Hello Tuesday

Who else gets completely thrown off with their calendar by these Monday holidays? I don't know why it should affect me because technically everyday is Saturday when you're retired, but still it does. Here's how our long weekend looked-

Daughter2 wasn't heading back to her Tennessee home until late morning so Daughter1 came over with her kids and we broke in the griddle ala breakfast style. 

We've cooked on the griddle before, but this was our first time trying breakfast and it was a big hit. I made pancake batter and hubs added chocolate chips and cooked them on the griddle along with the usual couple pounds of bacon (these kids can eat), and eggs two different ways. 

We were going to have fried eggs, but the first two stuck so hubs regrouped and scrambled those. Then he figured out how much butter or oil he needed for frying, and those were good too. I absolutely love a big family breakfast and it was so much fun having it all outside. 

After the TN crew got on the road back home daughter1 took her crew back to their house, and hubs and I collapsed on the couch. 

Not exactly, but more or less that's what we did. We cleaned up breakfast and put a few things away but mostly we chilled on the sofa outside. I read and had a tiny nap and then we eventually got dressed to go out for dinner because I declared my kitchen closed. 

We went for sushi at a local place we enjoy and it was pretty and tasty. We decided we needed a small scoop of ice cream afterwards so we headed to the sweet shop where I had the most delicious raspberry and white chocolate bite and hubs had salted caramel. He said mine was better and he was right. 

It was still early so we drove by a lot hubs recently sold in a new neighborhood. He wanted to snag a picture with the sold sign up for the buyer who lives out of town. The sales manager was on site so we chatted a while and I got a tour of the model which I always enjoy. When I was growing up my mom would sometimes take me to see model homes in new neighborhoods and I always thought that was fun. I love to see how they're decorated.

Saturday we started the day at Lowes. Does every Saturday start at Lowes? Perhaps. 

Hubs has been working on adding some lighting to the waterfall and needed three more. It is looking so pretty! We also checked out their grills because we wanted to buy Daughter1 and her family a grill as a housewarming gift. They all seemed huge and since we didn't know the width of their grilling space we decided we'd come back later in the weekend to actually buy. 

Hubs never says no to a trip to Lowes.   

We left there and went to what was billed as Farm Fest, mostly because it was held on a farm and not because any farming was happening. I mean there probably was farming happening somewhere,  just not where we were. There was also a rodeo Friday night, but we missed that. There were some antique tractors on display, plus a running cotton gin which was kind of interesting to see, but truth be told we were there for the BBQ.  

It was a contest and we are all about great BBQ. Hubs makes a really good pulled pork so our standards are high. We bought tickets to get samples and each chef gave you a very small cup of pulled pork. The first guy gave us a rib and kind of won me over with that, but we made the rounds and then cast our vote. 

You don't think you're eating that much because the cups are really small but we were so full. There were a couple of other food trucks there too, but the only one we tried was the one selling lemonade. We had a limeade and it was also really good. 

There was a a big jeep show happening too, and loads of people brought their jeeps for everyone to see. They had an obstacle course set up for any jeep owners who wanted to try it and that was really fun to watch. We only saw one get stuck and have to be pulled out. 

On the way home hubs asked (since we were in the area) if we could go by the truck dealer and look at trucks because that's what he's considering for his next vehicle. I halfheartedly said yes. Y'all. This is one of my least favorite activities and one of his most favorite so someone's gotta give. Since we will need to buy something this year it had to be me. 

41 years in June and it's mostly the little things that get you there. 

It's funny because he loves talking about this model or that one, and pointing them out as we drive around town, asking if I noticed the wheels (huh?) or can I see how this one has running boards that retract but that one doesn't, and I guess these things matter?  I'm not a truck girl. I'm a fast car girl lol. 

We came home and watched a movie (Nonnas) which was super cute! I wish we'd known about this one when we lived near the city. Dinner was leftovers because my kitchen was still mostly closed. 

