Cousin Time, Much Needed and a Heart Split

You that feeling you have when you are torn between two difficult decisions.... yes that is my life.  I am so torn between loving my Virginia life that Marko and I created (after I finally got my head unstuck out of my rear many years ago.) and my Pennsylvania life I was born into.
 I love my home state, my home town.  Virginia nor Lynchburg will ever be the same to me.  I remember my years as a very hands on, very devoted Aunt to two of the most amazing, precious little boys whom I adored more than anything. I also loved being a little sister.  I totally looked up to my big sister, and I still do.  I hate sci-fy or unbelievable type tv shows or reading.  I can't ever consider a tv personality, a character, etc a hero, a role model or anything similar.  I don't have any "star" I admire.  That role for so many years has been filled by Missy, and so it continues, the person I've watched overcome the most, fight the biggest demons, be the best mom, keep fighting for her family, she's my sister, my role model and my heart will forever be torn because it can't be in two places at once all the time. 
That man fought hard for me to get me grounded even in the most wishy-washy year of my life, after baby Blake died-- and me pregnant at the same time.  What's that show? Double whammy?  That poor guy he lived through the "Beth sections off the house in duck tape, you better not cross the line into her territory" pregnancy stage (seriously haha!)  When I lived in my car for 6 months, he slept in the passenger seat most nights, because even when we weren't dating he didn't want me outside alone, especially in that neighborhood although he assured me no one was brave enough to make a stupid move in his family's "territory".  He dealt with me through the crazy emotions that go with your heart breaking worse than imaginable because of an evil "disease" called SIDS. And so it is clear he too is my rock, my supporter, and the person my dreams can come true with as a family.
It isn't easy feeling torn, and having so few visits "home" to be with those nephews I adore- including the two who have come along since I've gotten married, that sister I admire, another family I love.  It's never easy leaving not knowing when I can make it back.  It costs money, time off work and Marko isn't the biggest fan of me going.
And so begins the story of our trip to PA...

THURSDAY
We left for PA April 17th around 11 after I volunteered at my kids school to make sure the sweet sub Ms. Denise was having a easy ride with Ms. Jeannie's class since Ms. J was having surgery.  We had to make 2 pitt stops for bathroom breaks and stretch legs and for me to wake up-- after having worked 3rd shift the night before and the night before that and the night before that--- all with only an hr or two sleep during the day the two previous days.

We finally got there just before 5pm.  Missy had an awesome meal prepared and I so wish I would have taken a picture.  She even remembered silly details like she has an insanely picky eater sister and nephew--- thus she had one boneless skinless chicken breast for me while everyone else had legs and thighs.  After eating we made dessert:

Then we had craft time and made bunnies and the girls also etched glass candle holders.  After craft time we dyed Easter Eggs

And body parts too....

And apparently taste tests were also required of the vinegar dyed waters...

They all had fun, even with their various ages.  Some traditions never get old!  It had been 3 long years since we had dyed eggs together, but 12 Easters since I had spent it with my sister- and then only nephew Hunter!

FRIDAYwe headed to Altoona to Mrs. Groves Bakery 1st--- she was sold out of our beloved cinnamon rolls--- so we pre-ordered them to be picked up on Saturday.  We hit the butcher shop, then the mall and finally Slinky's Action Zone.  Where we stayed long beyond our "welcome" and certainly got our money worth during our 7 hour stay.  Hey we had to pay $5 admission!

On SATURDAY it was Tucker's Birthday Party!!!  Joyce picked up our cini-rolls on her way to the party!  In the mean time sis made a super fun-kid friendly breakfast: Cini roll waffles!

We had a fun filled day and busy-busy-busy!!!!  Most the kids stayed with Uncle Justin to clean up the yard while the three moms and a couple kids went to grab party stuff.  Ant Missy designed nails for her nieces....

Then it was Party time!!  Also known as the giant Kennedy Farm Easter Egg Hunt!

TWENTY-FOUR Kids, now that's a party!!

Cake time!  Happy 7th Birthday Tucker Edwin-Richard Kennedy!!!

After the party, one of Missy's friends rode Foxy the not-so-tame horse.... not so tame as in she isn't a horse who is ridden.  The landlord has her live in the barn across the lane from the house but doesn't pay her much attention.  I had never see anyone successfully get on her before.

Then Missy and Justin's nephews Cooper,  Brock and his girlfriend Alisha stayed for dinner, to wrestle, play "wall ball"... similar to dodge ball and have a very fun filled night!

At dark we planted Jelly beans for the Easter Bunny...

Everyone got bathed and Off to bed.... and then Missy and I helped that darn Easter Bunny!... BIG time!  He owes us!

SUNDAY was both Easter and Jayna's 9th birthday!  Missy and I of course got up 1st to ensure we didn't miss the little boys expressions!  That means we got to eat breakfast together in peace w/o sharing with little people or having to be interrupted, just us sisters!

And then the fun began!

... and for two others, Shania and Anthony I had to motivate them to wake on up.... hello bag of ice

And everyone should be set with plenty of Candy until Christmas, seriously!!!

Missy and I continued to do more cooking/prepping.... she certainly did WAAAAY more than me though so don't confuse who the chef was and who the slight helper was!

Our favorite masterpiece of the day Easter Deviled eggs!!

And since it was also Jayna's birthday, included in her gift is a Sykes' kid tradition--- silly string for all the kids!

And because it was her birthday-- and I don't believe healthy kids get sick by being cold, I let them take a dip in the pond since they were BEGGING

The coldness made it less fun, according to Jayna haha

Then we cleaned up and it was lunch time.  The boys Uncle Brian and Aunt April joined us.  The birthday girl is ready to eat!

Look!!!  I had Green eggs and Ham!!!

After lunch we all went outside to play.  Jayna had to get her birthday beating from Uncle Justin.

most of us went out to shoot BB guns!

When we got back to the house the kids played outside and I got Jayna's cake that Missy baked decorated.  Then we had cake and ice cream.  By then it was bed and bath time for the little boys since they had school the next day.  After cake off to bed they went.

And of course the birthday girl needed her nails done!

Monday the three oldest boys had school. Missy did my nails and Shania's after they left for school. 

 Then we did some mall shopping and other stops at stores.  Once the boys got home from school the cousins were right back into playing and being best buds.

Then the sadness began as it was time to leave :-(  Tears all around :-( The sisters sad and teary, CJ sad and crying, Jayna tried to hide so she could stay--- Hunter consoled her for a few minutes and then we had to go.  My gang all had school in the morning.  

My sweet CJ after we left and he cried himself to sleep :-(

Jayna cried for a nice 45 mins until we made it to Breezewood.  Leaving always has sucked.  Now it's even worse as the cousins are so torn having to leave each other.  Missy and I cry and are sad, but that we can handle.  Seeing the kids hurt </3

Next visit needs to be this summer!  Hoping the money allows it to happen!