About 10 days before Jon's parents were set to arrive, we began talking about their visit with Ezzie. He was super excited, and would talk about how many days were left until Grandma and Grandpa got here.
As I painted the guest room, and we set things up we talked about how they would be sleeping in this room.
As we drove to the airport, Ezzie would squeeze his eyes shut when told to go to sleep so he would see Grandma and Grandpa soon, and then open them to sneak a look at me. When I would catch his eyes, he would get this super excited expression on his face, and we would just share a smile.
Needless to say - Ezzie was excited. Lina - well, she isn't really old enough to quite understand.
Our families live quite a distance from us. So, visits are not too frequent. We enjoy the visits. However, we are sad to see how we lack the day-to-day familiarity with schedules and being used to being around each other that comes with living close by. Yet - we are thankful too that it doesn't take too long to adjust. Hence, the life of living far from family.
One of Jon and my concerns is that our kids don't really know their extended family. This trip has really touched my heart in regards to this topic. Ezzie has been spilling over with excitement, and he wants to take advantage of every moment he has with his grandparents. Thankfully they are good sports, and play plenty of games with him - I'm sure they are developing a love for Chutes and Ladders much like my own :)
Lina has been fun to watch too. She was quiet at first, but as soon as her Grandpa started making Donald Duck noises, her reserves were lifted, and she warmed up. She has called him duck a few time.
My kids challenge me. I am often more reserved than not about how much I am excited to see people, how much I care about them, etc. I am shy - meaning, I do have a fear about how people perceive me, and am afraid of being rejected when I am being vulnerable. However, watching my kids reminds me of how it is so beautiful and life-giving to just express emotions and the reality of where I am at.
I love seeing how their gifts of being candid bless others around them.
Ah.. kids.
We have 5 more days with Jon's parents. It is so nice to have so much time with them. Here's hoping for more family time. We're hoping to head to see my family in the fall. I'm not too sure how much more travel we will be doing by flying after that, but I am grateful for one more trip in the radar.
