Bittersweet.

It’s been on of those weeks.  My computer continued to hate me and the feeling was mutual.  Hence, no post on Sunday. But… here we are …. Wednesday already and its about time to share the details of our awesomely fun weekend.  We were busy but we loved every minute of it!

Friday we met our friends the Locke’s at the Summer House in Southwick.  What a fun place to make your mouth happy and keep the kiddos squealing with joy, a great combination.  It rained but that didn’t stop the kiddos…..  Then it down poured and while it didn’t stop the kiddos, it was us, the parents who were the party poopers.  Still so fun and always so nice to catch up!

Saturday we headed to Southwick to Mamie and Grandpa’s.  Mike’s family took in an exchange student, Destin from France years ago.  Destin has stayed in touch and for those of you at our wedding, he was the one rocking the dance floor!  Destin is one of 7 children and this weekend, his sister came to meet the family.  She is stunning and so easy to get to know.  She is one well traveled 19 year old, coming from France to London to NY for “fashion week.”  She makes me long for my 13 year old, pre-baby body back!  Sarah and the babies were up visiting so we all packed up and headed to the Westfield Fair.  Sabrina had a true taste of country and she seemed to really get a kick out of it.  Aiden and Chris tried “wacka mole” for the first time, compliments of Daddy and also went on a train ride.  We all enjoyed watching the oxen pull.  What powerful animals.  I loved the names, “tank” being my favorite."  I kind of want to get an oxen of my own just so I can call him “tank.”  Love that…. We of course couldn’t resist the fair food and tried mini donuts for the first time.  Do yourself a favor and stay away.  It’s safer to not even know what you’re missing out on :)  Your thighs and mid-section will thank you!  After the fair we headed back to Mamie and Grandpa’s for a cookout.  It was a day full of fun.

Sunday we had an early Labor Day picnic at Grammie and Dziadzu’s.  The weather was ideal and it was awesome to catch up with the extended family that we don’t see often enough.  Aiden and Chris played hard and loved seeing the cousins and aunts/uncles. The food was great, weather – perfect and spirits high.  A good day indeed.

This was our last week with our “normal” summer schedule.  I went into work with Mike Monday while the boys enjoyed the day with Mamie.  They met Grandpa and went to lunch at the Summer House and play outside.  I was thrilled to get outside after work, meeting my friend Leeanne for a walk.   It was a night of perfection. The kind where you would be okay walking for hours. No bugs, no stinky smells and no humidity! 

Yesterday and Today were our last Dziadzu/Belchertown days.  As the summer wraps up and school begins, the commute from Hartford to Belchertown to work became unrealistic.  Bearing in mind the logistics of making it all work, we made the decision that I will now only be helping Mike with his case management and will be spending the remaining time enjoying Aiden and Chris who are all too quickly becoming little men .  It is certainly bittersweet to be closing this chapter of our lives. 

Aiden and Chris celebrated their last day today with Dziadzu by going out with a bang.  They went to lunch and went to their all time favorite spot, the Holyoke Carousel.  They are spoiled indeed as they enjoyed the afternoon with both Grammie and Dziadzu.  We are blessed and each of these stepping stones in our lives make us ever more grateful for the experiences that shape us and the people that touch our lives along the way.  Thank you Cindy for the amazing opportunity and thank you Dad (and Mom) for opening up your home and heart to take my place while I took the working breathier that kept me sane  We love you all!