Extended trip

Our week-long visit to my parents turned into a two-week long stay for me and the kids. Ryan was kind enough to offer to drive home for work this past week and come back and get us today.

That means we got a lot of time to relax, play, and spend quality time with Nana and Boppy. And I was able to not do laundry, cook or clean. It was much needed, and I don't know that I'm ready to return to normal life yet. But we are all super excited to see Ryan in a few hours, so that will ease the transition.

What I have done the past two weeks is take pictures. Lots of them. Ryan is always telling me to just enjoy what we're doing instead of worrying about capturing it in photos. But I looooove to capture it in photos. I just do. I try to maintain a balance, but this week was great because we were just hanging out. So lots of time for portraits, candids, and excruciatingly difficult group cousin shots. I've decided we need some older cousins to hold the babies. That would make life a lot easier ;)

Here are some of my favorite shots. I can only imagine how much fun I'll have when these kids actually like having their picture taken. That will happen one day, right???

Our whole family at my mother's surprise retirement party

Our wedding reception was held in the building behind us (Farmers' Museum, Cooperstown, NY)

In front of their great-grandmother's memorial tree in my parent's backyard

I love this, but I wish it wasn't followed by a bite (which now you can easily picture, right?)

I'm going to miss all the great photo ops, pretty backdrops, and photogenic cousins. And, of course, my family. I just know my kids are going to go through withdrawal from their grandparents and especially their playmate, cousin Caleigh. I really wished we lived closer, but it's just not possible. So, instead, I am thankful for fun-filled, extended visits like this one :)