We woke up expectantly this morning. The arrival of Family Kent yesterday made our hearts so happy!! I was up early, excited to spend another few hours with our precious friends.
Unfortunately they were so jet-lagged!! At least by 9am everybody was up. We decided to pack our cars and then to find a breakfast spot. Yep, you need to be full of imagination to feed big families in this crazy world of the Empire. This time, Arno suggested that he will explore the coffee 'shack' in the park- where we went for our run the previous day - maybe they can sort us out for breakfast.
I walked with some of the kids over there and we had a wonderful time throwing sticks on the frozen lake and getting to know each other again. Just being outside and walking and playing in the snow…delightful with children!!!
It is really just that - when you are 'friends for ever' only a few moments is necessary to re-connect. That was exactly what we had. A few moments in time!!
Before long, an almighty snowball fight, chasing and catch-me-if-you-can-game had developed. The other big people (Arwen and Alana is also now classified in this category!!) have driven the vehicles around, and were waiting for the rest of the mob, at the breakfast-hut. It took the old dears AGES to get our orders written down, but that gave us plenty of time to laugh and joke and talk together. Together is the key-word here. What joy is it, when families hang-out together.
Form the littl'st, 3-year old (who was eating hands-free cake like a doggie from the table-Eiligh) to the teens who were tug-of-warring-with their Merida of 'Brave' look-a-like mum, Rachel. The contest was all about who will be sitting on pastor-dad-Billy's lap.
Embarassing stories were told about marshmallow sticky hands of Nina and Nathan (They were only 3 -years old the last time we were together…now teens.)
Caelan and Philippa were forced to re-create a photo taken more than 10 years ago, to great entertainment to the rest of us.
Thomas and Elijah still talking about Liverpool and God and life choices, while the young ladies were taking pics together and talking about 'Snow White 'and 'Rose Red' having sleepovers - puking in the bed - but to scared to tell mum- for the off-chance that the pajama-party might be cancelled. (For the record - that was the first time I hear about this!!!)
All too sudden it was time for the last pictures to be taken, last HUGE HUG's to be given…. Until….whoever-knows-when we see each other again. Our hearts were empty and full at the same time…is that even possible????
A last quick stop at the Crooked House before we were headed south, back to London. An very uneventful Friday early afternoon journey, took us straight pass Heathrow airport to Skylark Guesthouse/Motel. Interesting neighbourhood, with the most unexpected well-kept overnight stop. The highlight was that fabilistic breakfast that was included!!!! Arno and Thomas took our rental car back to Alamo, while us girls explore the shelves of Sainsbury's (local grocery store) for a mega £3.50 'lunch' deal. What a bargain - pasta salad/warps + yogurt- pot and an healthy drink. A Christmas movie in bed (well, we all stayed in one room, so very cosy and together) was just the final touch to a very special day.
It was a great day…totally one that we will talk about for ever!!
We love you family Kent! May God bless you and protect you!
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