Business Trips or Work Funded Family Visits

I usually think of business trips as vacations for me.  Think about it.  Mom doesn't have to cook, clean or take care of anyone other than herself.  And, often, but not this trip, there is a hot tub to soak in and relax.

Normally, when I'm lucky enough to go on business trips, they are to places where I don't know anyone that I would socialize with.  Every once in a while that is changed.  This past trip actually took me to Minneapolis where my SIL and her family live (and I actually really like my SIL).

But our family doesn't get to see her family enough.  And I especially miss seeing my little niece and nephews!  But this trip, I win.  I got to spend 2 nights with the family.

I knew that I would receive a warm welcome from 2 out of the three kids, But one of the twins (below) is a bit stand-offish- to most people.  But, especially on the 2nd night, we had a grand old time with their dancing parrot.  And N (boy) was Auntie Ora look at this and Auntie Ora look at that!! 

 I'm trying very hard to make sure that I have a good relationship with my niece and nephews who live half-way across the country from me.  I think that they are old enough now that it's actually sunk in.  Just look, I actually got a smile out of N!

 or maybe it was a laugh, but it was a great interaction!!!

T(girl) made sure that she sat next to me at the dinner table both nights and climbed into my lap to play around, too.  A(boy) was very upset that he had homework to do and couldn't show off his Wii gaming skills to me, so he was allowed to stay up late to enjoy the visit with his auntie!

 All in all, it was a very successful trip.  I accomplished the work objectives and had a great time with my family.  What more could you ask for? (A comfortable plane seat, but that's another story)

 

Saying good-bye at the end of the 2nd night was hard.  T said something along the lines of "what do you mean, you won't be here tomorrow night?" and "I'll miss you Aunty Ora".  N burrowed under the covers while I gave him a hug and A was very sad that I was leaving.  I love these kids.

Comments

[MJ]

I worry constantly about my kids and their cousins growing up so far away from each other. I knew my cousins growing up, and I want them to have the same experience.

Thankfully the internet and faster ways to travel help my cause.

Your niece and nephews are cute. Glad you had fun.