Sunday Morning

Both children are still asleep.

Nick's reclining with his coffee and a book and I'm finally taking a moment to write. It's been a while as this week was stuffed like a turkey with family outings and activities.

My parents are now on a plane to Seattle, to visit my brother's family, and Elias will be one disappointed boy when he wakes up to find Nana and Papa gone. For the past week, he's had their full attention instead of his usual jostling with Olive for a smidgen of Mommy and Daddy's time amidst dinner preparation, weekend chores or getting ready for school.

And sure, he's had to share them with Olive, but four adults to two children gives us all a little more breathing room.

Well, maybe not Nana and Papa who were most certainly the chosen ones. "Nana wants to sit right next to me," Elias would say. "Papa you want to watch me draw." And they did.

I didn't read a book to Elias all week, Nana or Papa did.

Nick and I even managed to play in a coed hockey game together, a first for this season as late night babysitters have been hard to find. And we enjoyed a rare night out with friends that involved dancing to Bluegrass at the Tap Root Cafe. Oh, and there's just something about dancing that does wonders for my soul.

Granted, I ended up with a rotten tummy after our night out, and spent Saturday in bed as Nick cooked our turkey, potatoes, stuffing,and cranberries for our early Thanksgiving dinner with Cuzuncle David, his parents, and mine. I couldn't even stand up without feeling shaky, let alone help in the kitchen, so I was pretty much a useless rotten host for the day. By 5:00, I could at least sit at the table, with my bowl of chicken noodle soup, as everyone else enjoyed a lush holiday meal.  

Bummer, I know, but it would have been light-years worse if I wasn't married to a multi-talented man who is as comfortable wearing oven mitts as he is a tool belt. Today and every day I am beyond thankful for Nick.

And I will miss my parents, who will return East, way too far for weekend play-dates with the kids. I love Alaska, but there are days when I wish it was an easy car ride from New England, attached to Maine maybe, or the tip of the Cape, just a short trip from Eastham to Anchorage. So instead of "See ya in six months," I could say, "See ya next week Mom and Dad, your house or mine?"

Comments

[Noel Dennehy]

Love the picture of your parents though hard to recognize them all bundled up- what is your dad pulling? I guess I should assume Elias. I know your parents were in heaven being with you all and they feel the same as you- they wish you all were closer but understand your love of Alaska.

[Kate J]

My grandma just turned 103 at Providence Extended Care, and how I wish we could visit her, not just on that special day! Someone recently brought their laptop and she was able to "skype" us for the first time. She reached out to touch my boys' hair thru that computer screen. She loves Alaska too.

[Anno]

Oooh, I know what would help - MOVE back EAST!
: ) tee hee xoxo

[Christy]

Oh its tempting at times Anno, especially in the dark of a November without good skiing snow:)

Kate thank you for sharing this moment of your first skype with your Grandma with me-- I love the image of her reaching out to touch your boy's hair. Precious indeed.

And Noel, I know my parents feel the same way, distance is hard. My dad has our dog Tonsina on his waist, its a good hands-free leash for running or pushing a stroller.