Visitation Rights

It is difficult to be a part of a family, 

when that family hardly ever gets to see each other.

Hence, at some point over the past year, 

I sent out an email that said: 

Everyone, gather, my place.

It took us awhile, and it didn't work for all of us, 

but recently I was indeed visited by those I call 'family', 

in the biological sense of the word. 

First, my parents arrived, 

just in time for the most beautiful summery meal involving cold zucchini soup and caprese salad... 

...on the coldest day of July.

By the next morning,

these two darlings had joined us, 

and we were ready for a day of blissful togetherness.

The weather derailed my 'take them into the wilderness' plan,

 and so we found ourselves at 'Meet Millheim!', a 'remind the world we exist' day at a nearby quaint and special little town.

We toured the shops and did a little shopping,

and a little local cheese tasting.

We worked our way down the street,

and found ourselves inside a local wine shop.

As my uninterested family members stood and waited for me,

I sampled some of what the place had to offer.

I made my purchases and turned to leave,

when what to my wondering eyes should appear?

[Mm-hm...]

We then carried ourselves (and our packages)
further down the street, 

to the local antique shop,

for a bit of a chat,

and time travel.

Eventually we ended up in the cutest little coffee shop, 

in order to get ourselves some coffee treats.

Coffee wasn't the only treat of the hour, however;

unbeknownst to us, 

the local npr anchorwoman was roaming the town as well, 

and felt herself drawn toward Dave's npr shirt.

She engaged us in conversation, and even took our picture.

After exhausting the wide variety of what such a little town had to offer us, we headed out to downtown State College for lunch, but not before stopping at the local Farmer's Market.

Kara helped me decide which flowers to buy (other than the snapdragons, which were a no-brainer),

and I rejoiced in my overall love of all things Farmers Market.

Upon completion of my joy, we climbed into the car, put the men in charge of the flowers, and were on our way.

We explored State College for awhile, drove around campus to see the sights, and returned home for a bit of lounging.  Digby was happy to see us, and helped me as I dug into the birthday treats brought to me with love and generosity. 

Then, it was time for the rounding out of our day!

We headed to Otto's so Dave could sample the beer,

and so we could drown in yummy food.

Then we scuttled over to the other side of town, 

to the local community theater,

in order to see my good friend (and soon to be housemate!) 

work her magic in Steel Magnolias.

We enjoyed the atmosphere,

we enjoyed the show.

We even enjoyed the squeaky bat sitting in our section.

Then, we returned home.

After a long but glorious day, we were looking forward to tucking into our beds, when I suddenly realized:

The keys I'd had in my hand when we left....were not mine.

The ones that could actually open the locked door sat on the table in the hallway.  Looking at us.

So, Dave and Kara whisked out their lock picking tools,

and got to work.

In case you're looking to rob my house, I won't tell you how we eventually got in.  I will, however, paint a word picture for you (since the moment was a bit too intense in which to snap an actual picture): 

Dave's feet, sticking straight up through an open window.

That's pretty much all you need to know.

The next morning we awoke with drama behind us.  

They met me at church, where I had to play,

and then met me back at my house for a low-key lunch with a few of my friends.

 We got to know each other,

 we ate,

 we laughed.

I loved it.  [So did Kate.]

After a weekend of living in my life, my visitors got into their cars and drove away, our visiting time having run its course.

Come again kids; 

it's always good to have time with you,

 and your visitation rights--among other things?--are in full effect.