Family time

Our week in North Carolina coincided with Nacho's attempt to visit Spain to see his uncle who has recently been through surgery. We flew down here last Tuesday and Nacho made it over to Madrid on Friday morning which means we'll be apart for a good 10 days or so while we're both off visiting family. It's hard for me to know that Elisa spends days and days away from him, since I know how much she loves her Papa but we've been very lucky that she seems to transition to his comings and goings with relative ease. She doesn't cry when he leaves and she always welcomes him home with a big smile and hugs. For Nacho too, the absences are tough and he often remarks on her changes after just a few nights away from home. It's easy to see all the new things she is doing when you have those fresh eyes.

Mia plays photographer with my camera and gets a good shot.

Elisa practices her rodeo show with Mia's stuffed animal.
Elisa chases after her cousin shouting "Go! Go!" and running wildly.

Grandma enjoys some quiet time with her two girls as Elisa devours a quart of blueberries.
Band Hero gives us all a chance to express ourselves although Elisa takes center stage with her crazy tired dancing.

Finally, a tired girl collapses in the lap of her cousin.

For my sister's family, the absence of Mark during his third deployment overseas is more than a casual nuisance. It's been a hole in their family for five months now. The good news is that he is due home some time in August so they are over the halfway point and counting down the weeks. But soon after, they will be off on a new adventure to California so we are glad to be here now to enjoy their last summer in North Carolina. Spending time together makes missing Nacho and Mark a bit easier, I think. There is a sense of unity in this group and that was all too apparent as we played Band Hero last night in Jordan's room. Taking turns singing and playing guitar while we all shouted out lyrics was a good way to bond. Nothing like Grandma's rendition of the classic ballad "American Pie" to ensure that these youngins know their folk rock. Yes, family time is important. It reinforces all those bonds that are there when we need them most.