Pirate Homecoming

This weekend was Pirate Homecoming. Only we weren't in Greenville. And there was no parade, no tailgating, no football game, no walks around campus reminiscing. Instead we gathered with our Pirate Family on the opposite side of the state for the first time in 7 months. We talked, we laughed, we played, we snuggled. It was easy, comforting, and healing. We were home.

We took the kids to Ray's Splash Planet...an awesome indoor water park owned by the county. There are slides, sprays, a lazy river, and even a whirlpool. I think the adults may have had more fun than the kids...I personally could have ridden the water slide all day! :)

This is what family is for us...togetherness...everyone loving and taking care of each other...our last names and genetic make-up may be different, but our hearts are the same. 

Of course, with 4 boys in the group there was lots of Wii being played! 

And, of course, some silliness must ensue. 

The adults may have the kids beat on the silly scale! 

Oh dear, who has Finn?!?! 

We had to watch ourselves, though...Officer Finn was on patrol....

 ...until he discovered the Wii that is. :)

And there also seemed to be some Storm Troopers lurking. 

Fortunately at least one of the Storm Troopers came in peace. :) 

 No reunion would be complete without movie night!

The older Pirates spent lots of time mentoring the newest members of the crew. 

 And the Pirettes spent hours playing princesses and ponies. (LOVE the hair, ladies!!!)

 Finn was in heaven when he discovered the John Deere tractor.

 Nothing says F-U-N like a slide in the morning sunshine.

 Preparing to do some yard work

 The girls LOVED Sydney's "tree house!"

 Our girls could not have been more thrilled to be together.

 Queen of the Mountain

 Watching a little Pirate football scrimmage...PURPLE....GOLD!!!

 He finally found a basketball goal his size! :)

 A little light housework

 Taking a break in the hammock...

 ...and then there were four...

 ...and then there were more!

And when we were too exhausted to play anymore, we passed out in Uncle Cheese's arms.

(It is the definition of love when you see your friend gently cradling your child in their arms...melts my heart every time.)

It was so rejuvenating for me to be with my very dearest friends - my family - who loves and accepts me as I am. We were sad Joey could not be with us - he was in New Orleans for a training conference - but the time together still left me energized. When we parted, we hugged (and cried a little) and made promises to make more time for moments like this. We are counting down the days until our 2nd annual beach trip...and until then, we will hold each other close in our hearts.