My whole family has come and gone, and Dan's whole family has come and gone -- except one: Dan's mom.  In this breath of calm and back-to-normal, the remainder of one relative actually makes it more relaxing and easy-going around here.  This year Dan's "off-season" is busier than ever, but with Cathy here, there's always someone for Eddy and me to see and talk to.  Eddy keeps bouncing between us for attention, which makes it much easier to get things done in between parenting.  And how great is it to surprise and be surprised by meal making, favors and chores!  There are plenty of things that neither of us like to do, which makes plenty of opportunities to joyfully help each other out, just to see the smile at the other end.  And after four years of householding, I still find myself watching Cathy to see how to do things better.  She is so efficient!

 Ah, the joys of family.  Free babysitting, camaraderie, wisdom, and so many other pleasures.  Now we just need to move to a place that has family all year long...

Mom-in-laws, they're pretty awesome.