It’s easy to tell if someone if from Pennsylvania, they rarely say Pennsylvania. To those of us from the Commonwealth it’s PA. Who has time for five syllable words?
Starting the trip with a visit to my parents, sister, and her family made the most sense logistically. Much more importantly it meant that we were spending time with family when we were 100 percent.
I didn’t want our time in PA to be an after thought our hampered by too tired kids. Tom and Jerry’s time with their PA cousins, aunt, uncle, and grandparents is too seldom and too important.
And this trip didn’t disappoint. It was near 90°F with the requisite humidity so getting into the water, be it the pool or just a sprinkler and a bucket was highly encouraged.
I was reminded how important your fueling strategy is with kids. Maybe it’s because I’m watching the Tour de France, but a bonked kid is just as devastating as a bonked GC rider.
One day, I didn’t give Tom a snack and it resulted in some difficult moments, including him scream-crying, “I’m not having any emotions!” An all time banger in the annals of shit kids say.
A good reminder that some well placed calories will always smooth the way.
As always my mom was the picture of hospitality buying food and other items to make sure we had exactly what we are used to. I got to join an adult Bible study my Dad led which was a treat. And no one makes me laugh like my sister.
It was great to see my nieces, nephew and brother-in-law is well. We played a game of Settlers of Catan where my rust clearly showed in my initial placements along the coast. I lost handily.
Our time came to an end all too soon with my mom and sister driving us the three hours to Newark Airport. Just another example of how staying with family makes all things easier.
I love them and miss them. These times together are to short and enough all at once.