Sunday we went to church then out to breakfast right after. Once we were back home I read for a while and hubs watched some golf, and then we headed out to see the new Mission Impossible-The Final Reckoning, at the theatre. We rarely see movies in the theater anymore,  but we like this series and enjoy seeing them on the big screen. 

Also Tom Cruise is insane. The stunts! My palms were sweaty when we left the theatre. We loved it! We had popcorn at the movies and called it dinner. I was three for three on the kitchen closure. 

Monday we headed back to Lowes to purchase the grill and the cover and arrange to have it delivered assembled to daughter1's house later this week. Then we did a big grocery shop, and it was back outside to read and relax beside the waterfall. It was sublime. 

The weather was not the best Sunday or Monday and I always feel for people who come to the lake for the holiday weekend and miss seeing the sun. Still the rain held off until later Monday, so there was plenty of fun to be had. Hubs grilled us a steak and I made baked potatoes and a caprese salad with my home grown basil which is already thriving. 

If you have a dish you love that calls for pesto send it my way, because I'm going to have plenty. 

Hope your weekend was filled with the things and people you love. I will leave this very quick little video here, a poignant reminder of what it's all about. 

Omaha Beach Sand

Linking today with Holly and Sarah for their Hello Monday weekend recap party. Hop over and see what everyone's been up to...

Happy TuesdayMonday everyone! 

The Friday Five

It seems everyone is blogging about that end of the school year kind of crazy busy-ness that happens every May and what I want to know is why is my May the same kind of crazy busy? No school aged children at home and we're retired. Here's my friendly psa to anyone who isn't retired and is telling themselves life will 'settle down' once they are-

It won't. 

Retired does not mean bored, a calendar full of blank space, or nowhere to go-nothing to do. 

At least it doesn't for us. We still have so much going on and are always in search of 'a quick nap' to recharge which will not be happening this week. 

This week is still pretty grand though. My son-in-law has a work conference and spouses were invited to tag along. We're in charge of their littles while they're away, and we are absolutely loving every happy exhausting minute of it. 

 It's only Day1 but so far so good lol. 

While baby is napping and the boys are lego-ing I'm going to do a quick five favorites from the week that was....linking with Erika and Andrea and their Friday Favorites hop-

1. My parents. My in-laws. I've been thinking about them a lot this week. My hubs traveled extensively for work back in the day and I was able to accompany him on a number of really fun trips. Before leaving I remember always feeling a little bit anxious about how my girls would do while we were away (they were always completely fine), and not giving a a whole lot of thought as to how my parents would do. 

Now that I'm the parent watching the grands I realize my worries were misplaced-ha! The littles are living their best lives with grandparents in the house. 

Grandparents on the other hand are used to sipping their leisurely two cups of coffee in the morning without anyone ever asking a single question. They have  to relearn how to buckle a car seat and unbuckle a stroller every.single.time they visit, and they've forgotten what it's like to watch kids and cook dinner at the same time. They work hard to bite their tongue and not say, 'be careful!!' every few seconds when the six year old is on top of the jungle gym. 

Seriously. I'm married to a literal dare devil who gave his own mother gray hairs (and possibly still does), but when it comes to his grands he can't help but say 'be careful' when they're doing kid type things. We're working on it, but I'm also pretty sure this is just how grandparents are wired the world over. 

I do know my girls appreciate our efforts, and that of their in-laws too. I will have to assume some decades after the fact, that my own parents and in-laws also knew how much I appreciated the excellent care they provided whenever we asked. 

2. In person time with our grands. I haven't seen this set in person since January so we were overdue. And we're having the best time doing all the things, keeping them busy, them keeping us busy (truth!) stacking blocks, reading books, climbing, building, running, swinging, sliding, looking, and laughing, all with laps full-hearts full. 

We arrived a day early so we would also be able to spend some time with Daughter1 before they left on their trip, and that always does a momma's heart good. 

