Some memories from last weekend at my father-in-law's

***

My son, upon hearing the grandfather clock chime on the hour, running from wherever he was in the house to the clock, peering inside to see the gears turn. Every time.

***

Talking and making blinkybugs with geeky brother-in-law (Dr. H.'s sister's husband) and our niece.

***

My daughter, showing all of her stuffed animals to her great grandfather (age > 97) one by one. Seeing 20 years fall away from his face when she made him laugh.

***

Dr. H's brother's fabulous impression of their father. A feature of any holiday gathering.

***

Realizing I'm really one of the family now. Paper plates at the big meal and everything.

**

My daughter and my niece, laughing and playing in the big bathtub.

***

My son and my nephew, one or both of whom had decided the big tub was too big and scary, playing together in the smaller bathtub.

***

Dr. H's grandmother (age > 96), exclaiming in delight that my children wanted to take some of her beaded jewelry home with them.

***

My father-in-law's partner, a wonderful woman my children call "Nana", working miracles on my son's eating habits.

***

Meeting the wonderful children Dr. H's brother has custody of. Hearing him speak with pride about taking on this responsibility. (Their mother, his girlfriend, is in rehab.) Adulthood suits him. Having a male in their life take some responsibility for once suits them.

***

My sister-in-law, glowing and brimming with stories and excitement after her 20th high school reunion.

***

My father-in-law, a former elementary school teacher, reading to my children, extremely patient with all their questions.


***

All six children, screaming and ripping open presents in a Hanukkah/Solstice/Secular Holiday/New Year/Christmas gift event.


***