Forced Family Fun.

This past Saturday morning we got up early and went to the Minneapolis Farmers Market with my parents, little sister, aunt Janet and cousin Samantha. My mom and dad pretty much go to this every Saturday morning that my mom has been feeling up to it. H and I have joined in in the past as well, but the last time he was there he was small enough to be in the Baby Bjorn. So needless to say, it's been awhile.

I was really excited when my dad mentioned it on Friday because this was the first weekend in almost a month, that we were home.

They typically go right at 6am before the rush of the day begins but because they knew we'd be bringing three children they agreed to go a little later, 8am.

We had such a nice time. Tasting fresh fruits and veggies. Seeing all the fresh produce.

M and Samantha looking at flowers.

See that pink bag in M's hand. The Victoria's Secret bag has returned. Though this child has more purses and little bags than I have hairs on my head, she prefers to use this little pink bag to carry her 'coupons' (you never know what kind of farmer might take a coupon) and her money.

Of course, no trip to the Farmers Market with my dad would be complete without an early morning brat.

Yes, all these crazies had brats or hot dogs at 8 o'clock in the morning!!!


Not me. I held out for French Meadow Bakery.


After getting soaked in the rain and chilled by the cold air we went to Columbia Grounds coffee shop in Northeast to enjoy coffee and some indoor music.


We played a couple games of cards. Chatted. Watched H dance around to the music.

Just enjoyed being together.
Sorry about the glare...I can't get rid of it. This is my cousin Samantha and me. She's a sophomore in college.

My Daddio and My Mumsy

I was thinking about it later that day about how much we take our parents and families for granted when we are growing up, but then as soon as we have our own life and own family, we long to be with our parents again.

Remember when you were a teenager? For some reading this (myself included as I write this) it wasn't that long ago.


It wasn't that long ago that I thought that time with my parents/family was forced family fun.


When you're a teenager, your friends, your job, everything seems to rank higher than spending time with the people who have done the most for you. You are seemingly inconvenienced to do the slightest of things for these people considered your family.


It couldn't have just been me. Come on, now.


I, obviously, haven't parented or raised teenagers. But I dread it.


It's kind of like many other things in life.



We hurry up and we can't wait for this or that, and we rush through like always thinking whatever is next will be better. Instead of enjoying the moment. Living life.


Once I was out of high school and away from my parents, all of a sudden I appreciated them so much more. I missed them. I wished for more time to spend shopping with my mom and golfing with my dad.


Once I was out of college, working, newly married, I appreciated them even more. I missed watching the Amazing Race and enjoying my mom's cooking.


Now having children, I can't even tell you how much I appreciate them. I miss having someone else take care of everything for me! I love just sitting at their house on the patio watching the kids run around.

This picture was from my Aunt Laurie's visit two weeks ago.

I love days like Saturday where we are out and about just having fun.
What would have been considered forced family fun years ago, is now fun, period.


Reminds me of the old Joni Mitchell song, "Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got til it's gone."

I suppose it is like most things in life, a lesson you wouldn't have learned unless you could live through it.

However, if I could, I would go back in time, when my attitude was peaked and my priorities out of wack. If I could go back I'd make a few little changes.

And in turn, appreciate a little more of this forced family fun.