Home again, home again, hidly ho!

Ben and I got back on Monday after a whirlwind trip home. Maybe that phrase is redundant - it seems like all of our trips home are whirlwinds. We had a wonderful time, just the same, though. Ben met our new nieces for the first time and we both met some of our friends' babies, too. I'm telling you - people are having babies like it's their job back home! There were almost more kids than adults at my birthday party! After a long weekend of sloppy kisses, big bear hugs, baby talk, and spit up, Ben and I decided that we really love this Aunt and Uncle business. But the parent thing is a long way off. A REALLY long way.

It was bittersweet to be home. I think because it's not home anymore. Or at least, not the home we once had, which is to be expected. Life moves on without us there, as it should. I missed out on a party and a few other things happening here while we were in MO and I realized that we really have made a life out here in California. That's really weird to me, but I suppose that means we've succeeded so far in this whole "adult" thing. And it's not often that I feel that way. While we were in MO I had a few conversation with friends during which I thought, "Are we really talking about this? Is this really my life? Shouldn't we be giggling about boys or complaining about homework?" Sometimes being an adult is complicated. What am I saying? Being an adult is almost always complicated!


My birthday month has been one of the best so far. The party at Mike and tif's was fabulous and I was really touched by the turnout. It's a nice feeling - that of being loved and all. And I got to spend time with some of my most favorite people in the entire world: my family, Christy and her clan, Keri, and Kim. And I still have one more party to look forward to! Plus, Jake and Jason come into town tomorrow for a short visit. We've got a Damien Rice concert and Hotel Cafe lined up, but no Jimmy Kimmel because apparently Barry Manilow has a huge following and Friday's green room has been booked for ages. Who knew?!


Anyway, anticipation for things to come is so much fun! I feel incredibly blessed today as I start off my 26th year. Ben walked Mia this morning so I could sleep in, then woke me up with breakfast and coffee from one of my favorite coffee shops. It was so cute - he had it all spread out on the kitchen table, with lots of candy and gum surrounding it, along with the sweetest card. What a guy! My cup runneth over.

Grandpa Bill and Avyn.

Bocce ballers.

Jake and Ben - can't you just picture them in the same pose twenty years ago?