Super Sister!!!

We made the 12 plus hour drive and my sister’s house was a very welcome site as we pulled into the driveway last night. I cannot say enough about how good our children have been on this trip. We have brought family bonding to a new level and if there is a way to make up for the past two years of not being with them spending days in the car in cramped conditions makes for some family bonding, or at least I hope. My sister stated it perfectly when she said, “If they (us) can make it across country in cramped conditions they can make it through anything”. I agree with her wholeheartedly and if we can make it through the past two years being separated all the minor issues (some call them problems I prefer solutions!) can certainly be addressed in a corresponding manner.

We drove over 800 miles yesterday which encompassed a very long trek through Kansas and Colorado was a welcomed site. Also welcome was the posted speed limit of 75 miles per hour as we entered Colorado. This was the fastest speed limit so far on the trip and I now abide all posted laws because this is the last thing I want to deal with being on parole. The other thing I was surprised by was the fact that we seemingly went from sea level to 5,500 feet above sea level without going through any noticeable elevation changes. There was a sign on the side of the road that read “5,550 feet elevation” which confounded me because we were just in the plains of Kansas. I guess there was a gradual climb as we entered Colorado.

It was wonderful reaching my sister’s house who is just a great person. She has been so supportive ever since the beginning of this journey over three years ago. She has never wavered once in her support for our family and especially me. She is a very special person to me and her home is so comfortable and relaxing. Our accommodations were superb and as each of us laid down for the evening we were asleep in no time.

The morning was as always very relaxing and my sister does make everyone feel so welcomed. She had presents for our children and her children are so good. The children get along so well and my nephew is only one year younger then my son and my daughter loves doting on her four year old cousin. It is always wonderful watching them interact and much like my niece who is only 10 months older then my daughter, my son who is 11 months older then my nephew is much bigger then him as is my niece to my daughter. It is hard to believe the two of them are this close in age when my son is so much bigger but they do play well together.

My son is more of a sports fan then my nephew and really all my son needs is a ball to have a good time. My son just goes and goes until he drops but did play very well with his cousin. My sister made a wonderful breakfast for everyone and I even snuck in a workout in my sister’s basement on her elliptical machine. Then my sister gave my wife and me some alone time while she took everyone to the park. My sister does think of everything and I love her so very much.

The day was so relaxing and in the afternoon we went to an indoor “climbing/rope” facility for the children. This was a huge hit with my daughter and son as they climbed, swung jumped and all other fun things to their hearts content. It was incredible watching them play so hard. They seemingly didn’t have a care in the world and they were only concerned with the next fun thing to do. This was a very fun way to spend the afternoon and knowingly my children they could have stayed her all afternoon. They did have their share of fun frolicking on the “zip lines” and all the other cool things to do. My sister commented to me that they didn’t have these kinds of places when we were growing up and I agreed.

The children had a wonderful afternoon and a wonderful day. The day was capped off with a lovely dinner where we ate outside on my sister’s patio. This is such a great way to start off our new era as a family hopefully following my sister’s lead. She is raising two wonderful children and even my daughter commented that she really likes coming to her Aunt’s house because it is so nice and there are a great deal of fun things to do. This was a totally unsolicited comment made by my daughter and I am continually amazed by my children. They are developing into their own personas and I still can’t believe how fast time goes. It seems like yesterday I was concerning myself with the possibility of not being allowed on this trip and here it is that the trip is on the final stages. The trip maybe on the final stages but being a family once again has just begun.

I had to laugh last night because when the children were put to bed the four adults sat in the living room and three us were working on our laptops!!! My wife felt left out because she didn’t have her own laptop. We were checking out what we will be doing this weekend and yes, once again my sister has come up with a great plan. She suggested we venture to a natural hot spring which so happens to be on our way to California. The place looks very fun for the children and will be a great way to spend a part of this Saturday. My sister is wonderful and I am blessed to be in her presence.