We got in last night.  We had a wonderful time visiting family!  We hadn't seen them in over a year.  Everyone's kids had grown so much.  It is so beautiful in PA.  How I wish we lived there! 

It was kind of strange for me not to have anything to do.  It just felt like I should be doing something.  You know at home there is always something to do, cleaning, laundry, lessons, something.  I did help with some food prep for dinner.  Though I don't think I did it to her liking, because I got the disapproval look.  Oh well, I tried.  No I'm not upset by it.  I learned long ago that is just the way she is.  I just let it slide right off my back.   Early in our marriage I use to get really bent out of shape over that stuff but now it's more like why waste the energy.  Though I did get a wonderful compliment from my mother-in-law.  She told me that she was impressed at the kids' vocabulary and how they seem to know a bit about everything.  That I'm doing a good job homeschooling them.  That the homeschool thing must be working.  Now this is huge!  My d-m-i-l was one of my biggest critics and hardly ever admits she's wrong.  I can tell you I was beaming!  I was definitely having one of those proud momma moments.  Hey it's only taken 5 or 6 years.  See your hard work does change people's mind.  No need to argue with them.  I use to just nod and smile when she would say anything negative and thank her for her concern.    That's my best advice - nod and smile, nod and smile.  There really isn't much you can say to people to change their mind.

We have a cousin in PA that homeschools her kids and I found out that another one is homeschooling hers.  It really is nice to be able to chat with like minded people.  Though I did notice that other relatives who chose to send their kids to ps or are sending them got a little defensive about their choice.   I thought it was kind of funny because I'm usually the one having to defend my choice.   Both of these cousins were pregnant too.   I'm so happy for them.   Children are such blessings.    Pumpkin and dc11 really enjoy each other's company.  It would be nice if we lived closer so they could spend more time together.   Can you tell I'd love to live there. LOL  The main thing holding us back is employment for dh.   He's looked but hasn't had much sucess.  Hopefully when he finishes his degree it will open a door.

Overall we had a great time!  We only got lost a few times.  Which is typical for us.  Well it probably would have helped if I had remembered the map. LOL  But what is a vacation with out a little adventure?

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!