Visitors

There were many things that were difficult about moving across the country to have Daddy attend business school. But one of the most difficult things hands down was moving away from our wonderful families.  We seriously have some of the greatest Aunts and Uncles out there (as well as parents too). As our lives got really hectic starting September-ish all the way into November they jumped in and rescued us. Jesse ended up having to take multiple recruiting trips into New York from Thursday through Saturday and I was already scheduled to work many of those days.  Luckily we had the opportunity to have three separate visits come our way to bring us lots of love, laughter, playing, and friendship to our little family. 

The first visit came in the beginning of November, right after Halloween, when my mother-in-law whom we all  lovingly refer to as "Nona" was able to break away from her life and stay 12 whole days with us.  I haven't felt so loved and taken care of for a very long time, until she came and shared the rigors of raising my children with me.  She helped me clean the house, watch the kids, prepare meals and yummy homemade treats, and we had many long talks together.  It was truly a godsend to have her visit us.  The only bummer for her was that she got sick towards the end of our visit and ended up with a nasty case of bronchitis.  Near the end of her stay, my father-in-law, "Papa", also came and visited.  The kids were ecstatic to see their grandfather come and many piggy-back rides and tickle sessions were shared.  I had such a great time with them here that I was so sad to see them go when it was finally time.  It made it a little more bearable to know that three days later we would get another visitor. 

{I was pretty sad to realize I didn't snap a single picture of Nona or Papa during their extended stay with us}

Joanna was the next person to come see us.  It was so much fun to see her and have her do all kinds of crafty things with my kids.  One of the best parts about having family visit at alternating times is that you come to appreciate each of their individual qualities. Joanna spent most her time making all sorts of inventive creations for my kids to play with. After she left I found this paper she had written on that said "fun list" that had collect leaves, make bows and arrows, creature/squirrel hunting, wings out of leaves, tee pee outside,etc. All I can say is WOW you are amazing Jo and I feel so lucky to have you as my sister in law.  Thanks for all the late evening talks we shared and for letting me vent out my frustrations!  I miss you so much already.

The week following Thanksgiving we were able to host our last visitor, Aunt Esther.  She will always hold a special place in my children's hearts as well as mine.  She has always been there for me when I have needed her.  A few years ago when I went back to work full time, she was the one who stepped in and practically was their second mother.  She is always patient and kind to them and spends the physical time with them to truly develop relationships with them.  While she as in time we had so much fun picking out a Christmas tree together, going to dinner her last night in town at "Friendly's", playing soccer down the street at the soccer fields near our house, playing Xbox with our brand new Kinect sensor thanks to Esther, and enjoying her delicious cake pops. So once again thank you Esther for coming out and visiting us.  We really appreciated you, even if Robby was ticked off that you had to leave us so soon! :-)