So, SS made it up to his grandparents house. BM showed up late for breakfast. Not our problem, we still picked him up at 9:45 as he requested. So she spent about 45 minutes with him. When we got there, her dad was sitting outside smoking (I didn't know he smoked, I've known him for 13 years. That was weird). DH and I got out of the car and greeted him, he asked us if we wanted to come in for a cup of coffee, DH declined and we stood outside chatting with him for a minute. SS came out almost immediately and put his stuff in the car, gave DH and I hugs and stood as close to my side as he could while, one by one, BM's cousins, aunts, uncles... all came out and greeted us. Some of them DH had met in the past (WAY past) some of them not. BM's uncle introduced to me his wife as "SS"s mom". I was a little taken back by that, but tried not to let my face show it. Then he turns to me and says "well, that's who you are". They all proceeded to tell us what a fine job we are going raising SS and how much they enjoyed him.

BM never came out. Most likely because her stepmom told her not to. But I dunno, I think if she is "sober" and "trying" then she would want us to see that and would have come out to let us see how "normal" she is. She stayed inside. SS never went back in to say goodbye, I assume they said their goodbyes when we pulled up. After about 15 minutes or so (which included BM's cousin inviting us to go camping next weekend with them, which we may just do) SS said "this is awkward, can we go?" so I chimed in and said we needed to get on the road. Everyone offered hugs and handshakes and off we went.

BM proceeded to blow up SS's phone for the next 24 hours. Calling and texting... he would respond to some of the texts but he never answered her calls. She also sent a group text to DH and I "wanted to wish you both a Merry Christmas". Maybe we should have responded. DH was out riding dirt bikes with the kids when it came through, and I was wrapping gifts. we both completely ignored it. I'm in the camp of "too little WAY too late".

In all, it was drama free and SS seemed satisfied with the visit. Until next time...