Carol, my youngest brother's daughter, & her family, hubby Matt, son, lil Matt (7) & daughter, Marissa (4) came up from southern Ohio Friday night & just left about an hour ago.   I am saddened by their departure, so I thought I'd blog about our wonderful weekend together.  They try to come up the day after Christmas every year, but couldn't this year...& I was bummed.  I always leave the Christmas decorations up for them cause they love it.  I just couldn't bring myself to leave them up inside, tho....got them down & reoranized, but I left up the lights on the outside of the house.  So when Carol texted me all the way from their home to mine to let me know how close they were getting, I kept telling her I'd leave the lights on for them...ya know, like Motel 6.  Carol's brother Roy is staying with me right now & he's been a terrific help around here with things I never thought I'd have to do. (anyway, different blog...jus sayin).  It's always a joke with her hubby about what their exact location is all along the trip...one time, they texted me & said they were stuck in traffic in Columbus & would be about 2 hours later....they were actually sitting in the driveway....and this is what I love about our time together...the ribbing!  So when Carol texted Wooster, Lodi Outlets & then Youngstown...I knew they were getting close....so I plugged in all the outside lights & Roy came out to "hide" & "scare" them....& so it begins....
They arrived about 7:30 ish & altho we made no affirmative plans, other than picking my mom up about noon Sat. so she could spend the day with us all, we were busy the whole time....doing nothing but visiting, playing games, eating, coloring, ribbing, eating, yawning & eating.  Did I mention eating?  Yeah, we did it alot....Roy made eggs & toast for Sat. morn breakfast after everyone slept in a bit (also, unusual for them)...I made a pot of chili for lunch  with grilled turkey & pepper jack cheese sandwiches & chips & dip...ice cream & snacks in the afternoon & then we ordered pizza, cheesey breadsticks & cinnamon breadsticks for dinner.  We played paper dolls, colored, euchre & the wii....did a lot but also a lot of nothing but relaxing...especially for them...we didn't HAVE to be anywhere or DO anything & they were grateful...Matt works 6 days a week & sometimes has side jobs...Carol's a fulltime mother & wife & makes beautiful cakes for extra money....they are quite busy & treasured the downtime! Mom (Honey) had a great time too...she got down on the floor with Marissa to play Disney Princess paper dolls & really enjoyed playing euchre after dinner...she even beat Matt's arm for keeping her from a loaner!  He was still whining about this morning...lol!
This morning we were all up a bit earlier & Carol & I made scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast & fruit salad for breakfast...& Scott joined us...a bit late, a bit tired & prolly a bit hungover & of course, not real hungry.  We ate & he drank coffee & nibbled on what was left.  Then we all played a game on the wii, along with more ribbing & laughter until Matt uttered the words, "ready Caol?"  (no, I meant to spell it that way...he has a southern accent & that's how "Carol" comes out & even tho we all make fun, it's very endearing.)  Last minute gathering up of "loose" items all over the place...goodbyes to the dog & cat & then hugs all around...it was time for them to take off...too soon...always, too soon.  We have such a good time together whether the time is spent cramming in a party/get together & other activities or just plain chilaxin...I can't wait for them to come & I am saddened when they have to return to their busy lives down south.
It will be my turn next...I will travel 4 hours south to spend a weekend or more with them & already, I can't wait! :) / :'(