3. When my girls were small and hubs and I went out of town I'd wrap little gifts, one for each day we would be away, for the girls to open. It was something to look forward to and also helped them mark the time. My daughter has done the same for hers and I love that. 

4. I started a subscription to Lovevery when my third grandson was born. My daughter2 knew about it and thought it looked good, so I signed him up and sent boxes the first year of his life. Then when Little Miss arrived on the scene I sent her boxes too. 

Then of course I forgot to cancel the subscription so surprise! they both got boxes this month. It worked out well as we're doling out the items here this week while Mom and Dad are away and the toys in the box are a happy distraction. 

Distraction is king in terms of managing the toddler kingdom. 

Anyway, if you're not familiar with Lovevery they are stage-based play kits and the quality is top notch. I'm not a rep for them, we've just been so pleased with the product I thought I'd share. They are not inexpensive but like I said the quality is phenomenal. 

Each kit contains 7-10 playthings, a book, and a developmental play guide. I will add that both of my grands have absolutely loved the kits they've received and the toys are made to last. 

If you're interested message me and I'll give you a friend referral which will save you $20 on your first kit.  You can also skip boxes or cancel if you decide you don't want the full year.  

5. Lastly, I never want the Memorial Day weekend to go by without mentioning the men and women who have served this land I love, as well as those currently in some branch of our nation's military. In particular I want to honor those who've given their very lives...'who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life...'  

I grew up in a 'military family' and while my dad did not die in battle, he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery beside so very many who did. I pray on this holiday weekend, between trips to the pool, backyard barbecues, and the thrill of summer rolling in, that we can all pause for a moment and acknowledge the sacrifices made, by those soldiers and by their families too. 

Let's hush the national bickering on this day, and remember with pride and gratitude how America became and remains the land of the free. 

Have a wonderful holiday weekend everyone and may God bless America! 

A Charitable Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Hodgepodgers are always grateful for comments. Here we go-

1. This week's Hodgepodge lands on National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. Is yours in need of a cleaning? Will you get that done today? How often do you tackle this particular chore?

It's currently not filled to overflowing but I guess it can always use a good cleaning. It's a big job and I have to be in the mood to wrangle the shelves in and out. I wasn't planning on tackling it today, but maybe I should. I try to clean the frig before I do a big shop, and definitely before a Costco run. 

2. November 15th is also National Philanthropy Day...tell us about a charity (local or otherwise) you like to support when you're able.  

We support a number of charities, mostly those that help feed and care for hungry children (World Vision and Compassion) At the local level I volunteer every week making lunch in a nearby soup kitchen. 

We also support Young Life and Cru which are both Christian youth ministries. We give to St. Jude and to Crisis Pregnancy organizations that provide ultrasounds to moms considering abortion. Seeing that baby in 3D is often what leads to a change of heart. 

3.What in nature inspires you and why? 

So many things...sunrises, sunsets, mountain vistas, wide open spaces, a walk in the woods, a bright blue sky, a watercolor sky, a wispy cloud kind of day, really the sky in general. 

Why? Probably because being in nature quiets my mind and allows me to better organize my thoughts. 

4. What's something you own that makes you feel cozy? 

Hubs will laugh but I'm going to say my bathrobe. I know that makes me sound ancient, but I love a good snuggly robe. 

5. Who did you thank today? Who thanked you? 

I bought something at Publix on Monday (when I wrote this answer) that was a 'buy two, get one free' deal. I ended up at self-checkout and needed help because it charged me for all three. I thanked the cashier. And of course if you know Publix then you know she thanked me back lol. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hubs and I attended the Clemson-Ga. Tech game on Saturday. It was Military Appreciation Day and they do a really wonderful job of honoring those who have served. 

There are many special moments that take place on the field between game quarters and this year there was actually a 100 year old WW2 veteran at the game. 

