Midwestern Easter, Family Style, Madison, WI

Easter morning.  NYCity Mama and family were staying with family and having a great time.  They had already seen tons of friends, had seen almost all the family members, and even done two egg hunts in one day!

But today was a day where the family had planned to all get together and enjoy some time eating, drinking, and just being merry.  Mama doesn’t exactly remember when Easter Sunday became like a Christmas holiday, but this one surely was.  Her kids had already consumed more candy then Mama would ever normally allow, and whatever treats weren’t given in the form of candy, were then given in the toys.  Needless to say the boys were having a great time.

Today they were meeting at Mama’s husband’s brother’s and sister in law’s a bit further away from town and they were looking forward to the visit.

But before they made their way there, they decided to stop by and visit great-grandma to say “Hi”.  It had been a year since they saw grandma, and spending some time with her was really sweet.  

After spending a short moment with great-grandma, they headed out to make their way to Cross Plains, WI, about 20 minutes out of the city. They drove around for a bit so the kids could take in some of the countryside views.  They loved the fresh air and the sunshine, and Mama couldn’t help but feel like a true city slicker when she insisted her husband stop the car so she could take pictures of the cows.

They happily arrive to her brother- and sister-in-law’s home, and find that they had been hard at work preparing for the families visit.  Everything looked so beautiful and delicious!

After handing out gifts, including a collection of Mama’s husband’s latest urban vinyls, BFFs, more family started arriving, filling the home with the sounds of laughter, kids playing, and conversation.  Of the things Mama misses about living here, it is moments like these, spent with family, that she misses the most.

Mama’s own mother and grandmother are no longer with her, her siblings are scattered across the country, or overseas.  But she misses the warmth and love of family reunions.  The boys were really enjoying the open space and despite the chilly air, they insisted on being outside as much as possible, often “escaping” forcing their daddy to go out and get them.  At one point, the 2.5 year old went outside in socks and diapers, running with a smile from ear to ear embracing this new sense of freedom!

Mama has learned that though she will always be a New York City girl, and that it is a great part of who she is, seeing her boys (including her husband) surrounded by so much love, with such beautiful smiles on their faces made her realize that where ever that is, is where she can call home.

Thank you to Trish, Christopher and Caleb for opening your home, your heart, and your wine cooler to us.  We love you!

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Tags: travel, vacation
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