Woman in Real Life

I think most of us city/suburban types dream now and then of a place in the country. In those moments, my family packs up and travels to the home of my husband's "little" sister. After we visited my parents for the first couple days of March Break last week, we moved on to her rural home.

This busy household is made up of husband and wife, four kids, a couple of dogs, a one-eyed cat, a turtle and some lovely backyard chickens. Plus, my mother- and father-in-law and their adorable cat live in an attached house.


On this particular visit, we planned to stay for one night. But the weather had other plans. A late winter storm greeted us in the morning and we decided to hole up for another night of food and family.


Little Coco kept us company.


And not-so-little Maple.


The kids had a blast hanging out together and eating lots of pancakes.




Papa poured the homemade wine. Between my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law, we were spoiled with lots of tasty Italian food. And I can't forget to mention that my brother-in-law makes a delicious rum and coke (which seems to contain a lot of rum).


The adults watched movies late into the night while the kids tore the second floor down.


Jolene the beagle mix came with us too. She spent her time barking warnings at the other dogs and begging for food.


The kids decided to turn themselves into "hoodie creatures," putting their arms and legs through the arms of their sweatshirts. Oh, the things kids get up to. Hilarious.

Sure, some people go to Cancun for March Break. It might be warmer, but it can't beat hanging out with loved ones, enjoying food, wine, friendship and good fun.

Do you ever yearn for the country?