Here comes our vacation!

Well only a few days until we board our airplane at 1 in the morning to take a red eye flight to MN to visit with my parter's family over the 4th of July. I am really excited for a vacation, but also always somewhat trepidacious (spelling??). Her family does not accept our relationship and has a very awkward feeling around me. They love the kids and they are glad we visit, but I am just an outsider looking in who never really fits in. I always go on these trips with the perspective that it's for my partner, for our kids, for the family, etc...and I enjoy seeing the midwest. I love the land, the beauty, the good old fashioned traditions, etc...but it's still sort of a trip I feel I have to gear up for emotionally. I need to put my thick skin on, remember to be humble and respectful, try my hardest to ease their discomfort, if in my power to do so and try to just enjoy family time and not draw attention to our relationship. I am ok with this...it's for a time. Last year the babies were not talking and so it was not totally obvious to others, as they could determine what they felt my position in the family was...this year, not the same...I am clearly MOMMY and the twins are very close to me and it will be very obvious immediately. They have indicated they will deal with that when it comes up, as far as talking to the cousins, etc...I think it may come up right away, as my daughter is tied to me and when around new people, wants me to hold her and doesn't want anyone else. So, we'll see how this all unfolds. I will just let them navigate their way through. I just hope I have the emotional strength, as deep down, it still hurts me that they don't accept me. However, last year we stayed in a hotel. This year, we're staying in my partner's sister's newly remodeled basement! PROGRESS!!! Baby steps!!