We rolled out of Hastings at 10am on a Saturday morning and after playing many car games, listening to the iPod until it died, listening to books on CD, and watching two movies, we arrived in Marmora, NJ at 1:30am on Sunday. The kids did better than I anticipated and Ella actually took the best-behaved trophy. And she only napped for one hour. That Sunday was filled with seeing so many familiar faces. First, we got to see our Aunt Melissa! Alayna had been asking to see her all summer and her wish came true!
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| We were able to spend time with her at Aunt Darla's BBQ (as we say it in the North, otherwise known as a cookout in the South). The girls showed her the new cheers. Seeing Melissa was bittersweet. There's always so much to catch up with and so little time. We look forward to a visit from her whenever she can make it down here. |
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| At Aunt Darla's I was happy to snap this picture of MomMom and her girls! This night was only the beginning of many others that they could spend together. Alayna wanted to seeing Tabitha's room immediately...she had to see what Big Girl changes she made to the room. (Disappointed there weren't Barbies to play with anymore though.) |
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| Alayna also was not shy about getting just as physical with her big boy cousins as she is with her brother. Damian, Jordan, David, and Nathaniel understood Eric's pain just a little. |
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| Cailin took a little while to warm up to everyone. Seeing the crowds and crowds of people that knew her, but she herself didn't know...was a challenge. I'm glad in this picture she was calm and relaxed. Many times during the trip, meeting people overwhelmed her a bit. It was during these times the I was reminded of my upcoming battle...PreK. I know that she is going to enjoy it. I also know that she will put up a fight in the beginning. For Eric this phase lasted a whole month. But ultimately, I know that breaking away from Mommy and socializing is best for her. (Deep breath.) |
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| Eric fit right in. Being the oldest was his advantage. He had the most memories of previous trips. He also had several memories of living in New Jersey. Now he just turned three when we moved to Florida and he had only lived there for just under two years. Yet somehow he developed a loyalty to New Jersey and swears its the best place on earth. (He says its either New Jersey, or New York, or Los Angeles.) |
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| They had chicken fights and a Slip N Slide covered in dish soap. And a trampoline and swings and a slide built off a wooded firetruck. What a night they had! |
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| Terri brought Popsicles! They kids ran her off and tore into each kind she brought! |
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| Eric even practiced football with the boys with Daddy has steady quarterback. As if that night was not exhausting enough, it was only the beginning. And I thought we were going to relax on vacation. (I'm such a fool). |
