Sunday Goodbyes

Sunday afternoon was spent with family. It was my Grandma & Grandpa Bonsole's last night in town & we wanted to send 'em off right. With tons of love, rambunctious boys, amazing food, lots of laughter & endless hugs. All of us gathered together at my Mom's house with our kids (all boys...I know, right?!?!!?), empty bellies & hearts that were a little bit heavier than days before; weighted down a little knowing Grandma & Grandpa were heading back home. But in our family's true fashion, we spent no time being sad. Instead, we soaked in the moments we had left. Telling funny stories about one another. Laughing at the boys boundless amounts of energy as they swam & ran & jumped & played in the pool. Taking picture after picture hoping to get the perfect one with Gramma & Gramma & their boys...but finally giving up after realizing...um, hello?!?!? Four boys. Not happening guys. Then looking at the photos & loving each one & realizing they were all perfect photos.

Check out my crazy sexy hair in those last two pictures. You love it, right? Ew. Sorry about that, guys. Want to know a secret? I don't really care that my hair looks like sheezy...because I wouldn't trade these two photos for the world.

Vote for me? Because I asked you to. And because you love me? It literally
takes two clicks. No registering or anything. Cliccccckkkkk iiitttttt!!!



Family Gardens

My maternal grandparents arrived in town today. My sister eloped a few months ago & next weekend, she & her husband are having a sort of reception/ party to celebrate with family & friends. So, Gramma & Grampa hopped in their mini van & headed for VegasLand...with their dog, Suki, in tow, of course.

There is something about the arrival of Gramma & Grampa that still excites me as an adult. I remember being so unbelievably excited when I was a kid, knowing they were coming for a visit. I knew this meant there would be an adult around who I felt would actually listen to me. I knew it meant Juicy Fruit in Gramma's purse. I knew this meant ice cream late at night because after all, Gramma is my Mom's Mom, which means she is the boss & the boss says ice cream is allowed at 10:30 at night. I knew it meant long talks with Grampa about how I am nervous for third grade because you have to know multiplication in third grade & I knew it meant Grampa would reassure me in a way only Grampas could; that I would survive third grade & I would actually probably survive multiplication. ( Note: I barely survived. Barely. To this day, math & I...we don't have a friendly relationship. )

At 25 years old, I still anticipate Gramma & Grampa's arrival with the same excitedness I did when I was five. Luckily, I have Collin to distract me as the hours tick by. Unluckily, he has a nap time. Luckily, I have a love for photography & my Mom is planting new flowers in her garden.

Then, they arrive. And with them, they attract family. Laughter. Hugs. Love. Smiles. Suki. And most importantly, Juicy Fruit.

Oh, & did I mention Grampa turned 75? Can you imagine 75 birthdays? The things he has seen. The people he has met? The babies he has held? The women he has kissed? The children he has raised? I hope my 75th birthday is filled with as much love & admiration as I felt on this day.

How about giving me a vote in honor of Grampa's 75th birthday???