On Thursday afternoon my dad arrived from southern Oregon. Bracken had just woken up from his nap and shot out of bed when I said something about Grandpa arriving soon. We kept checking out the window and then when I announced the arrival around the house, Bracken hid behind the couch to surprise him. It felt especially cozy by the woodstove that night, with the rain pouring so hard outside. My dad knows how busy this time of year gets for us as we prepare for our Holiday Market. We had some things to finish up that were great activities to do while sitting and talking around the living room. I tied loops on Christmas ornaments (to hang them from) and tied buttons on cards while Jeff oiled his newest wooden creations. Bracken and his grandpa played and played while we all enjoyed each others’ company. Jeff and I set our work aside (seems like that never happens these days, we’re always working) which felt funny not having our hands busy. But we got them busy again. We brought out the drums. Oh, that was so fun. We hadn’t drummed in what felt like forever. Bracken danced for us.
We talked a lot that night. I found out things about my dad I never knew before. I’d say “I never knew that!” and he’d say “you didn’t?” It’s funny how parents assume that their children just know things sometimes. He said it was the same with his dad, being surprised when he got older to learn things his dad thought he already knew. I enjoyed hearing my dad’s perspective on things, hearing more about past dreams, and thoughts, more about his path that I never knew at the time.
The next morning my dad treated us to breakfast out. I don’t remember the last time we’d done that. Jeff was especially excited, thinking it was so great to not be cooking a meal at home (since we do it three times a day every day.) And I finally remembered to snap a picture. My dad left that morning to drive up to my stepsister’s house to pick up my stepmom. For such a short visit, I was grateful we got so much quality time together.
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P.S. Last week our friends at Deck Family Farm had one of their barns burn down. They lost a few animals and equipment, but were so grateful that no people were hurt in the fire. We love their family and we wanted to help spread the word about a fundraiser to help them replace what was lost. If you feel inspired to help their family, you can donate here. Thank you!
That is exactly what a family visit should be. So glad to hear it.
How nice to have family visit.
Sounds like such a fun time making memories!