fambly

I'm overwhelmed trying to figure out how and what I want/need to say about the past week's intense family gatherings. Overall, it was way too short a time together. I didn't get a lot of time with my sisters to talk our usual sister talk. I had LOTS and lots of time with all the kids, the adult kids and the little ones. The day of the open house for Dad's 70th birthday was the best day of the week weather-wise... and the open house itself was fantastic! Lots of people, friends and family alike there to celebrate and visit.

Just one dark spot, as far as I'm concerned--that is *the* sister saying that I am "super aunt" when the visitors visit, as if I'm putting on an act just for them and do nothing for her own kids. I mean, if I had a choice, I would certainly choose to have the day to day gatherings with my sisters and their kids, not just special stuff. But... she's fighting her own demons. And if it means enough to her she'll talk to me about it, I hope. And likewise for me, if this bothers me enough I will talk to her about it. But, I don't see that happening.

Now it's time to recover and regroup. I've got to make the most of this summer vacation. I need to make a plan for the rest of it. What I'm excited about it making a plan to visit my sisters in Pennsylvania and Virginia! I think I might be able to take the trip in late September/early October, during harvest break from school. That would be such a hoot! To see Bethy's house and Marmo's new house and all the work they're doing. Ah, I miss them. And I do think we would still be as close if we lived nearer to each other.

So, I'll keep processing the visit and will write more about it in dribs and drabs.

what if this is as good as it gets?