I'm going to cut to the chase - I've really missed my family and friends. We've been staying home during the coronavirus pandemic and have only gone out a few times to the grocery store or an occasional Target run. I've missed hanging out with our friends, family, and especially our nieces and nephews. My twins, Stella and Sophia have really missed hanging out with everyone and have kept asking when we could all be together again. It tugs at your heart and I just haven't had the answers.
For the 4th of July, we decided to go to my parent's lake house near Starved Rock with my parents, my fellow messy mom and sister-in-law, Holly, my brother, Matt and my niece Eleanora. That made a group of nine and we've all been careful about social distancing so we all felt okay about getting together.
The joy of seeing Eleanora, Stella and Sophia together and with my grandparents made my heart burst with fireworks of joy. I really can't remember the last time we were all together. The 4th of July is my husband Tony's favorite holiday. We cooked out, the kids jumped off the dock a million times, the girls made TikTok videos, and we sat on the deck talking for hours. We laughed and the girls had a great time. I think it helped all of us recharge and feel a little lighter. I'm hoping that you can also meet up with a few of your family members or friends in the days ahead. I know you'll laugh and will treasure the time together. Stay safe!