In our family...

In our family....we do second chances...we do grace...we do real...we do mistakes...we do I'm sorry (and I forgive you)...we do loud really well...we do hugs...we do family...we do love.















Friday, August 14, 2009

Welcome to the Zoo

We arrived back home in Minnesota on Wednesday night of July 22...we were exhausted from our trip but came home to a very happy husband and 2 little people that were extremely happy to see me…and their auntie and cousin too of course. I was happy to be home but part of me was sad from leaving my children and not knowing when I will see them again. And yet life goes on and such is the process of letting go and moving forward with life.

It was back to work for 2 long days of work. What kept me going was knowing that these two(my youngest daughter and 2 year old grandson from northern Florida) would be flying in on Saturday...

I could hardly wait! My eldest daughter, little lady and I made the 2 hour drive to pick them up from the airport that Saturday morning. When we got to the airport they were already at the baggage claim. When my little A- man saw me, he ran to me as fast as his little legs could run. After jumping into my arms, he alternated between taking my face in his hands and smiling the biggest smile ever and saying “my grandma” and hugging me. This brought tears to my eyes immediately, because even though I talk to him on the phone frequently and he spent his first year and a half living with us, I worry about him forgetting who I am since they live so far away. He hasn’t forgotten me!

He melts my heart. I think he may have me wrapped around his fingers and his toes...He gave me lots of these while he was here...

He didn’t forget little lady either. These two are best buddies in every sense of the word. They spent their first years growing up together so have a special bond. They both squealed with delight when they saw each other and had smiles pasted on their faces and wouldn’t stop looking at each other as we drove to meet family at a nearby restaurant. After we ate, we all went for a walk along this scenic bridge…

...and of course we had to take a picture...

...and the two of them never stopped talking to each other...

...they rarely stopped holding hands...

...when they weren't holding hands they were chasing each other...

...rarely do these two EVER stand still at the same time!

...or sit still...

...do they love each other or what? Did you notice how they match? We didn't plan for that but how cool is that!

...and of course kissing each other!

Since this daughter and A-man lived with us they are very special to my little people…if you were to ask little lady who her best friends are she would name the two of them….

It felt so good to bring the two of them home. We were greeted by little man and grandpa…as soon as A-man had hugged them both he was on a bike with his other favorite buddy...

A-man ran around like a little crazy man…he was so happy he was screaming. Welcome to our crazy zoo! I’ve always referred to my house as the zoo…years of having lots of kids at my house due to running a daycare and being the neighborhood hangout sure made it feel like one. My daughter came bearing gifts for me…this sign to hang by the front door was one of them….

I love it! It fits our home perfectly!

When we came home, little man surprised me with a birthday cake and a special card that he had picked out all my himself…since I had been gone on my trip for my birthday little man had insisted we still had to celebrate it. Darn kids. These 3 were so darn excited to sing to me and help me blow out the candles...and more importantly, to help me eat it!

My eldest son and my brother came over and we ate and played games. It felt perfect having them all here. The 3 kids played until dark and were so tired they didn’t even fight going to bed!

That night, I got a chance to go out for awhile with both of my daughters and my son and my brother. They had friends meet up with them while we were out. Even though my youngest daughter pooped out early in the night…due to no sleep the night before, we had a good time. We went to a street dance at a small town nearby.

I think my eldest daughter is quite proud of her quite large beer…

I think she spilled more of her beer then anything!

My brother and I sure liked ours…


Don't worry we weren't driving...my son was the sober driver that night. After the street dance we came home and sat around the fire. A perfect ending to a most perfect day.

This was just the first day of their homecoming and already I was filling myself up with their goodness...all things that are pure and lovely in them, filling me up for these moments after they are gone and my heart aches for them...to just hold him one more time...to hear his infectious giggles and witness first hand that killer smile...my daughters sweetness and kindness...to laugh with her once again...to have them here along with my eldest son and daughter and granddaughter...wow...looking back on those moments that filled up our days, I can almost hear the wonderful sound of all of their voices mixed together as it filled my home. Such delight for my eyes, ears and heart to take in. In remembering, my heart overflows with gratitude.

12 comments:

Debbie said...

I'm so happy to see you!
And those photos of those little darlings kissing and looking so cute are just adorable.

♥ Braja said...

Your youngest looks like you....

and I missed you too :)

SciFi Dad said...

What a wealth of visits!

My daughter loves her cousins too. Right now they are out of province, and she misses them terribly.

Sandi said...

I loved this post! Those pictures melt my heart. You look happy and it makes me smile!

Midlife Roadtripper said...

"In remembering, my heart overflows with gratitude."

Now that's a lovely line. Beautiful family.

Natalie said...

Oh. Lori. Just Oh. How beautiful are those bubbas? I could just squeeze them senseless! xx♥

Jason, as himself said...

I dare say you have had the busiest and the best summer of anyone I know.

And those pitchers of Bud Light look gooooooooood.

Anonymous said...

Family is where it is at! I applaud your smiles and happiness. Happy hugs to you Lori!

Unknown said...

This was so wonderful to read. It brought tears to my eyes! I don't know how anyone could ever forget you! Especially your grandbaby! he is just as cute as cute can be! Such a special time you are having. I am so thankful!

Jan said...

You have the cutest zoo I've ever seen!

Unknown said...

Those pictures and your stories and absolutely oozing sweetness and love. I love those two little ones!!!!

And wow. Did you finish all your beer? Lord have mercy! I would have been falling in the fire pit that night! LOL

D said...

I love your blog. I am so happy I found you. We went through hell together and we went through heaven together. You were my best friend and I miss you soooo much.
You are so happy and truly are where your suppose to be.