, the kids colored and then raced around the house, playing chasing games. We packed up and then had dinner together before leaving. We drove home as the kids slept in the back, and arrived home around 10:30.



I am so glad we went. It was really nice to finally see their home and spend some extended one-on-one time with Katherine, Rusty and the kids. When they visit up here, they stay with my parents, and our visiting time is usually very busy and chaotic with the whole family together. Growing up, you take for granted the time you have together as a family, never realizing that it will never be like that again, with everyone under the same roof. Reconnecting with my siblings as adults, has been such a blessing. I love having the shared past of stories and family history, but also interacting as adults, and having our kids know each other and spend time together.

4 comments:

EEEEMommy said...

Yes, the grown-up friendships with siblings can be so good! I love having my middle sister Katie stay with us when she comes home, and we were never very close growing up. We fought a lot! I wish I could say the same about my littlest sister.

Bala Waxworks said...

Having family that you can reconnect with as adults is very special and I can't tell you how much I've treasured being able to share and connect with all of my brothers' wives and young kids as an extension of the love I have for the former "boys" I grew up with. Thank you for sharing yourself with me and becoming a very intergral part of my life. luv always~ L

The Moser Family said...

How many times have I wished that I could live near my younger sister and her family!! I also wish I had a deeper relationship with my older brother. From the little I feel I know of him he seems like a really neat guy...
I am thankful though that I have a whole slew of spiritual sisters that I've gleaned through New Life. I'm thankful for "family" away from family.
So, "sister" D - when is our next Settlers night?! :)

Daisy said...

I know- I have been thinking about setting up a game night myself. We'll have to talk...