Mo mee mo mo

We've returned from our long and crazy trip to New York City for Jerry and Tammy's wedding. Mike and I had a really great time, and the boys had a wonderful time themselves staying with Grandma and Papa in Cleveland. The four of us finally got back to Meadville late Monday afternoon (we left Wednesday), and we're all worn out and glad to be back home again.

Jerry and Tammy were excellent hosts, and they made the trip very easy for us. Tammy's family was great as well--whether it was driving us around or inviting us into their home or just being so sweet and welcoming, we really felt comfortable during our stay. I'm pleased that we finally got to meet everyone that Jerry has been telling us about for so long.

We were able to see a lot of the sights of New York City on Friday, and that was so much fun. The city was pretty much what I thought it would be, but nothing prepared me for just how crowded everything felt. From the trains to the sidewalks to the buildings, it constantly felt like you were being crowded and rushed. Visiting was a lot of fun, but I know I would never be able to live there. I'm definitely a small town girl!

The wedding was just beautiful--Tammy was a gorgeous bride. They had a Catholic ceremony and a Chinese banquet reception. The meal was ten courses, and it was like nothing I've ever seen before. There were lots of different things, like jellyfish and shark fin soup, and more traditional things like chicken or beef or noodles. I'm not a very adventurous person when it comes to food, but I tried a little of everything, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much of it I liked!

One of the best things about the wedding was something my brother Steven touched on. He said to me at the reception that he felt like at the end of the trip, we should be taking Jerry home with us. I agreed--it had been such a treat for all of us siblings to be together for an entire weekend, and I can't remember the last time that happened. It felt almost wrong to leave him behind, even though he hasn't lived near us for the last four years. No matter how old I get, I always love spending time with my brothers, and it saddens me that it happens so rarely now.

Mike and I enjoyed having some time to ourselves, but when Sunday came we were definitely ready to see the boys again. The best Mother's Day gift of all was seeing Evan come running toward me at the airport, screaming "Mommy Mommy!" And in that moment, our trip was really over, and I happily got right back to work.