Hello My Old Kentucky Home.

We spent 18 hours in the car a few weeks ago (without Michael!). I was giddy to see my family, so the trip was well worth it. I listened to the Barney movie play continuously. I love you. You love me. Everyone was feeling the love for Pete's sake. We made an overnight pit stop at Aunt Jess and Uncle Ty's house. Thanks guys! It's a wonderful feeling to look in my rear view mirror and see two little girls buckled in and all snug with sleepy eyes and blankeys. Christian had the great privilege of looking at a tan leather seat the entire way. Bor-ing. He didn't make a peep until we were 40 minutes from home and then he wailed...I can't blame him though.

I've said this a billion times and I'll say it again and again... but the best gifts my parents gave me are my siblings.

Jess and Mia

Mia and Luci

Gina and my sweet SIL, Ang

...and here are some reasons why I love them so...

A certain 9 month expecting sister painted all the little girls toes. So selfless- shouldn't we have painted her toes?

My baby sister gave me a "bang braid". We thought about giving Christian one too.
Airplane rides. Watching your brother teach your girl to color.

Letting cousins sleep in the same bed. (I cherish these memories with my cousin Heather) I wonder what they talked about. Lucy came home saying "totally" and "nu-uh."Nana's birthday was the reason for our trip. What a fun celebration it was! The little skittles put on a show in their leotards...they sang and danced. It was such a sight!
Later in the evening we played the game How well do you know Mom? 20 questions were asked about Mom and I guess Jess and Mia know her best? Apparently I was covering my paper for no good reason. The best question was, "What does Mom do when she's upset?" We all acted it out. No words are even necessary...just facial expression. It was a riot.

After a good hour of laughs we kept playing the same game, How well do you know Mia and How well do you know Gabe? We had a ball and I am so grateful for those moments. I'm also grateful for our wonderful girls' dinner with Mom on Saturday night. What a treat! Happy 60th Mom!
One of my favorite parts of the weekend was watching my Dad hold Christian at Mass. He's so good with babies (he's had a little practice with 9 of his own:)) and I could tell he's missed one in his arms. I watched from afar while I held Emilia in the back, and I could tell my dad wasn't paying attention. He kept playing with Christian. He'd make a silly face, tickle his chin, and let C suck on his cheek (kinda gross, but Dad thought it was funny). I saw my Mom look at him a few times and motion give-me-the-baby, but Dad would look away as if he didn't see her. They are silly.

Packing up the last of the sippy cups, pacis, and cell phone charger is always painful. I can feel the tears boiling somewhere deep down and my nose tingle until I have to say good-bye. I let it all out when Mom and I hug and her usual response, "Can't you move closer?" And my usual response while wiping my face and rolling my eyes..."Moooom, why can't you move closer to me?!" And then we laugh and know God has us exactly where he wants us.

Moms are the coolest. Cheers to an awesome weekend.