When You're Here, You're Family...

Another day painting, but the big payoff yesterday was dinner with my niece and nephew. My niece, Jordan, is also my second goddaughter. My nephew, Logan, is quite simply, one of my favorite people. I'm crazy about both of them.

We made plans to meet halfway between where they live and where I'm staying at Mum's house, so the destination was the Olive Garden restaurant. Well, we ordered food at and then proceeded to talk for two and a half hours. My nephew was actually the only one who finished all his dinner. Too much lost time to make up for to actually spend time eating! We talked until they turned up the lights to signal they were closing for the evening.

It had been over a year since I'd seen them in person. Handsome and I were in Minnesota for their cousin's wedding. I had spent a month making a wedding gown for my eldest niece, who is also my first goddaughter. We drove north for the festivities and hand-delivered the wedding gown and attendants' dresses. We had the grandest time, but hadn't seen Jordan and Logan since. Kind of hard to just hop in the car for a visit when there are fifteen hundred miles between us.

Before we left, I walked into the lobby where the hostess stood and said, "Is your motto still "When you're here, you're family"? She giggled and said, "Yes", to which I replied, "Great! Here's my camera. Please take a photograph of me with your cousins". She happily obliged and this photo is the result.

I was so glad to see them. It's been way too long. Thanks, guys for taking the time to drive down for dinner. I love you both.