Seeing people I haven’t seen in ages. Seeing people I never get sick of seeing. Red-eye. Picked up at 4:30 am. Laughing by 4:31. Diner by 6:00. Arriving by 7:30, and sleeping until my sister jumps up and down upon me. To the shower we go.

Both sides of the family. Delicious food from family friends. Smiling, hugging, laughing. Taking photographs, making plates. Little ladies helping us open presents. “Hold it up,” and “Can I have another?” Saving bows.

Family, family, family. Small, and large, both sides. Little ones running about, smiles everywhere. And then rain, falling…

Back to the Breen’s B&B, for more laughs. Getting later, later, later…can’t.stop.laughing. Honey-badger don’t care.

Sleep, then rain, rain, rain, and coffee, coffee, coffee. Coffee black. Like it should be. Monsooning, more laughing, more smiles. Getting picked up, heading to camp, sunshine coming out, family surrounding family. Softball game steadily going. More hugs, more smiles, more fun. More food.

Hiking through the woods. “Another one,” spider webs, creepy spiders, every where. “Are we lost?” and “Maybe the yellow trail is red” and “what do the doubles mean?” and “Blair Witch 3: Attack of the Perfectly Normal Nature.” Hiking, walking, hiking, laughing, and sweaty. But so good.

Out of the woods. Onto more snacks. “If you steal a cupcake I won’t tell,” or “How about you just give me a bite of yours?” Still getting some more chocolate, and some corn, and Jax, and…the list goes on. Volleyball, scavenger hunt, and time with babies.

Then, the ladies arrive! Hugs all around, keeping tears back, so excited. Quick showers, and dinner, and snuggles, and stories, and snuggles. Ice cream, and “CAROLYN?” and seeing someone I haven’t seen since I was in seventh grade. Getting a drink, laughing, and smiling, and can’t.believe.I.went.so.long.without.seeing.you.oh.my.

Back home, another night at the B’s B&B. Laughing late. Sleep, then up to repack, and head to the train. To another diner. Then to NYC. Two hours, no lockers? No problem: Little Italy. Pizza and cannoli’s, then ready for the plane. LA, here we come. CT, NYC, we’ll miss you.