Yes, I made it back...alive. The girls definitely tried to wear me down on the plane. A piece of advice for you mothers out there. Do not wear glasses if you are going to have to hold a 14 month old for three hours straight on a plane. You would have thought I had a carnival ride on my face with all the amusement Zoe was getting from attacking me. I was pleased to find a bevy of Christmas cards awaiting my return. The best part about sending out almost a hundred cards is that you get a lot of cards. Of particular notice is that stinking cute black and white photo of the girl...one of our friends from SA. Isn't she a doll!
The trip was fun, as usual. I was in Dallas for a week with my Dad and Stepmom. Olivia never ceases to amaze me with her vast memory of all her family members. She ran up to Papa and Granna like she has seen them yesterday, not six months ago. Zoe takes a little more time, but eventually she is waving hi with the best of them. The carpet was a dream for my little walking maniac.
My brother and sister-in-law came down too. Hollie is some kind of toy psychic. She hadn't even looked at the girls' Christmas list and bought Livy a hopscotch rug! Dad and Vickie got Livy the foam play hopscotch mat, so that girl better learn how to hop quick. We are getting more and more excited to move near them, and I mean close. They are keeping an eye for houses in their neighborhood, block even. Only five more months of freedom you two!
I also spent a few days visiting with my Nana (not to be confused with Olivia's Nana- David's mom). Olivia loves going over to Grandnana's house because she has real Oreo cookies. And Nana gave us a terrific Christmas gift. Since I can remember this portrait has hung over the fireplace in the house. With the help of my dad she had it made into 8x10 photos for us and Josh/Hollie. She says it was really intended for David, who always talks about how great the picture is. Don't you think they look like characters from the show Fantasy Island! Now you all can see why I am so stylish. It was such a lovely gift, and seemed fitting to get it this first Christmas without Papoo.
Now we are back to life as usual...except with two working vehicles! Although I have to admit I haven't felt the need to actually go anywhere yet. I guess I do need to return The Devil Wears Prada today, so maybe we'll get out for a bit for some groceries.
I also have to tell of my wonderful experience with Alamo rent-a-car last week. I had reserved an economy car for the girls and I. When the man at the counter went to get my little car, he came back with a Minivan, and said "just take this". For those of you who don't know, an economy rental is about $20/day and a Minivan is $100/day. Talk about a great deal! You just have to keep people like this in mind when you are getting frustrated at the general crankiness of humanity sometimes.
Hopefully I will get pics of the trip up soon. Our first attempt at copying Dad's pictures to disk failed, so I will have to wait until he can help with new copies. And the recipe of the week will start up again next Wednesday! have a great Thursday!
