Our trip to California and our trip within a trip (family reunion in northern Utah) was pretty great in many ways and a little difficult in a few others. That is pretty much how life is meant to be I suppose. The family reunion was amazing, but mainly because I LOVE being around my siblings, cousins, aunts & uncles. Lexi and Jordan hadn't seen their first cousins (my brothers' kids) in two years. Plus, they had second and third cousins there. That alone was worth the trip. They got to play, run, ride wave runners, get know each other and have a blast. How often do your kids get to know their second and even third cousins? Not enough as far as I am concerned. We even got to stop in Utah and stay at one of my dearest friend's house two times (on the way up & on the way back). I just love being around her. My mom even tried to convince me that I should move up there. I seriously considered it for a few days, but the reality of not liking cold weather, not having enough money to move anywhere, and that the schools really are better in Texas made me rethink this temporary moment of insanity.
Our time in California was nice too, except that it was a difficult month for my mom. Her work brought in a new head director, who wanted to bring in his own team. He started cutting the department heads, one of which was my mom. That brought a level of sadness and relief to her as well as me. She has been helping me financially, but I know her job was overly stressful. She also had major surgery scheduled RIGHT after we got back from Utah. She was in the hospital for a little while and then recovery time. I am guessing that it is easier to relax and recover without little ones running around, but she has had plenty of practice since she had five kids of her own. One other thing that happened was that my baby sister moved out of my mom's house. She got an apartment with our step-sister. I helped her move, especially since my mom wasn't supposed to be lifting ANYTHING.
We ended up spending quite a bit of time at the San Diego Zoo. My mom renewed our annual passes. My sister's boyfriend's band (Steam Powered Giraffe) had a contract to play 4 shows a day for 70 days straight this summer. If we wanted to see much of her, we had to go there. We got to see quite a few of their 20 minute concerts. They are singing musical automatons. Here is a picture of the kids with my sister and The Rabbit.
Yes, they are quite different, but the steam punk movement is spreading like wildfire and they have catchy songs, several of which my kids are still singing. Here is one (double click for full screen):
2 comments:
It sounds like you had an amazing trip. It is great when kids get to spend time with their extended family, especially when it includes heaps of kids.
I hope your mum recovers quickly. xo
Your family reunion trip sounds amazing! You're right, I bet it's a blast to get all the kid cousins together and play.
I'm sorry to hear about your mom's troubles. I hope she is continuing to recover and will find an even better, less stressful job.
Going to check out Steam Powered Giraffes!
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