Banana splits and waffles…

GASP! I had two banana splits over the weekend JUST because I could!!! My brothers and sister in-law from California spent Memorial weekend with us and none of us could recall the last time we indulged in a banana split. When we were little Mom used to let us choose what we wanted for our birthday dessert. Banana splits always seemed to be the winner. It was like old times sitting around playing cards until all hours of the morning, munching on sweet treats and realizing how much our family has changed over the last 20 years. Who would’ve thought that a bunch of homeschooled, live in the boondocks kids would grow up, move away, get married and sit around talking about how we want our kids to experience much of what we loved about our childhoods. I’m so excited for my expecting sis-in-law and brother. It was bittersweet to talk about the long and painful journey we are traveling to parenthood. Theirs has been wrought with painful losses. Loss of Caleb at 7 ½ months pregnant, another miscarriage last fall and the months in between of not being able to conceive.

But, we had a great time celebrating the past, present and future as we played endless games of “idiot”, splashed in the pool, took them to our favorite restaurants, finished a few touches to the nursery, caught Star Trek for the 2nd time AND I felt completely inspired and whipped up a batch of homemade waffles with fresh strawberry syrup and tons of whipped cream! Long live holidays, family and good times (and the entirely too delicious banana splits)!!!!