He received the National Order of the Legion of Honor, the highest French distinction. It was given on the field by the Consul General of France and was truly moving. These WW2 Veterans are a treasure and I'm glad there are spaces where we still recognize that. 

Over the weekend five soldiers were killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash over the Mediterranean, all stationed at the base my daughter and son-in-law just left. We throw out a lot of platitudes on Veterans Day, but our soldiers and their families need encouragement and support every single day of the year. They aren't out marching for it, raising a ruckus, shutting down streets thus creating chaos, or even demanding to be heard. Instead they go to work, literally risk their lives, and they sacrifice so much. 

My heart breaks for the families who've lost a beloved son, brother, father, friend. If you are a person who prays, please remember these families today. There's a link here to their names and faces. 

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A Trendy Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post then leave a comment for the blogger before you. 'Tis the season...

1. The Hodgepodge lands on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Have you visited the memorial? Any desire to do so? Have you visited other WW2 sites and memorials? Do you think we do a good job of teaching current and younger generations about the events of WW2? Do you think it matters? 

I haven't been to the Pearl Harbor Memorial and yes would like to see it if I'm in that part of the country someday. I have seen many other WW2 sites and memorials around the world. The beaches of Normandy and many of the neighboring villages there, The American Cemetery in Colleville-Sur-Mer, the Memorial de Caen, Dachau, The Holocaust Museum in D.C., Churchills Bunker in London, and the list goes on. 

I'm not sure exactly what is taught in most schools today when it comes to the World Wars. I do think it's important and absolutely should be a part of the curriculum. These world wars shaped not only our nation but much of the world. 

2. Many books, both fiction and non-fiction have been written with WW2 as the setting. Is this a 'genre' you gravitate towards? Share with us a book (or two) you've enjoyed that is set in some way around WW2. If you're not a reader, how about a movie? 

I've read too many books to count set during WW2 and I enjoy reading about that period of time. A few favorites would be The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom, Sarah's Key by Tatianna de Rosnay, and  Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas. As far as movies go some favorites would be Darkest Hour, Saving Private Ryan, The Longest Day, and Midway. 

3. According to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine there are seven popular color trends for the holidays this year. They are- red and white, Victorian blue, pops of pink, rich shades of green, rainbow hues, black and white, and nostalgic retro colors. Are you 'trendy' when it comes to holiday decorating in 2022? How so? Does your tree have a 'theme'? 

I am not trendy when it comes to Christmas. In fact I am the opposite of trendy. I'm old fashioned and one of the things I love is keeping our holiday traditions mostly the same from year to year. My tree is a reflection of our family life and is filled with decorations collected on our travels, some that reflect our hobbies or significant life events, and ornaments made once upon a time by little girl hands. 

4. What's a current trend you buck? 

Tik Tok. 

5. What's your favorite chocolate something? 

I rarely say no to chocolate anything but my favorite is probably a brownie, not too cakey, not too gooey. Just right lol. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I post this song on my blog every December because the words are timeless, the melody is beautiful, and in a world gone mad it's good to be reminded God is not dead nor does He sleep...

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The Golden State

I've posted a few pics on my Facebook page this week, but you know I need all the words too, so here we go. First things first-I spent the morning at the orthopedist and am happy to report my fractured elbow will not require surgery. Whoohoo! If you don't know what I'm talking about I mentioned it to Hodgepodgers in a quick post yesterday (linked here) and will likely mention it again when I get to the end of my trip recap. 

If you're new here you should know I can make blogging about a trip longer than the trip itself, but I'm still a little wonky with the typing so maybe my injury will inspire me to be less wordy. 

Maybe. 

See, here we are three paragraphs in and I haven't even gotten started on the actual travel. California. It seems a little bit crazy to make a road trip in California just now, given the price of gas there (7$!!) and really just the price of everything (how do people live here???), but we had friends hosting a wedding and we were not going to miss that. 

