My sister is in the middle of moving to Alaska. She and my nephew and niece have come to visit for the week. Her husband and two dogs will get here on Saturday, and then they’ll all leave on Monday.
We’ve been fortunate for the last half dozen years in that we’ve managed to spend big chunks of time under the same roof. There was the time in 2001, I think, where she and the kids lived with me for a few months (an Army wife war story). Then there was the month she came out in 2003 when Jenny was born (yet another Army wife war story). In between and since, one of us would visit the other and stay for at least a week. Not a year has gone by where we haven’t done this, and we very happy our children have had these opportunities to be together. Often, the quarters have been so crowded that in the end we are all sick to death of each other and the kids act like squabbling siblings more than fun, yet rarely seen, cousins.
And that’s the way we like it. Only people who know you really well can get under your skin so much. The “sibling rivalry” among non-siblings is a sign that we’ve accomplished our goal of tight-knit family togetherness.
But Alaska is very far away. I’m not confident that we’ll be able to see each other annually, and three years is a long time for little children. So her visit here is somewhat sad. I rejoice at having yet another opportunity to be together, but I worry it will have to sustain us for some time.
Reit This Way 
My sister and I have been fortunate to live within thirty minutes of each other for the last few years. For three years before we moved here last year, we lived down the street from each other. Our kids, two of hers and four of mine, see each other a lot. It is not uncommon for her to come over and have coffee a few times a week after my nephew gets out of preschool. Our kids adore each other, yet can fight like cats and dogs. I agree it’s only family and that tight knit friendship that can get under your skin, yet forgive and forget. I’m sorry that you and your sister will be so far apart. What a blessing to be together so much before she leaves.
Enjoy the family time!
Wow, Alaska. I hope you have a great little reunion…but that she has a great experience in Alaska. Oh the sweaters she can wear there!
I hope you and your sister, and your families, have a great time together!Cousin time is a precious thing–and so is sister time.
i’m so glad you guys are getting some time 🙂 hug one another for me!
A lot of the guys we’re stationed with came here from Alaska. Several of the other guys that we know from Alaska keep telling us that we need to move there, what a great place it is to raise a family… I think I’ll stick to Kentucky, thank you very much.Enjoy your sister and her kids, your BIL and the dogs. I think it is so great for your kids to be so close.