runlindsayrun

The One Where We Say Goodbye To Hannah

Wednesday, September 02.09

Geoff's sister Joanne + her four kids arrived late the night before. We knew they were coming, but obviously heard nothing :)

Woke up EARLY (Briony didn't get the memo about the time change, apparently). Packed her up and walked to Starbucks just in time for opening. Had my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the year. Mouth watered all the way there in anticipation. Barista was sleepy and misheard my order. Very nearly ended up with a Pumpkin Spice Latte + peppermint flavour shot (!!!). Caught it just in time. Crisis averted. And my latte was delicious.

Walked back to Geoff's parents' place and very few people were up... Greeted them as they meandered into the kitchen. Had breakfast. Had lunch. Went back to school shopping with Joanne and the twins. Laughed at Libby and Briony on the living room floor for hours, trying to teach Briony how to crawl better.

Went to Geoff's sister Carole's place for a barbecue as a farewell to Hannah (our niece who was leaving the next morning for six months in New Zealand with YWAM). Watched Briony interact with a cat for the first time. Watched Sean exhaust himself in an effort to entertain his smallest cousin (that kid is totally going to host his own kids' show on television someday). Watched everyone get weirded out by the partially transparent New Zealand money that Hannah got as a gift. Ate food. Spent time with family. Soaked in the insanity of so much of this family being in the same place at the same time (it's wonderful). Tried to keep Briony happy despite it being many hours past her bedtime.

Came home. More craziness as Hannah prepared to leave. Piled onto couches and watched So You Think You Can Dance with Ruth and Libby and David and Jo. Gave Hannah a very big hug. Tried not to cry, and wondered why I care so much when I'm still the New Kid in this big crazy family.

Labels: Family, Our Other Home

posted by Lindsay @ 5:11 PM