Visitors

I know having family visit is really hard for some people. Thankfully, I am one of those people who truly enjoy having their family visit and I think they like coming as well.

This year, I can not stop marveling at how much easier it is to be a parent when there are five other adults around, four of whom are so excited to see your child. This morning, my brother, SIL, Joe and I all went to this awesome beach with a really cool tidal pool while Ellie stayed home with my parents. I called my mom from the beach to make sure Ellie wasn't having a fit. She said no, Ellie was very happily helping my mom make rolls and potatoes. I was thrilled!

Ellie loves each of my family members and is at ease with them in ways I've never seen. She plays games, smiles, laughs, and so on with everyone. I just laid down on the couch a bit ago and woke up when I realized I didn't hear her. My mom and SIL had taken her for a walk. I guess I'm just amazed because living so far from family and close friends means that I am *always* on duty. It just never shuts off. I'm okay with it, but when other people that like Ellie and vice versa show up, it is amazing.