Full Nest

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!  ~ Albert Einstein

This weekend was wonderfully full as my entire family arrived in Nether Heyford!  I picked up my son Ian and his girlfriend, the Lovely Juliette, at Gatwick Saturday morning.  My other son Andrew and his girl Annie showed up that evening with pictures and tales to tell of their travels up to the Scottish Highlands and their hike up Ben Nevis.  And my brother Mike and his girlfriend Maureen arrived after a cruise around the islands of Greece.  My mom came back to the UK about two weeks ago and I've been fortunate enough to have my daughter Abbie's company for this whole year.  Having everyone under one roof for a weekend was heaven!

We laughed, we ate, we hiked, we ate some more........I've been having such a good experience during my Fulbright exchange and it was fun to share the beautiful village of Nether Heyford with my family.

Celebrating our time together down at the The Olde Sun

Everyone had plenty to talk about as we shared the adventures we'd been having throughout the year.    One of the benefits of being part of a multi-generational family is hearing the loving discussions and banter that occur between Nana and grandchildren, an uncle and nephews, a sister and her brothers.  I have missed the "shorthand" that comes with a deep family culture.....jokes that need only be told by the punchline, quotes from movies that someone else can finish, stories referenced by in-joke titles.  I've certainly missed my family during my year in the UK and this reunion was nourishment for the soul!

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life.
Richard Bach