Back to Cali!

Some of our random adventures.  Clark loved the kayakers.  Papa and the boys swinging.  Kannon made a new friend and played with some new trains.

I flew down to Long Beach last week to see my family: my brother, mom, cousins, aunt, nana, papa. I had been looking forward to this trip for a few months and couldn't hardly wait to give my papa a noogie; envelop myself in my mom's arms; feel more like a little sister to GIANT brother--I just couldn't wait.

Motherhood is hard. Its ten times harder when all your family lives miles away. It is also ten times lonelier.  Fortunately, I have had my cousin, Kirsten, crashing on my couch for the past few weeks to remedy some of that loneliness.  Our lives are so busy with two kids, two jobs, a hyper active dog, a garden, and well, life. Sometimes I go through a whole day too busy to speak.  Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love talking! Nothing is better to me than sitting on a patio or kitchen table sipping hot coffee (or wine if its after 5) and just talking! Imagine my excitement to talk to someone other than my husband or kids!

Our visit to Sarah's "farm". The boys didn't want to leave.  They begged me to bring those cats home.

Our trip started off a bit panicked as my mom called me at 3am to report she had gone to wrong airport and missed her flight.  Then, I snoozed through an alarm and rushed out the door, driving 80mph the whole way to the airport.  We checked in for our 7:00am flight at 6:13am.  Whew.

The boys were marvelous on the airplane and were mostly marvelous for the week.  They were adorable, sweet, and shared so many new experiences, bonded with family and refused to sleep the whole week.  Seriously. No naps. 11pm bedtime.  Me, driving on the freeway, screaming "go the F* to sleep!".  This mama was elated at their happiness but nonetheless exhausted.

Adventures at Shoreline Village.  My brother, mom, and I just loved it.

For once, I got spoiled.  My grandparents took us out to dinner. My mom bought me new clothes and jewelery.  My boys laughed harder than ever.  I saw some old friends, met some new friends, and got to photograph an 18 day old baby.  I watched Kannon and Clark beat the crap out of each other but then kiss and hug.  Life is happening so fast.

The boys loved playing on these stairs.  We could only get them to stop by offering them M&Ms!

 
Kannon spent his days swimming, splashing, and sliding down a pool.  We went to my cousin's house where we fed goats, pigs, and snuggled with kittens.  We went to a beach park where the boys couldn't get their clothes off fast enough to get into the wet sand and warm water.  I watched my brother, so stubborn and loud, become a big teddy-bear to my kiddos. I made new discoveries about my boys growing personalities: Kannon's fearlessness for water; Clark's love of the jacuzzi and nakedness.

I love these sunsets

I also did some soul-searching.   I have been feeling a bit unfulfilled. Something in my life is missing.  I thought maybe it was time to add some more challenge--a new career, back to school, a baby?.  I couldn't quite figure it out.  I have made this epiphany twice this year already, but I miss living CLOSE  to family and friends.  I miss hearing my master story-teller papa tell a story and laugh.  I miss giving my brother advice or rides to work.  I miss wandering around with my mom with a full tank of gas and a spirit of adventure. My mom and I laughed so hard this week.  We also cried.  She is my first best friend.

I am not sure what to make of all this.  I miss everyone! My dad, my mom, grandparents, aunts, cousins, uncles, brothers, and more. Perhaps more trips to see family.  Perhaps more phone calls and skype.  Or maybe we will jump ship all together and dive head first into a cross-country move. Who knows?  All I know is family is important.  If someone had told me as an 18 year old rebellious teen that I would miss my family, I would have laughed.  Now, someone remind me to share this with my children when they are 18.