Dumb Day

My parents left this morning after a really nice two week visit. In spite of a rough start and several plans that went awry, there was much laughter and the making of many happy memories. It always nourishes my spirit to see my folks. Being so far away from them and my sister's family is easily the most difficult part of living here in California. My heart is already sore from missing them -- it's a long, long pull on those heartstrings to have them stretched all the way back to the East Coast.

The kids obviously miss them, too. This morning, they both wanted to know if Pop-pop and Giki were home yet and spoke often about them and their visit. BJ was especially concerned because he thought that he'd get to see them this morning. Not to say goodbyes, since he knew he'd said those the night before (they had a very early flight and so were going to leave straight from their hotel). What he wanted was "to see them in their pants." I think he meant he wanted to see them dressed up for the plane. Not sure why he'd have the idea that one dresses up for an airplane ride, but it's the best I can figure. It's not as though my parents are in the habit of going about without pants on!

Yesterday, BJ and my mom were talking about the fact that it was almost time for her to leave. He informed her that Tuesday would be a "dumb day." Dumb is about the equivalent of a curse word for him -- it's among the strongest language that he knows, a word that is sure to get a reaction. (Thankfully, he hasn't incorporated any certifiable "four letter words" into his vocabulary. Yet.) Here's hoping that tomorrow feels a little less dumb.

One good thing: their return home will once again give me one of the main motivators to keep current here at the blog. I confess that keeping them in the loop is one of the main reasons I post regularly. Plus, I now have copies of all the good pictures my dad took while they were here, so I can catch up with some of the entries I've been meaning to make. Coming soon: butterflies, a visit to the farm, trips to the park, and other moments of extreme cuteness!