When we arrived, everyone was running out the door.. Ok, Mom and Liam were running out the door to Baseball practice. Quick hugs were exchanged and mom said to come visit her if we got bored. We brought our stuff inside and Megan, Patrick, Glenn and I hopped on our bikes after a quick hello to dad and biked down to where the kids were practicing about half a mile away. I always feel like a kid at my parent's house. Carefree with not a worry in the world. On the way back up to the house, I was reminded I wasn't a kid anymore. I couldn't even pedal my bike up the hill to our house. Man, I remember when I was younger and biked around all day like it was nothing. <sigh>
We were in Rapid City for a week this time, and since it's been a while, I can't remember all of the details of everything we did (which you, reader are most likely thankful for) but I will mention a few highlights of our Hills Visit 2011
1. Mom (with some help from dad and the neighbor) remodeled the upstairs bathroom. I wish I had before and after pictures, because it looks wonderful! Nice job Mom!!
2. Meggie was home. :) big smiles all around. We hardly get to see Meggie anymore with her being away at school and us living in Chicago. 3 cheers for Megan!
3. The Wakley family, -Adam (sad face), stayed with us, and we had a wonderful time visiting and hanging out. What a fun group of people you are! We were blessed to see you and spend time in your company again :)
4. Many nights on the back deck. Glenn loves the back deck, and when I see him enjoying it, I add that to my list of future home 'requirements'. The other thing we love about the back deck is that we can hang out to all hours of the night with whatever company shows up. Usually Fr. Tyler, and occasionally Matt Sullivan. Other visitors during our stay included Linda Hofer, and Sr. Nekopoia and another visiting sister. Among our favorite deck activities, smoking the hookah or Cigars, whichever you prefer, sipping on Mom's diving Cherry-cello, and playing cards until everyone is on the verge of nodding off in the warm summer night air. <long sigh>
5. Good Will. 'Nuf said.
6. The Firehouse with the Trask clan, workers, the Wakley's and Kelley. Yay! We finally got to see Kelley! The Trasks are always such a fun group of people to hang around. Personable, welcoming, warm and generous to anyone and everyone. Thank you for everything!
7. The Kositzky Klan Family Reunion. It was wonderful, and awkward. HA. Wonderful to see all the relatives again, and awkward because everyone has grown so much that I couldn't say who was who. After the initial chaos and embarrassment of trying to figure out who belonged to whom and all that good stuff, we had a great time. My personal highlights from the reunion are Aunt Kora's distinct cackle laugh, unmistakable and heartwarming, seeing Milton's boys all grown up, meeting all the new cooing, smiling additions to the family, and of course, Uncle Cliff drinking his apple juice out of the pee sample cup and making jokes and smiling about it the whole time. We love you all, and it was great to see you again. We hope to see you all again real soon!
8. Hangin' out with this guy:
and enjoying the All-you-can-eat Cowboy Pancakes for $0.99. That's right. Cents! Pennies! And thanks to Patrick, we got the family discount... so it was LESS than that. If there's anything we love more than good food, it's a good deal!
9. Dinner with grandma and grandpa (even though it was stifling hot) and 5th and Broadway. Liam was a super-star, and our Priests did not disappoint either. A wonderful time had by all. Grandma and Grandpa, our doors are still open to you and we hope you come and visit soon!
We had a wonderful time in South D. Thanks mom and dad for your unending generosity and hospitality. For always making us feel welcome at at "home". Liam, it was great to hang out with you kid. We should do it more often. Ditto Patrick, Kell, and Megs. To all our friends and loved ones there, we miss you and hope to see you again soon!
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