We had the pleasure of spending the evening with some family that we haven’t spent time with in absolute ages. With some, it had been more than a decade, I believe.
There were eighteen of us altogether, and it felt very much like how I want my house to feel. Bustling with people who are eating, chatting, laughing, and building a closeness. From room to room, the conversation could be anything from politics to fostering to childhood memories to “pick a number between one and one hundred.”
The kids talked boisterously amongst themselves, and spent a good chunk of time playing downstairs. The babies were a total highlight, and were both welcoming, and well received. The Morsel was tucked up on someones hip, eating chocolate by the end of the evening. The Lemon Drop was jumping and flapping all over the place, rocking only a pair of jeans with a soft little belly hanging out after eating taco salad and a cookie.
We ended the evening with an impromptu gift exchange, and then some sweet goodbyes between everyone, many of us who really were connecting for the first time in a long time, or ever 💜 We waved goodbye at the window, as we always do. The Morsel actually waved as the car drove away, rather than just watching, and then waving. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen that kid THAT proud of themselves.
At warp speed, Laela and I unloaded the dishwasher and loaded it back up to run. I am all for paper dishes for ease, but I was the one who insisted on using real dishes tonight, so there were many to wash! But the dishes were locked and loaded in probably fifteen minutes flat, and everyone tidied up, got ready, and packed it in.
It was a beautiful evening. Truly, I loved it. I am BEAT. But it was worth it 💜 So thank you, dear family, for making your way out and being with us for the evening to celebrate Christmas. Let us not wait another decade to do the same.