We head home tomorrow, which I have mixed feelings about. Truly, on a total surface level, I am so sleepy and ready to get home and back into our normal routine. But being here has been lovely for everyone.
I think Brady has really enjoyed catching back up with his siblings. We all lead pretty crazy busy lives, so we don’t keep in particularly close contact over the phone or even really texting. Its been really nice to actually hear about everyones lives again, and in person. I’ve also enjoyed being able to spend time with my brother and sister in laws and get to know them a bit better. With distance and life, come to think of it, we haven’t seen them all too terribly much since we got married! Like, yes, more than a couple of times, but not lots. Its been good to be around everyone, all together, and get some good visits in.
Dekker and Laela have had SUCH a good time! They are making friends with their cousins, playing incredibly with them, learning new games, playing with the puppies, and they even had their first quad rides. (I’ll be honest. I missed the whole quadding experience, and am a bit sappy over the whole thing 🙁 I didn’t know Dekker and Laela had their first quad rides until they were over. Wish I was there to take pictures. *tear* ) They’ve had lots of new experiences, and it seems like they grew up a lot in these few days. Rowan has also grown and changed since arrival. He is SO bouncy and wriggly, and loves to be held by anyone up for the challenge of hanging onto him. His cousins make him laugh almost constantly, and he likes to chew on any unsuspecting auntie or uncle who holds him. He’s incredibly social, and I would say he’s gotten goofier since we got here. This visit has done the kids very very good.
But tomorrow we go home. Eleven hours in the van, but hopefully they go as smoothly as the drive here. It will be good to be home. I believe this is our last big gathering/trip for a while. Still lots going on to look forward to, but its all close to home. It’ll likely take the kids a while to wind down from this, but its been so good for them. Cousin bonds are finally forming on our end 🙂 Jonquil and Keith, John and Julie, Dan and Char, you all have FABULOUS children!!! <3