Life in a Nutshell
Cheers to all you Hobbit fans! I promise my tale won't be quite as long, nor as adventurous, but the ending will be full of conflict and final resolutions!
We had an awesome time in Vancouver. It was great to be with family, to see how everyone has grown, and to re-acquaint ourselves with the members of the family that we hadn't seen in 5 years! The kids ran around with their cousins for 7 days straight. They were so exhausted at night that bedtime was (relatively) easy. Sometimes one of them would have a meltdown (usually DD#2) and then it was difficult. In fact, she's been very difficult lately. I can almost empathize with my Dad who runs conflict-resolution for a Catholic Diocese...dealing with DD#2 (who just turned 3) I feel like I could use some conflict-resolution courses! Anyway, DH and I had a great time chatting with friends and family. Each one of us took a turn getting out with friends. DH had a "guys night out" planned with friends and I was able to do some shopping and go to lunch with a friend from college. It was wonderful to touch base!
We were there for Family Reunion #2...we had the last one 5 years ago. And this year, on Oct 1st, marks DH's parent's 50th wedding anniversary. So, we had 2 big parties. One for the immediate and extended family, a mass, then family pics, then a catered dinner with much entertainment by the grandkids, and even Grandma herself teaching the grandkids "the achey-breaky heart" line dance! There was a power point presentation which was beautifully done, of old family photos. It was very touching.
The next day, was an open house at Mom and Dad's. About half-a-million people showed up...ok, only a quarter. :) It was crazy, but what a testament to how many lives are touched by one couple! I simply introduced myself as "Megan, Andrew's wife" and was (usually) greeted with, "I remember when Andrew was born!" And since I had lived there for a year during our engagement, I was able to remember quite a few people. How fun!
We were able to take the kids to the beach. The tide was out, and left behind many tidal pools filled with clams and crabs and other thrilling sealife. DD#3 went too, and crawled around on the blanket, breathing the fresh sea air. The other kids ran around squealing in the waves, digging in the sand, and exploring the pools with their pails and shovels. I could've stayed there all day!
And so ends part I. A wonderful, wonderful time. Lots of laughter and good times. And looking forward to our trip next summer!
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