Our Five Ring Circus: It's So Hard To Say Goodbye

Sunday, July 18, 2010

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye

We had a wonderful weekend! It was filled with picnics and lots of time with family and friends. We got to see my Aunt Susie and cousin, Michael Anne, who were in town from Texas. We haven't seen them since January 2007! I adore them, and was thrilled to visit with them, and introduce them to Lexie!

On Friday, we visited with my mom, and had dinner with her. When my dad came home, he took the kids outside, and my mom and I played a few games. Just before we left, Dylan found a toad, which he named Mrs. Toad. Mrs. Toad came home with us.

I told Dylan that Mrs. Toad could have a sleepover, but he had to let her go the next morning. As soon as the kids woke up, they started to play with Mrs. Toad. I knew that letting her go was going to be a difficult feat.

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After a few tears, the kids sadly said goodbye to Mrs. Toad, wished her well, and let her loose in our backyard.

Luckily, they were sidetracked by a picnic at our friend's new house. Dylan and Lexie had a lot of fun playing with their buddies!

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We all had fun hanging out with our friends, and it ended up being a late night for us!

Shortly after we woke up today, we went to another picnic! Some of my family got together for a picnic in honor of Aunt Susie and Michael Anne's visit. It was so wonderful to see them and get to spend time with them! It was so hot outside, but we had a blast. I just wish we were able to spend more than one day with them!

Lexie is slow to warm up to strangers, but it didn't take her too long to become buddies with Michael Anne! I don't blame her...Michael Anne is awesome! By the end of the night, she willingly gave out hugs to both of them.

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Dylan? Well, he loves everybody! He was more than happy to snuggle up to Aunt Susie and hang out with Michael Anne!

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The kids had fun running around with their cousins, some that they haven't seen in a while. I had to laugh when my cousin's daughter said, "I just want to sit here and stare at Lexie! She's so cute!" Lexie was thrilled to spend time with girls! She is almost always surrounded by little boys!

On our way to the picnic, my Aunt Jackie sent me a message to bring swimsuits for the kids. The kids were so bummed because we didn't bring them. Well, we made do with a borrowed swimsuit from a 10 year old cousin for Lexie, and a shirt for Dylan! Dylan wasn't too happy that he had to wear floaties, but he just learned how to swim, and I wasn't in the pool with him.

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Michael Anne, my cousin, Jess, and I were inseparable when we were younger. Jess and I loved when Michael Anne came up for a visit. This was the first time the three of us were together in over 10 years!

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I am so happy that we got to spend the day with my awesome family! I am thrilled that I got to see Aunt Susie and Michael Anne after so many years!

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After lots of good food, lots of pictures, lots of conversation, and lots of fun, it was time for them to leave. It was so hard to say goodbye!

I tried not to cry, but as they pulled away from the house, my Aunt Jackie and I stood on the porch, in tears, with our arms wrapped around each other.

I am really hoping that we get to see them again, very soon! Hopefully, my Uncle Milt and cousin, Sarah, will join them. After 3 1/2 years apart, one day was not enough! I love them and miss them so much!

We didn't get home until nearly midnight tonight, because we were having so much fun! My brother-in-law got us lost in the city, and we ended up with an awesome tour of the north side. ;) Dylan ended up falling asleep in the car, and although Lexie slept in my arms for a bit this afternoon, she was almost asleep when we got home.

Despite the difficult ending, I am so happy that we had a fun weekend! I feel blessed to have an amazing family and wonderful friends!

9 comments:

  1. Such a busy weekend! LOL at Mrs. Toad. The close-up pic of the toad with Dylan's face behind is priceless.

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  2. what a sweet weekend, making memories :) You take such great pictures of your children and that pic of the toad...HILARIOUS!

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  3. Sounds like you are very close with your family. Lucky you!

    Lexie looks like such a teenager floating on that raft.

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  4. So fun that you got to spend time with your family this weekend!!

    ....I laughed at the Mrs. Toad story...too cute :)

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  5. nothing beats an awesome and fun-filled reunion! :) so fun indeed! you really have such a wonderful and beautiful family :)

    have a happy week sissy!
    hugs!

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  6. I can't believe you let a toad in your house! You're a better mom than me! Love all the pics! I know a Michael Anne. I always thought it was an unusual name...guess not! Happy to hear y'all had a great visit and weekend!

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  7. You all are such beautiful ladies! Great photos throughout this post! We have a new toad/frog here daily...no joke!

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  8. Saying goodbye is always hard. I live only an hour away from my parents and I still hate leaving. When we visit my grandparents in West Virginia it never fails...it's a cry fest every time!

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  9. another busy weekend, you never never fail ha ha! You always are busy. Love that she wore a 10 year olds bathing suit and he wore a shirt :)

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