Time to Go Already?

Wowwee! Time truly does fly. Our days in ND are winding down and I am so, so sad to leave. Claire repeatedly asks how many days left and I swear, I tear up every day telling her one less. One would think 7 weeks of "family togetherness" is simply too many, but this trip has been AMAZING! Sure, I've had my moments of being irritated, of being that one that is irritating, and wanting to return to normalcy, but those have been pretty few and far between. I've loved every precious moment that we've been able to spend with our family. We are so, so blessed. Each of my sisters and brothers in law have opened their homes to us for what most consider to be much too long, but they did it willingly and insistently. Love them! They made sure we had a fabulous stay and treated us like royalty. Our wonderful nieces gave up their room, shared their toys, tolerated their cousins' disastrous tendencies and played so well with them. Thank you! Again, we are simply, blessed. My generous parents have loaned us a vehicle for our entire trip, entertained us non-stop and loved on these girls for weeks on end. My poor Dad has been on his hands and knees playing "you can't get me" and hide and seek on end! My Mom has been baking, coochy-cooing each one and noting each and every cute remark, glance and smile Claire and Mya have to offer. It has been such a great visit. I was just telling a friend how I can leave ND and be perfectly fine, but the minute I return "home," I find myself wanting to stay forever. There is nothing like FAMILY and that feeling of "home." We are just so fortunate to have them and the magnetic force they tend to have on us. Who knows where the road may lead, but life is all about "pit stops" like these past 7 weeks. They have been splendid and my wonderful parents, amazing sisters, kind brothers in law and simply the greatest nieces and nephew on this Earth are the reason. We love each of you and a mere THANK YOU hardly seems enough!