There is something no one tells you when you move away. Going home can be extremely tough.
The first time we went home, we tried to give everyone a place to come and meet up with us. It was so awesome how many people came out, but we felt like we didn’t get to talk to anyone.
This time, we tried to do things in smaller groups, but we felt like we were constantly checking the clock and rushing to our next “appointment.”
There just isn’t an infinite amount of time to see everyone you want to see or do everything you want to do. I’m a planner, but I don’t control anyone else’s calendar. You sometimes have people that are upset that they didn’t get to see you. It’s impossible to make everyone happy.
That’s my confession this week. Going home stresses me out.
Now that I’ve said that, I do want to say that even with the stress, we still have a blast seeing everyone and being back in Minnesota. I want to share all the awesome parts about our trip home (and my favorite pictures of the weekend.)
Being back on the boat and hanging with the nieces.
Watching my nieces draw portraits of people.
Hanging out with our nephew, Sawyer, who gets so much bigger and blonder between each visit.
Time with the sissies that included laughing, mimosas and a few pictures.
Meeting Molly the Bulldog puppy and her parents (my bro & his GF.) She is 12 weeks old and I don’t know when I will see her next, but I can assure you that I won’t be holding her again.
Girlfriend time. A few nights during the workweek after Justin went back east, I got to spend a time laughing and catching up with my girlfriends. I love getting to just be there with them and here all about their lives and what they are up to. No pictures here because we were too busy just being together.
Family time with my aunt and uncles was also a great treat. I missed a family wedding this summer and I was so bummed because I don’t see the whole family very often, but they came to my parent’s house and hung out for an evening and I got to hug them all.
Hanging with my dad in his beautiful backyard (and that awesome hammock we got him for Father’s Day.)
Now I will sit here and pout because I left the day the State Fair started so I didn’t get to go this year. I just keep looking at pictures online and my mouth is watering. I really need to start planning these trips a little better.
Have you moved away? Is going home stressful to you?
this is so true! we went to australia for a bit over 2 weeks and half of that time was spent in one state and the other half in another state – i had a very small window of opportunity to see people and i couldn't see everyone, i didnt have a car, and i had to work with everyone else's availability – it was really hard and some people got really mad at me, but what can you do?
I totally feel you! This happens to me too every time I go home. I think the hardest part of it all is deciding if you want to spend your time off on a real vacation somewhere or go home to see friends and family. It's a tough choice!
Those portraits are just about the cutest thing ever!
xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
Absolutely true, I moved to California from MN and always felt that a i needed a vacation from my vacation when I returned because we ran and ran trying to see everyone.
I can't imagine trying to cram everyone in during one trip!
I live around my entire family so I've never experienced that problem
Looks like you kept a full schedule while you were there though and spent time with some very important people
You have a beautiful family 🙂
I think that sounds really stressful. You want to see everyone and do everything but it's just not possible. There's bound to be disappointment on some ends.
I can relate to this so much it really isn't even funny! I love going home more than anything and am homesick like 95% of the time, but when I do get to go home it IS stressful for the reasons you said! Usually it's for a short period of time so you're trying to cram in seeing as many people as possible and then you feel bad, and they feel bad, when it doesn't always work out, and before you know it the trip is over and you haven't really done anything you want to do, which for me is usually to just relax at home!
also, love the selfie with your grandma!
what amazing pics and omfg that bulldog pup – i can't even handle how cute he is!!!
little kid drawings are the best, aren't they?
-kathy
Vodka and Soda
Awww…Miss Molly is the cutest! I've always wanted a bully!! Always wanted a hammock, too, so I'm jealous of your dad's…he looks happy! 🙂 Spending time with family is the best, and it's always so hard to leave…especially the little cuties (nieces/nephew).