We’ve been very much focused on family this week.
First, my parents came down for a visit for 2 nights before embarking on a journey to the warmer climes of Queensland.
As they normally live 2 hours away we don’t see them as much as we’d like so it was a rare chance to be together.
The kids loved having their grandparents here. Gilbert was ecstatic when his Pop met him at school and Matilda loved showing him around the playground.
Delilah also relished having the undivided attention of her grandparents and loved the extra cuddles and kisses she got while they were here.
I must say I also enjoyed spending time with my parents – it really is a rare commodity these days and I savour it more each time I get it.
After they departed on their winter escape, we turned our attention to planning a winter escape of our own with my husband’s family.
In 6 weeks we will be spending a few days away with my husband’s parents, his 2 brothers and their families.
I can’t remember the last time we were all together for more than 24 hours and I can’t wait.
Apart from alternate Christmases, we never normally get the opportunity to be together as a family, certainly not for any length of time.
The kids are already really looking forward to spending quality time with their cousins.
Gilbert is talking about the books he is going to show them while Matilda can’t wait to just be with them again.
Hopefully it will be the start of an annual family vacation – as long as we come out of it on speaking terms, that is…
Seriously, I know I am lucky to have wonderful family on both sides and to be on such good terms with them.
I just need to be more proactive in finding time for us all to be together and remember to never lose sight of how important family really is.
Do you get the opportunity to spend quality time with your extended family and, like me, do you enjoy it when you do?
That is lovely. My son gets super excited to see his cousins too- it is so sweet and adorable to watch.
I love seeing the kids making connections with their cousins – I hope they continue to be there for each other for many years to come.
What a wonderful post. I love time with my parents too and will treasure it even more now that they are not just around the corner any more!
Your holiday planning sounds wonderful too!
I can still remember the time (which seems not that long ago!) when I didn’t appreciate them nearly as much as I should. Now they are getting older and I have kids of my own, it seems so much more important to savour each moment with them.
I’m really looking forward to the holiday planning too. Just need to get some time off work now…wish me luck!
Lovely post. I love spending time with my parents, family, in-laws, too! And our little girl loves old pending time with them, too!
I am definitely appreciating my family far more than I did when I was younger. I just hope my kids continue to do so too – they’re definitely on their way to doing so, which is wonderful to see.