jiggety-jig

After a restful vacation we are back into the normal rush of homelife. Also, we are preparing for the start of homeschool, planning vacations, and trying to accomplish various home improvement projects.
Jamie and Dot survived a day-long trip in the car with just me driving. Amazing! They were thrilled to get out and swing at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Aunt Linda and Uncle Michael were willing to give them push after push.
On Saturday we travelled again, this time up to Meadville, PA for a 65th anniversary party. We surprised the Grimes and had a wonderful time. It was nice to see more family, and to catch up on what's happenning in the different families. It was interesting to see my kids (and neice and nephews) playing with the same toys I played with there when I was young! I made sure to get photos of the kids with great-grandparents. I wish we could have spent more time with them!
On Sunday Dot left to go to Norwalk, to spend her week being spoiled by Grandma. Apparently she had a very good time, made a new friend, and tried a new food. (Cucumbers are now acceptable.) Lots of hugs when she came "home", though. She must have missed us after all. :-)
Jamie and I spent the week with Mom and Dad, and it was a very nice, sort of quiet week. We visited the thrift stores (and found some really good bargains!) and went to garage sales, but we also helped clean chairs at NCS. Throughout the week we tried to get Jamie to talk more, and took him on walks to see the trains and dogs. He was thrilled with all the attention he got. Jamie is a surprisingly obedient little boy.
Jim flew in Friday night to spend a quick weekend in Ohio. He did get to visit both Half-Price Books locations, and still had time to go to a local boy scouts garage sale - where he found more books! :-) We played Dutch Blitz and visited with Doug and Lori. Just like old times!
Monday we packed up and travelled back to Baltimore, and the trip went well until we arrived in time for rush hour traffic. We pushed on through, and both kids were happy to see our home again, especially when they found surprises awaiting them! Jamie was thrilled with the new rocking horse and Dot loved her canopy over her bed.
For a week or so I lived a wonderful life - reduced responsibilities (no cooking, less cleaning/laundry). I had someone else around to help watch the kids, and the kids were happy to play with "new" toys. Thanks, Mom and Dad. I feel refreshed.
It would be so nice to live near family! We really miss them all!