I've begun to fill our blue jar with little slips of paper, and on these slips of paper I've written all the wonderful and blessed things that have already happened in our life. Right now it is packed carefully away for our journey back North to our home.
One blessing is that we were able to see and visit with our children who live here in Texas. Though, they are no longer "children" they are adults now, with lives of their own. It's still an adjustment being empty nesters, and having no-one living at home anymore, and it's an adjustment for the girls as well being on their own. It was nice to see just how well they were doing and their cute apartment.
We'll also miss these ones, our son, daughter-in-law and the granddaughters. It's been so fun getting to know the granddaughters and their personalities. The oldest one is so bright and smart, and I'll miss her witty words. I enjoy playing games with her, and believe me when I say "I don't let her win", she does just fine on her own :) The youngest one went from being afraid of dogs, that's including Sadie, to liking Sadie, to the point of kissing her tail. She also went from being deathly afraid of balloons, to holding them in her hands and playing with them, and for that we'll give Grandpa credit for getting her to not be afraid of them. We were able to babysit while our son and daughter-in-law went out for "date" night.
We'll definitely miss our family down here, and we're so blessed to be able to come down here and not only spend time here in Galveston, but spend time with our "children".
I probably won't be posting for a couple of days, as we'll be on the road.
Until then I hope Y'All have a wonderful week.
Your writing is just fine! We have bought a new apartment near out adult children in the southern part of Finland . I know, we have only 300 - 400 km to them from our house here, but we are so old ones, that we have to prepare being alone and it is more safe to be near children`s family then. And now four from our six grandchildren are 13 -17 years old and I want to meet them more often near their homes because they are not so often here any more :) We still keep living mostly in our home here in Joensuu.
Safe journey back home Judy!
Posted by: Leena | January 27, 2013 at 04:46 AM
It has been interesting to see Galveston through your camera lens...so different from anything I know. Your photography is wonderful...have enjoyed the various shots including the gull photobomb. It did make for an interesting shot.
Happy trails as you head for home. I'll be back to see where that is.
Posted by: Vee | January 27, 2013 at 06:43 AM
i know you love your kids and grandkids and miss them. i am so glad your girls have each other. their own family unit here...
Posted by: TexWisGirl | January 27, 2013 at 09:38 AM
You have a beautiful family, Judy. Have a safe journey back to the Midwest. I hear they're in the throes of an ice storm. Our primary home is in Iowa but we spend the worst of the winters at our small home in Colorado. Believe it not, the winters are much milder here in our part of this beautiful state.
Posted by: Suz T | January 27, 2013 at 10:18 AM
Love seeing your beautiful family...
Posted by: Rose | January 27, 2013 at 10:58 AM
Love that first shot. Looks like your having a ball.
Posted by: Randy | January 27, 2013 at 11:36 AM
It's so wonderful that you and Jim had such a wonderful time down there with the kids. Just makes you look forward to the next visit. :)
Posted by: Kar | January 27, 2013 at 11:38 AM
Your daughters have beautiful smiles. It's nice that they are together. The little granddaughters are so cute. I'm happy that you got to spend time with them!
Have a safe trip home.
Posted by: Barb | January 27, 2013 at 12:47 PM
Wow someone else who was wary of balloons, I never like birthday parties as a child because of the balloons, they are a lovely family.
Merle....
Posted by: merle turner | January 27, 2013 at 04:09 PM
Hi Judy...
I's wonderful to spend time with family who are far away..Thanks for sharing your joy with us...
Your photos are lovely and your little ones are gorgeous...
Safe trip home
Barb from Australia
Posted by: Barbara Neubeck | January 28, 2013 at 02:22 AM
So glad you had a great visit with your family. It looks like a fun trip. These bird shots are great. I like the one with the gull below.
Posted by: Amy | January 28, 2013 at 08:46 AM
So glad you enjoyed your visit with your family, and I'm sure it's bitter sweet as you get back on the road. Have a safe trip home :)
Posted by: Sandra | January 28, 2013 at 09:36 AM
gYour kids look healthy and happy! I'm sure you'll miss them...but what a great visit you had!
Posted by: EG CameraGirl , Canada | January 28, 2013 at 03:43 PM