Family

Nana, Papa and Auntie Kathleen arrived safely yesterday evening, and jumped impressively right into the activity.

It's amazing that, although we feel quite at home and settled here, there's nothing like seeing the faces of our family.  Getting a bear hug from Papa and attentive care from Nana and share laughter with Leeny are true soul balm.

I think that it is especially beautiful, and bittersweet, because this will be our last time together before Kathleen enters the convent at the beginning of May.  We will cherish and soak up every moment together.


Out internet in the apartment has been out since Wednesday, and right now we have just a few minutes' connection at a time, so I'll probably keep this post short.   Also, with Kev's family here, I will likely be posting infrequently over the next week or simply do pure picture posts.


Snippets of joy:

 ~~Dennis, Beverly and Olivia watched the kiddos on Saturday afternoon so Kev and i could have an actual date afternoon.  There's nothing like wandering around the Old City with no firm agenda, holding hands and wondering at the gift of being here.  Together.  

Joachim, Anne and Mary at the Greek Orthodox site of Mary's birth

 

Church of St. Anne

My hot honey

Near the Church of the Flagellation

The most beautiful adoration chapel, with Mary holding Jesus

~~The kids at play.  They love eachother SO MUCH, and with Ceci's newfound sass, she can hold her own with the big kids.  

These peeps: