Family Vacation!

During the third week of February, we went on a family vacation to see my family in Grand Junction, Colorado. Our trip was on the road, and consisted of two days of driving, each way. Eliza was such a trooper! And we had an amazing time. My family is awesome, and we so enjoyed spending time with them. While we were there, Aimee turned 12 which was a real treat. I turned 12 just after we moved to Grand Junction, 12 years ago. Most every morning a little while after Eliza would wake up, we'd take her downstairs to my mom, Aimee and Benjamin, and they'd play with her and give her breakfast while we went back to bed - it was pure bliss! I'll post some photos here as I get them sorted out:

Eliza and I at the Arches National Park in Utah, February 23, 2007.

Being there with my family made me realize how much I miss them and need them in my life. I also realized that I really don't want to raise my children without their grandparents in close proximity. It is so important for kids to have grandparents close - I believe it gives them a more well-rounded view of family and life, and it's great for the grandparents too! I also really need to have my parents close as I encounter the challenges of child-raising. I find myself calling my mom more and more as time goes by. Hopefully we can make some decisions in the next few years that will bring us closer to them so that we don't have to do this on our own!