We're Back!

What a great trip. All four kids were awesome. We were packed into our Ford Freestyle which was great, but not really intended for 18 hour trips with a family of 6! Especially when 4 of them are full adult size including two guys that are 6' 3".

The kids were able to spend some time with their grandparents, cousins and aunt and uncles. Also they met Gary's cousins (not sure what relation that is to our kids). They listened to stories of Gary and his family times with cousins... They learned a lot about his family and what a nutty but loving bunch they were/are.

Ayden Jane was so funny the last night as the stories and laughter were going on around the table, she was on the floor playing with her beads. I went and told her it was time to clean up and get ready for bed. She asked if all the stories were done yet. Then told me that she only laughed once but wanted to hear the rest of them. I really was surprised because I didn't know she understood what was really happening. I mean, sure it was a big group of people she hadn't met before talking and laughing. But somehow she knew this was special.

She was so open and talkative with her grandparents. I was a little worried she would play the shy routine and not talk much... She acted like she has been around them her whole life. By the end of the trip Gary's sister Linda (whose house we were staying in, Thanks Linda) noticed Ayden Jane's volume was much louder. Yep, by the end she was quite comfortable.

So here is to a great road family road trip to see family. Not sure we will be able to wrangle all our kids in the car for another family reunion by the time one comes up again, but this trip was a good one.