hello: family

A dear friend commented on my hello: middle america post adding something to the effect of 'and hello family'. While she was not likely criticizing my callousness, I was acutely aware of my restraint in mentioning this. Why? Well for a few reasons... first, i avoid personal and gushy content because I'm not especially personal or gushy. second, because I'm constantly aware that closer geography to one family means further geography from the other. And while further geography family are especially understanding folks, they are the audience of this blog. And third, because the hello: middle america was a sarcastic post not suitable for expressing the real joy i feel for being closer to family.  and indeed our hearts are FULL of gratitude indeed so it is time to say hello: family!

hello: family who has made this move almost effortless.
hello: family whose support has preserved my sanity.
hello: family who are instant friends. 
hello: family who houses us
hello: family who drove hundreds of miles for us
hello: family who babysit for us
hello: family who unpacked our truck in 3 digit heat
hello: family who welcome our mayhem in their lives

we are absolutely loving being close to family.  i am happy to revisit my sibling relationships.  i am enjoying mom-daughter time without uncertain goodbyes.  it is fun to see dalia's instant familiarity with grandpa.  but i feel the most excitement when seeing my kids establishing friendships with their cousins:  the other day when arriving home (aka my brother's home), charlie ran out to meet them.  today, kindin and luke schemed to buy kindin a fish and board it in luke's tank.  and abbey, kyler and paige are all matched perfectly for stover kids by age and sex and make for great companions.
  


hello: family!