Apples to Apples

It seems as though normal life has been put on hold for a bit while we’ve been enjoying our days and evenings with Grandma and Grandpa.  Yesterday was spent well, playing games at Dave and Busters all afternoon for Christian’s birthday.  Many tickets and stuffed prizes were won and brought home victoriously.  We did head home for Hangtime, where we had just over 70 kids join us for the afternoon.  Then the evening was spent enjoying Christian’s favorite birthday dinner (BBQ Pulled Chicken tacos, with Granny Apple Slaw and Cilantro Lime Rice) and opening presents.  It was a wonderful way to celebrate eleven and even more special to have Grandma and Grandpa with us.

Then today, was spent shopping.  Because I grew up in a family of girls, and it was always our favorite way to bond all together.  So my Mom and I drove out to Savers and to Riverhead to check out the Outlets.  We’re obviously fans of saving money.  I found some beautiful new fall boots and my Mom picked up a beautiful new Coach purse.  And so we shopped and talked and then shopped some more.  And it filled my heart, since shopping with my Mom is something that I only get to do a few times a year.

Then this evening, the kids and I skipped Youth Group for a quiet evening home with the Grandparents.  Part of the night was spent playing a family favorite, Apples to Apples.

It’s a fun and wordy sort of game.

And both kids had a blast playing with Grandma (and mom).

Some say your Apples to Apples cards reveal your best personal adjectives.  Since I’m so philosophical, I’d have to think about that one for a bit, I suppose.

And all in all, it was another night to be thankful for the time that we are enjoying with my parents.  Ellee grew a bit weepy this evening, thinking that we’d only have one more day to enjoy with Grandma and Grandpa.  And so I reminded her that even though we don’t get to see them very often, we make the most of our special times and are thankful for what we do get.  Life isn’t always what you might prefer, but learning to love it anyways is the best way to make the most of every moment and cherish those you love most.