When they appeared at the double doors with a trolley stacked with suitcases, and grins loaded with anticipation, there were no words. Â We formed a huddle and my tears fell on the tops of their heads. “Move along please”, we were blocking the exit. Without realizing I had gone from being a respectable line former, to a fourteen year old queue jumping fan. They were my One Direction. “Mum, you’re crying, why are you crying?” the third little traveller asked, he knew the answer, he just wanted to hear it again.
The words came from them. Non stop. Someone farted on the plane and everyone heard. The plane dropped suddenly in a thunder storm. The toilet flushed without pushing the button. I’m hungry, I didn’t eat. I ate all my vegetables. Do you want me to rap? Say anything and I’ll rap it. Go on.
Have we got a van? Hey guys we’ve got a van! Now you’re in charge Mum. Who said that? Did Dad say that? No, I just knew that when we saw Mum again she’d be in charge. Mrs E is having a baby, Mrs T had her baby, Mrs Y is having another baby. We love Mrs B’s baby, he has shiny brown eyes. Seriously Mum, he’s so cute.
He hit my nose on purpose. Yes you did. You’re a gorilla’s bum. Mum, he said I was a gorilla’s bum. Watch me Mum, watch me. Do you want to play scrabble. Let’s play scrabble. Do you want to play Blokus, lets play Blokus.
Where’s my? Can I? Did you? How come? Who said? Where did? I’m hungry. I’m starving. I’m not starving for a banana. Whose TimTams are these?
I missed you. Can I sit next to you? Come and watch me. Watch me. Did you see me? Look at what I can do. Did you see it? Sit there, and watch me.
Bikes, skateboards, and balls were scattered everywhere. The agapanthus lasted twenty one rounds until they gave up.
I looked around the room, the dishwasher was full, the washing machine ran with a half filled basket waiting like an overdue reminder notice. Sand made its way to the foot of the stairs, and a skipping rope sat in the middle of the dining room table.
A place of quiet healing was now unrecognizable. The pace now so fast the walls gripped together while life burst from doorways and window cracks. Music played, the fridge door opened and closed with offerings. Toys were reunited with old friends. Bounce it, roll it, push it, peddle it, bang it, demand, argue, control and negotiate.
I gave no extra words. I stretched out arms and little bodies came. I brushed hair, stroked cheeks, looked into eyes, and took video of action shots. “You’re amazing”, they nodded in agreement, they were.
And after everyone had fallen asleep in a jet-lagged haze, I sat with my laptop poised to explain how a day that was so desired, could be filled with the deliciously mundane.
And then the noise I’d waited for.
Little feet pattered across the carpet from their room to mine. “Can I get in with you?”
Delicious.
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Kirsty, can’t describe, so happy for you!! Very merry Christmas to the family!
Vani
Have a wonderful time together with your family. There is nothing better. Much Love XO
Beautiful.
Beautiful.
Great post – Have a wnderful time together 🙂 looks there is a comment up above for Super Busy Mummy Blogger 🙂
Awww…. I think I might have something in my eye. Have a great time with your family.
So very happy for you 🙂
sooo happy for u…i busted into tears!! lol…really touching
Glorious!,
Awww I loved reading that . It did make me a bit teary. In 2 weeks time I will be taking my 2 daughters back to NZ to start Uni. I will miss the constant chatter in the house and car when they’re gone. No sidekicks to tell me when my mascara is smudged or when I have something stuck in between my teeth.
I ” reconnected” with my three yesterday, in a hotel in London. After a long flight from South Africa, the anticipation, the joy , doesn’t lessen, even tho they are all grown up, and we live in different countries. Enjoy having them all home Kirsty, and have a lovely Christmas. X x
Oh joy – the rough and tumble of family life.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us. You brought us right into your home so we could enjoy the emotions and the noise. I love your writing style, BTW.
So happy that you have finally been reunited with your little travellers! Enjoy!
soon it will feel like you’ve never been apart. so glad u are all together again. x
Yay ! I’ve been waiting for this post – obviously not as keenly as we’re awaiting your family ! Have a very Merry Christmas x