home sweet home

It's been a long time since I've been home. 

Remember when I realized (here) that getting older means not having the whole summer off for playing? Ha. Well. As summer continues to get closer and closer - only a few more weeks! - I've been realizing that it also means not going home. This isn't exactly news to me. After my first year of college, I went home for the whole summer. But not the second year. Or this year. I managed to escape for 2 weeks last year, but this summer I'm working full-time and as it turns out, you can't exactly ask for 3 months off. Who knew, right? 

There are certainly worse things in the world, so I know I can't  throw a pity party over here. But hey! If my master plan works out, by the time I do get home, it'll have been 8 months since I last saw my family and best friend (and dog!). For me, that's a long time to go without seeing my people. Sometimes you just need them, you know? Sometimes you just need to go home. 

In the spirit of being overly sappy and sentimental, I've been going through some old photos. I came across a few that were taken last summer at my aunt & uncle's house. They may not be pictures of my home, but they certainly make me feel the most at home. I'm telling you, this is probably my favorite house in the world. It's one of those places you thought could only exist in movies. Know what I mean? There are freshly cut flowers on the table, twinkle lights on the patio, and Norah Jones and Cat Stevens always seem to be playing in the background. Words wouldn't do their garden justice. Words also wouldn't do their cooking and baking abilities justice. Seriously. Something heavenly is always baking in that cozy kitchen. 

Whenever my family gets together, this is usually where we go. Sometimes we just spend the day by the pool, dipping our toes in the water and enjoying each other's company. Sometimes we play games. Or go on walks. We always make too much food and leave with way too many cookies in our bellies (it's inevitable). These are the things I miss. All the little things. This is where I want to be, right now. 

Being there with them is like getting a big hug. That's what going home feels like. 

(and I want my hug!)