Day Five - Passing of the Clans

Brandon and family arrived early this morning, tired, but the kids were excited to be here - once they woke up. Amy and family were still here which made all of us (Brandon, Amy, me) a little anxious. Brandon and Amy have a strained relationship and haven't physically spoken to each other in quite awhile. The week was planned so that Amy and family would be gone before Brandon and family arrived (sad, I know), but Brandon and family caught an early ferry and Amy and family were catching a ferry midday. I watched my two children hug for the first time in a very long time and it warmed my heart. We had a little visiting time before Amy and family headed out to catch their ferry. It was sad to say goodbye to them. I had such a wonderful, fun time with them and everything went so smoothly even though Amy and I have been working through a strained relationship. We had wonderful meals together and great family time. And I was made to feel very special on my birthday.

Steve and Eva on the ferry ride home.

Brandon and family were so tired from such an early, early morning, so we just hung out at the house.

Playing games on phones and tablets

Reagan found the coloring books right away.

Brandon, Reagan and I did go down to the dock, loaded up the bait, made sure the crabpot was functioning correctly, got the rope all untangled, and tossed the pot in the water . . . only to find out that you can only crab up here Thursday through Monday - Tuesday & Wednesday are days off. It doesn't say that anywhere on the fishing license, and thank goodness a nice local on the dock told us or we could have incurred a $400 fine, if caught. We pulled it back up and came back to the house. Would have been nice if the local would have told us before we went through all the work!

Because of the tiredness, Tori made dinner for the kids, and then made a quick and easy salad for her and Brandon. I got so used to eating meals as a family when Amy and family were here, I forgot that it might not be that way the rest of the week. I made myself a delicious dinner despite eating all by myself.

Mac 'n cheese and corn on the cob

So cute!

My dinner - yummy!