These are special friends. Friends who go all the way back and have known my girls since they were babies. We both started moving here-there-everywhere, always keeping in touch and seeing one another in person from time to time, until one day, in an absolutely wonderful display of God's amazing goodness, we ended up living in England at the very same time. 

Our babies who were born just a few weeks apart (her first, my second), and who moved three or four times in the middle years, ended up graduating from high school together while living in the same small village across the pond. This friendship has been such a gift and no matter the miles we always pick up right where we left off. 

When we received the invitation to their youngest daughter's wedding on the California coast we decided to make it a holiday. When in Rome and all that, right? 

Hubs and I have driven the northern California coast all the way from San Francisco to Tacoma Washington (recap link starts here), but I had never seen any of the southern coast. We added a few days to the front end of the wedding date so we could take our time meandering through some of the loveliest little seaside spots in America. 

We went total cliche and rented a convertible because why not? The weather was absolute perfection (is this why people live here???) and we rode with the top down most of the way, hence baseball caps and crazy haired pics. C'est la vie. 

This was our first flight since pre-Covid days and we had a connection both ways so opted not to check bags. We've heard too many nightmare stories of lost luggage and since we were hopping from one spot to the next we worried delayed bags might never reach us. The travel itself went so smoothly in both directions, something of a rarity these days and we were grateful. 

We arrived in San Diego on a Friday afternoon and by the time we rented the car, got out of the airport, and checked in to our hotel it was time for dinner. An early dinner as we were definitely still on East Coast time lol. We stayed at The Westin in the Gaslight District because we wanted to be in that part of town, but also because we had hotel points. Gotta make up for that 7$ gas somewhere now, don't we? 

We spent part of the day in San Diego before driving to our next locale and chose a couple of things to see that would give us a feel for the city. 

We started in Balboa Park and really enjoyed that. It was a gorgeous day (probably going to be saying that a lot) and we walked around soaking up all the beautiful scenery and sunshine. 

After seeing as much of Balboa Park as we could we headed next to the Embarcadero for a tour of The USS Midway museum. 

It is absolutely something to see and as you read the placards and hear the stories of so many brave, mostly young, servicemen you remember what you love about America. 

There was a quote beside one of the placards that really touched me. Rear Admiral Timothy Ziemer is cited as the speaker who said this, " What we share...is a pride for having sacrificed together for a cause greater than our individual pursuits. A pride for having our courage and honor affirmed and tested in one moment in history. Pride for having replaced comfort and security with the inconvenience of the unknown and not being broken by the experience." 

Our friends own a condo in San Clemente and we planned to spend the next two nights there. We stopped en route for an ocean view late lunch in La Jolla. Hubs likes this town a lot and wanted me to see it. Parking was a bit challenging on a sunny Saturday but we found a spot and had a wonderful relaxed meal at George's at the Cove. 

Rose all day. 

I mean I could have but there were places to go and people to see. 

Next stop...sea lions, surfers and San Clemente. 

And sunshine of course because it's the California coast. 

Quietly Living In A Noisy World

I was going to post a Thursday Thirteen yesterday, which is something bloggers used to do every Thursday, but when I typed the number it felt all wrong so I'm just going to wing it with some Friday random instead. 

Hubs and I went out for dinner Wednesday night to celebrate his birthday, a lovely local spot we enjoy. When we walked in we saw this-

At first I thought it odd they had a table reserved for someone right in the entryway because who would want to sit there, but then I registered the sign and the beer and my heart felt heavy with sadness. I'm glad the restaurant set the table, in their own way acknowledging the sacrifices made and the pain still so raw. While I know we want to put our heads down and pretend this didn't happen the way it happened, I for one hope we don't forget. 

We're such a fickle people, so easily distracted. I know it seems we wake up every day to some new awfulness we need to wrap our brains around, but I pray we don't forget these soldiers. So young and by all accounts proud to serve their country, proud to be helping people fleeing a country overrun by terror. Let's not forget. 

