Feels Like Home

We’ve been home for two days now and I’m still not sure what to say about our trip to Dallas. Dallas is where I was born and even though I spent very little of my life there, it is the closest thing to “home” that I’ve ever really known. We spent most of our time visiting with Hubby’s family and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. I am always amazed at how much I enjoy being around my in-laws. It was just perfect in every way. I’m going to make this mostly a photo post because I have so many I want to share.

Zachary played with his cousins so well. Every time they left the room he would look at me and ask, “Where did my cousins go?”

We spent a lot of time in the pool. Zach had a very scary few seconds the first day we were there when he stepped down and couldn’t touch the bottom. After I rescued him and my heart attack ended, I got Daddy to make an emergency trip back to the house for the swim ring we forgot. All was well after that.

Evie started teething (I can feel the edge of the tooth but it hasn’t popped through yet) and got a little fussy toward the end of the trip, but she still amazed everyone with how calm of a baby she is. She really enjoyed all the attention though and hasn’t let me put her down much since we got home.

Zachary has been telling us lately that he wants to play the “frums” when he grows up. He found a couple of toy drum sticks while we were there and put on a show for everyone.

We got to enjoy visiting with Hubby’s grandpa. He’s not been feeling well and it is likely that this may be our last visit with him. Hopefully it won’t be, but if it is, we’ll at least have some very fond memories of this trip.

On Sunday, my mom and I took the kids out to visit with some very dear friends of ours. We call them our “adopted” grandparents. They have known me nearly as long as my parents have and will always hold a very special place in my heart. Even though we haven’t seen them much in recent years, I have so many good memories of staying with them out on their farm. I absolutely loved watching them hold and interact with my kids. Zachary acted like he had known them forever and Evie just lit up when they held her. It was a very special time that I will always remember.

Vivian and Clyde’s farm has not changed much since I was a kid. Everything has stayed pretty much where it always was. The house is worn, the animals are gone, and much of the grass in the yard has dried up, but it still feels like home.

Before we knew it, Monday morning arrived and it was time to head home. We were sad to say good-bye but took a few minutes out for a few last minute pictures with Papa.

Zach and Evie will miss their cousin Grant. I hate that we live so far away sometimes because they don’t get to spend nearly enough time together.

The trip home was LONG. We’ve discovered that driving at night is infinitely better than driving during the day with two kids. By the time we got home Zach was beyond cranky and poor little Evie had broken out with a nasty rash that I still can’t figure out. It’s either a heat rash, something she came into contact with, or possibly a result of the teething, but I really have no idea which one.