Family Reunion!

It is a rare thing to be able to say that you have had a visit with family that felt perfect.  But, I have to say, that this last visit with our California kids was amazing in every way, needed NO improvement (other than maybe wishing it was an even longer visit), and that all wishes were pretty much fulfilled.  From the time they arrived, till the time they left, it was a beautiful, precious family time.  My dreams for our time together were totally realized!

I am happiest with my kids around, hearing their laughter, watching their interaction, listening to their (always) stimulating conversation.  I think, in many ways, I hold my breath, waiting to have them all back together again.  For three years now, that time of reuniting has happened the weekend of Nicholas' birthday, my birthday, and Father's Day. It can make for a CRAZY weekend, but we love it! For my birthday, I always request a family picture.Now, this might seem simple to most, but we have four grown kids, two married, and two in relationships, which make for quite a crowd!  Not to mention, the goofy factor, which is a very large part of the photo shoot!  The goofy shots are actually the ones I cherish most of all.  Pictures of them being so silly and happy,  having such a good time together, help me through all

the lonely months when I miss them so much.  They just make me laugh and laugh.  The silly family picture dates back years to the one of all four kids leaping into the air.  I still love that one! 

 This year was no different.  This year they all voted that it would be easier to just

 take pics in the back yard (I wanted to go to the beach, but NOOOOOOO). 

 SOME of the kids, who shall remain nameless, do not like the public display of the "Slininger Family Photo Shoot".  I name no names.  All I am saying is that Christopher and Mary could care less....they are up for anything, in full silly regalia.  The rest, well, not so much.  Again, this has gone on for years (cue various silly family pictures).

The highlight of the week was Saturday and Sunday, the 16th and 17th.  ALL the kids were together.  Nick and Shayna were in from Pennsylvania, Michael and Nicole were here,  Kate and her best friend/roommate Martha came in from Brooklyn, Kate's boyfriend Andrew (also Martha's brother) came with the girls from Connecticut, and then Christopher and Mary.  We threw a baby shower for Mary with all the girls while all the boys went to Island Beach State Park, which happened to be on my birthday (no better present!), had a birthday dinner grilled and served in our backyard, minigolf in Point Pleasant on the Pirate ship, Nick preaching at church, Father's Day  lunch, family photo shoot....and all the special in between moments, full of catching up, laughter, feeling the baby move in Mary's belly (the VERY best!!!).

Our visit also included a matinee (sorry Mary and Nicole, that Promethius was so creepy), lunch at the OB,, having Mary cream us AGAIN at a board game, pasta salad, more pasta salad, muffins, more muffins, Zumba and Pilates and for Mary and Nicole at Nicole's gym...twice, building a portable adjustment table for  Christopher, everyone getting adjusted on the portable adjustment table...the list goes on.  But, more than anything, I thank the Lord for the amount of love that the kids feel for each other, and the truly painful goodbyes, that only indicate how precious they are to each other.  Parting is sweet sorrow...it really is.  My kids are not just siblings and in-laws...they are cherished friends.  What a blessing!

The icing on this sweet cake is the approaching due date of our first precious grandchild.  Seeing Mary in person, feeling the baby moving and kicking, makes it all finally feel real.  Only about 9 weeks left!!  Then, the next generation of Sliningers makes his or her appearance!  

First grandchild on both sides, first great grandchild, first little niece or nephew.  

Words cannot adequately express my joy over this baby!  

We are planning our first trip as gramma and grampa, to meet our little darling,  for the end of September.  We are counting the moments!!  My cup overflows.....