We've pretty much been at home this week keeping a watchful eye on our pup. He had a follow up visit with the vet yesterday who said things are looking much better than they were a few days ago, but we still have a ways to go in terms of healing. He has been mostly cooperative and for that we are grateful. 

It is so nice living in almost the same time zone as my daughter1. She has been facetime-ing us late morning and nobody is just waking up or just going to bed. So much easier for everyone than the crazy am/pm differences we've had these past two years, and it's especially fun to think I'll see them in person before the month is out. 

It's tea time. All summer I drink a late afternoon iced coffee until suddenly I don't want iced coffee, I want hot tea. It's still hot and humid here, maybe more so than it's been this entire summer, but there's something about the way the light changes in September, children returning to school, knowing fall is almost upon us even if the thermometer says otherwise, that says it's time for tea. 

This is interesting, right? 

Who else feels like they've watched every movie new, old, and older on Prime and Netflix during Covid? We do a lot of scrolling these days but nothing jumps out at us. We've started a couple of series recently but our interest wanes and we set it aside thinking maybe we'll come back later and finish but then we don't. If you are watching something great let me know. 

Speaking of Covid, how's everyone coping? What a mess. Honestly everything under the sun feels a bit of a mess right now, and we're bombarded with seemingly endless noise every which way we turn. I've been thinking about how to live quietly, and of course social media leaps to mind. 

I remember when I first joined Instagram, all the beauty there. It was almost entirely photographs, lovely images of faraway places, meals lovingly prepared, cozy home spaces that inspired, and that appealed to me. Like most things on the Internet it's become harsher and louder and as a result, less beautiful. 

There's a time for every season, and maybe that includes social media too. 

My daughter and I were talking recently about all the things in the world that threaten to overwhelm us, and how most of those things are completely outside of our ability to change or control. She told me in these troubled times she is taking this verse to heart-

"And aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands as we have instructed you." 1 Thessalonians 4:11 

A gentle reminder not to complicate things, but to care for and tend to the people and the work right in front of us. This we can do...

And it is beautiful. 

About Last Week And Also Today

What a sad day. My heart breaks for the many families getting that horrible phone call, and also for our nation, which seems to spin a little more out of control every day. In this season of turmoil I want to keep my eyes on the God of the universe. He is good and He is sovereign, even when our TV screens tell us to believe otherwise. 

Blogging feels out of place on a day like today, but that is the thing about life. It's beautiful and terrible all at the same time and I write to remember both. 

A little over a week ago we made the trek with Daughter1 and her boys to Tennessee, stopping for two nights with hubs brother and sister-in-law so they could meet 'Max' and catch up with the mancub. My mother-in-law also lives in that same town so she was able to have time with her great grandsons too.  

The sun shone and these little men slept in yet another new place (their 8th since May!) without batting an eye and we had a wonderful time together. 

My son-in-law had gone on to the new house in another part of the state so he could get the keys to the house they rented sight unseen, meet the utility guys for water and electric connections, and tell the movers bringing their air shipment and their storage unit where things should go. Their household goods arriving by sea were to be delivered today, and the in-laws made the trip over yesterday to help with that. 

Moving is never a simple thing, particularly when you've been living abroad and the air conditioner goes out the second day you're there and the house is basically the temperature of the sun until it's repaired. We survived though, and I would say we even thrived in this lovely new space with a ginormous play room and an honest to goodness back yard. 

Hubs made one thousand trips to Lowes and unpacked their garage while they went to buy a car to park there. We ate ice cream with sprinkles...

And squeezed in a walk at a nearby park with its cool dark cave and a pond filled with turtles and blooming things. 

The mancub started preschool because resilience is his middle name...

We read a million books and laughed a lot because these little boys are the absolute best, most entertaining people we know. We went to bed ridiculously early every single night because we were all completely worn out by sunset. 

