One of the kids' favorite books growing up was The Relatives Came, given to us by
Laura. The storyline captures how much happiness stems from getting together
with relatives from far away. Such was the case when Aaron,
Kate, and Mary visited last week for five days.
One day we went to The Pavillion, where brave and daring Kate and Aaron jumped off the diving board, zoomed around the water slide, and
climbed to the top of the pool’s rock wall.
Michael played basketball on the nearby courts. Elizabeth, Mary, Steven, and I were impressed
spectators, alternating our attention between the court and the pool.
The next day we went to the Explorium, Lexington's children’s museum. The kids made big bubbles, created shadows, climbed a non-water rock
wall, and presided over a mock court. Elizabeth and Kate wished peace
upon everyone.
On Monday, Elizabeth, Mary, and I went to the Dr. MLK, Jr. Day
march and program downtown. As usual,
Elizabeth quickly found people she knew and left Mary and me. But I spied her with my little eye during the
march.
We ate at Galvin’s – of course that was my idea! – on its last
day in its original location, before it moves to a different location with 70 additional seats.
The rest of the time, we hung out at or around our house. Kate and 
Steven gave Sami a bath. Mary and I went on walks; Kate joined us to walk Sami. All four children watched movies together, Aaron and Michael played wii, and Kate and Elizabeth apparently had an animated canine photo shoot upstairs. It was just so very happy being with all of
them. We were struck by the kindness shown and interesting stories told by Aaron and Kate. 
And then there were the dogs, who were
constantly carried, pet, loved, held, followed, and brought on dog bed rides by Aaron and Kate.
Even reserved and sometimes growly Sami jumped up right next to Aaron
throughout the weekend. The day after
Mary, Kate, and Aaron left, Zoe did not eat.
We knew she was suffering from depression caused by the absence of all
the love and affection Kate and Aaron showed them. The rest of us ate full meals, but we were also sad that they left, although we continue to remember and share stories that happened during their visit so we keep laughing.
