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.