I have been thinking a lot today about this big little town where they will live these next two years. A 'military town' where everywhere you look you see the US flag flying and guys in baseball caps that read US Army. Lots of tattooed arms and crew cuts. Friendly people who knock on your new front door and say welcome to the neighborhood with a box of donuts because they've been where you've been and they get it. 

A town where most everyone has some sort of tie to one branch of service or another, and my heart aches for them today. So many armchair pundits and even many of our politicians have no clue what day to day life is like for active duty military families, which makes days like today extra hard and frustrating. 

Those who live it though? They understand and support one another in ways that truly matter. They will feel today right down to their marrow and will resolve to keep being brave and proud and true. 

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."  John 16:33 

I Haven't Run A Marathon But...

I have spent the last week with a just turned four-year-old and an almost two-year-old while they navigated the time change from Asia to America which, is pretty much the same thing as running a marathon. Or two. I have about a million pictures on my phone and a million special moments marked in my heart and I want to dump them all here but I guess I won't. 

Well I am going to dump a few because what good is a blog if not to overload anyone who might still be reading blogs with a bunch of family photos? 

Also maybe more than a few. 

Y'all know I have to go all the way back to Day 1 here because I don't know any other way. The 'kids' (yes they are full grown adults who've been raising children of their own while living out of the country for two years but your kids are your kids no matter their age) and an-y-way... the 'kids' bid farewell to the Land of Morning Calm and landed in crazy town USA (that would be the Atlanta Airport) last Sunday night. 

Their flight was on time, but then there was that pesky three hour wait in a completely ridunculous passport control queue with two toddlers who'd just spent fourteen hours on a plane, and I am here to tell you these 'kids' are absolute rock stars.  

Small rant...what is the point of travelers masking on an airplane when you're going to stand them shoulder to shoulder in a s-l-o-w moving three hour queue with a bajillion people upon arrival? 

On the other side of the gate we grandparents were waiting waiting waiting not so patiently to welcome them home. Yes of course all four grandparents made the two hour trek to the airport. We have not had an in person hug in almost two years, plus we needed two vehicles to haul their umpteen bags and assorted baby gear back to the lake.

Finally there were hugs and tears and then a too long car ride to South Carolina but we made it with everyone's remarkably good moods in tact. Their pup (you know him now as our pup) plus Daughter2 were there waiting when we opened the front door and I cannot explain to you how wonderful it feels to have everyone on the very same terra firma. 

Sleep. It's all relative when you're upside down on time and these little men were such troopers. There were some middle of the night calls for momma but by about day four everyone was pretty much in the sleep groove. And nobody was cranky. They jumped right in to lake life, both figuratively and literally...

...and we have had the best time doing all the things, many many things, with the cutest tiny humans on the planet. There was fishing with Pawpaw-

Celebrating a special someone's 4th birthday with all  his favorite people-

Boating-

In case you're wondering they like to go fast!!...or as the mancub says, 'When are we going to kick it into gear?

There were bubbles-

These bubble guns my neighbor recommended (Amazon link here) were a huge hit and so much better than the tiny little wand in a bottle we grew up with-

My popcorn popper was a hit too-

This little guy had his very first taste of Chick-fil-A-

Summertime in South Carolina definitely calls for popsicles dripping down your chin-

There was bird feeding-

And bird watching-

Homemade waffles with Nana-

Pool fun-

Auntie hijinks-

This aunt is the absolute best at doing whatever needs doing to keep our proverbial train on the track. Don't know how we'd manage without her. For real. 

Also, sisters reunited might be my favorite thing about the whole happy-exhausting-glorious week we've had together. 

God bless America and the service men and women still far from home, still far from their siblings and their children's grandparents and extra hands to help with busy toddlers. Far from their momma's home cooking and in-person time with their people. The sacrifices are both large and small and we are so grateful for each and every one. 

Welcome home!