The older I get the harder I find it to be away from loved ones. Movies which show the characters hanging out with their families, having good relationships with their brothers or sisters or where the dad drops by to help fix something can move me to tears. I know we are away from 'home' for a good cause but it can still be lonely.
For this reason I was so happy to be able to spend some time on this trip with my family (part of it anyway) in California.
The last time I saw my uncle I was seven years old and we were on a trip to Disneyland. I've 'met' his daughter--my cousin--online at Facebook (gotta love it!!) and they drove to my sister's apartment to meet me last Wednesday. They braved L.A traffic including an accident involving a truck full of carrots!
My sister lived out in South Africa for six years working with underprivileged children. She met her husband there and after a stint in the Marines including a tour in Iraq, my BIL is now a police officer. Because we were moving at the time of their wedding I had never had a chance to meet him yet.
I got to be there for my nephew's first birthday. These are some cute kids!
And such a nice looking family.
My sister is doing an amazing job of raising the kids, looking after her household AND attending school! I'm so proud of her!
My sister was not thrilled to be followed around by a camera all day. Here she was saying, "Amy, stop!" Isn't she gorgeous when she's irritated?
She got me back later that evening as we relaxed with nachos, 'ritas and a movie.
This was my favorite shot of the trip: Mommy, baby and grandma.
Posts
