The second half of our week

This was the first time my in-laws were here for more than three days.  I think, without saying anything, that all of us had some concerns that it was too much togetherness.  The first few days felt as though they moved very slowly, but that was fine.  I enjoyed each aspect of our Christmas celebrations and rejoiced that we still had so much time to go until school is underway again!  One of my favorite things we did was our church service on Christmas Eve.  Everyone was especially happy to see Robert, and I'm glad he was able to be there.  The church has been extraordinarily supportive and prayerful regarding his naval service.  My in-laws didn't join us because they needed to attend Mass in order for it to "count" as attending church.  I felt badly because I do wish for us to attend as a family, but felt it was important Robert have an opportunity to see our church family.  Andrew pointed out it was his parents' decision not to attend with us.

Wednesday evening some friends came over for dinner and so most of the family was preparing for that.  Thursday Robert wanted to purchase a computer (a joint gift via cash from nearly the entire family), and Andrew, Robert, and my father-in-law spent the afternoon doing that before my mother came down for a very nice dinner out.  Friday was the 55th wedding anniversary of my in-laws, and we celebrated a day early.  After dinner was one of my favorite parts of the entire week.  My mother headed home, and our family settled in to watch a movie.  We had purchased a new TV for our living room because it is the larger of the rooms, and I loved watching our family sit and laugh and laugh.  My heart was incredibly full as I sat and watched everyone share those moments and laughter.  I know that memory will always be vivid.

Last evening the swim team holds an alumni meet against current swimmers.  In two races, Robert and Thomas swam right next to each other.  My in-laws enjoyed watching the kids swim.  It made for a later dinner of leftovers, but we all sat around our table and ate together.

Because of Robert's early flight, it was a time for good-byes last night.  I will write about that in another post though, because it was very emotional, and I want this post to be one of the many happy memories of the week!