Family weekend

Earlier this month, Husband and I headed back home to NoVA for some family time.  His sister was home from AmeriCorps (hooray!) and his oldest brother was in town with his two girls.  He lives in Vermont so any time he's near the VA area, we do our best to meet up with him.  

It was a fun weekend.  The girls are older now and at an age where their little personalities are really shining through.  The last time we saw them I think they were both under four and since we don't see them all that often they weren't quite sure what to think of us.  But this time, they were quite happy to have us around to play with them.  

There was lots of coloring and air plane making and playing catch and tickling and coloring and coloring.  

I think the most fun I had with them was at the playground.  The whole family headed to the neighborhood tennis courts so the boys could get some time on the court so me and MamaH played with the girls at the playground.  MamaH took Samantha (the oldest) to the little girls room and while they were gone I got to play with the youngest, Gracie.  

Like I mentioned before, the last time we saw them both of the girls were younger and slow to warm up to us - especially Gracie.  Gracie is most certainly a daddy's girl.  During our last visit with them, we were all having dinner and she was running around and inadvertently ended up near Husband, when she realized she was next to him she got the most scared little look on her face, and then ran in the other direction.  It was pretty funny to see a tiny child run away from my big, booming-voice Husband since he's a big teddy bear.  Luckily she was never that scared of me; I think it helps that I have dark hair and eyes like her mom.

Anyway back to the playground.  I feel like she really opened up to me.  She wanted to show me what she could do, it was cute.  I enjoyed being there with her and encouraging her to try things (and catch her, just in case her little arms didn't have enough strength).  

Gracie making her away across those pink things

On the fireman's pole...

..got it! 

Samantha on the twirly pole?  Geez I'm going to need play ground terminology before I have kids.

I think they had fun.  

One of my favorites, husband holding Gracie.  Look at those forearms. *swoon*

The weekend had some sweet moments, like being at the playground or coloring with the girls. But it was also confirmed that I am not ready to have kids of my own.  I like knowing where I stand on that issue: I want kids. Yes I do.  Just not right now.  I really like my sleep and free time too much.  But in the future, when I can let go of those selfish things I do want kids.  I could go on for ages about my excitement to have Husband as the father of my future kids.  Gah.  I have this gut feeling that he is going to be a great father.  Strong.  Encouraging.  Real.  Gentle.  Fun.  I'm so blessed.  One day we will have an awesome family.  Until then, we have a lot we need to do first...like being lazy on a Sunday evening.  :o) 

Hope you had a good weekend! 

Love & Hugs!