My wonderful Mother/Father in-law came out last weekend and blessed us with a delightful 3 1/2 days. It was a short but sweet time and I need to write a bit about it for memories sake. They arrived about 5pm at the Dulles airport, from which the kids and I picked them up (it's about 1 mile from our home). The kids entertained them while I made dinner, then we ate and the kids had them read some books and whatnot. They were happy to see their grandkids and couldn't believe how big Abigail was (it was their first time seeing her- 9months now). They were thrilled to hear Carter talk and to watch Lily put on a show. Kaylie showed off her reading and writing skills. Nathan and I had fun catching up on the latest events in the lives of his siblings and friends. It was a good time to reminisce and catch up.
Friday morning we walked to Forest Grove Elementary to pick Kaylie up from kindergarten and then had a picnic lunch at a nearby playground. Antone and Cindy were surprised to find a canoe aquarium with a live turtle & fish in the foyer of Kaylie's school. That night we went to CiCi's pizza when Nate got home and watched "Kung Fu Panda" which grandma/pa bought for the kids. We had a great time.
Saturday we drove down to DC and went to the National Mall. No, it is not a shopping mall, but rather the name of the place where our nations' greatest historical artifacts and data are stored and exhibited in several museums and monuments. We walked to the National Aquarium, which was a great waste of money and time, but allowed us to see some rather beautiful little fish. Next we went to the American History Musuem and looked at old automobiles, railroads, etc. Lastly (it was a short trip with all four kids there to entertain and keep controlled) we went to the Natural History Musuem where the kids saw Dinosaurs, mammals, and really pretty gems. We had packed a sack lunch, but left it in the car and then just decided to drive home and let the kids eat in the car because they were so exhausted. It is such a neat place to visit. I feel very blessed to live so close by and to see some very stirring things (Arlington Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, the Capital, etc.)
That night we ate hamburgers and hotdogs, and rented the movie Fireproof, for our parents to enjoy. (Nate and I had seen it a few months ago and loved it). It is a great flick about marriages and the work that it takes to show love and to keep the flames alive. The lesson is that marriages are not fireproof, but that you never leave your partner in a fire. Good message.
It was fun introducing the inlaws to people at church. Antone found it especially thrilling that his cousin, Joanne York is in our ward. We ended up inviting the Yorks over for dinner. We don't know them very well, but since they are family it was nice to have them over and get to know them better. Antone is good at reaching out to extended family and excells in family history as a result. The Yorks brought 4 of their kids and spouse, so we had a really full house. Lily seemed to thrive in the environment and wanted to be center stage as much as she could. When I came up to her and told her it was time to get ready for 'night'night', she said "NO". It was the first time she'd used that word in a real context and it made me and everyone else laugh. What a character!
Nathan and I stayed up late talking with the parents and getting what we could from their short visit. It was sad to see them go. We are so blessed to have such family! What a heritage!
4 months ago
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