It’s been over a year since I’ve seen my Mom and Dad. But they live in South Dakota, so it’s not as if we could make it a weekend trip–or even drive there in 12 hours . . . or 18 . . or 20 . . . Well, I suppose someone has probably driven it in 20.
It’s basically two days’ drive or a lot of frequent flyer miles, which can be cost-prohibitive, especially when you’re a family of almost 5.
It’s been over a year since I’ve seen my brother and sister-in-law too. They live in South Carolina, which granted is only one days’ drive. But still.
And we got to visit my sister Mary in Florida and meet her boyfriend back in May. And Mary visited earlier this spring too. So far this year, my sister has been the only “family” I have seen. And it is now November.
But all that is about to change.
My brother & sister-in-law arrive on Thursday and get to stay for a week–until Thanksgiving Day. My sister-in-law has a professional exam here in the city (is it the Certified Financial Planner? I need to ask her!) that weekend, so they are making a “mini-vacation” of it. She has to work the day after Thanksgiving, so we will eat Thanksgiving Dinner for lunch to get them on the road!
My sister is arriving Wednesday before Thanksgiving and staying through Saturday.
My parents are coming in Thanksgiving morning, because my dad will be preaching in South Amboy, New Jersey, on Saturday and Sunday at the church where I spent 10 of my primitive years. Then my mom will stay with us for a little over a week after that!
As I understand it, we will all be together in the same house for about 5 hours or so . . . if all goes according to plan . . . which hasn’t happened since October 2008.
I’ve told the kids about it. Mara understands. She talks to Grandma and Grandpa on Skype, and she knows they’re coming. I’m not quite sure what Micah understands yet.
But lately, he has been going over to the bookshelf, taking down the picture of my family (from our wedding) and pointing to each of the people in the picture and jabbering.
I’m not sure what he’s saying. But I tell him who each person is, and that they’re coming for a visit. And he actually looks at each person with interest.
So, wow, I will catching up with some people I love!
And my little boy, who has only met his Grandma and Grandpa once, will get to know them in a closer way than just a picture on the bookshelf.
