Because everyone asks, it takes 17 hours and change to go from doorstep to doorstep. We stayed with my dad and stepmother, who graciously allowed us to take up their spare rooms for ten nights. Thank you, Dad and Kathy! TJ especially thanks you for allowing him to cry loudly at 3am almost every night.
While we were there, we had playdates and dinners and activities galore. On Friday, we saw our friends the Greggs. We lived just two doors down from them in Tempe for a few years and Anna and I would often commiserate on our lack of a *real* house with a *real* yard. She is now living the dream--she has a real house with a real yard of her very own! Lucky. The kids had a great time renewing their friendship while I showed off TJ and we caught up on life.
On Saturday, we went to Goldfield Mine with Papa and Grandma (Dad and Kathy). We put Afton in jail, took a picture of Annika outside the jail she refused to pose in, and got a candid family portrait.
Sunday, we were able to attend the Alameda Ward again after an 18-month absence. We left behind so many good friends when we moved! There's room in Euless for you all, you know. It was good to see and chat with so many people that we had served with and had fun with for the four years we lived in that ward. It will always have a special place in my heart.
Monday and Wednesday were spent at playdates and dinners with old friends. I got to witness Gavin's fearlessness and energy in person, listen in on Mia and Annika talk about their imaginary pets, included some spotted dancing dogs. We spent FHE with the Hatches, playing Fruit Basket Upset (and I forgot to take pictures), and met the Fleischakers' newest addition to their family, the hugely tall Caleb (no pictures again! Slacker am I).
Thursday was our big event day. We went to the zoo with my friend Ruth and saw all the animals the kids wanted to see. I envied the orangutan her composure, so I took her picture. She remained composed. Perhaps when I turn 50, I'll share it.
Then we spent an hour in traffic to get into a Rangers' Spring Training game, which Mat thoroughly enjoyed (the game, not the traffic).
Friday was a playdate with the Rogers kids, but mostly it was an excuse for Jayne and I to get together and talk. A lot. Patient Mat sat in the car for an hour beyond the time I told him we'd be done, reading Return of the King and not complaining about how long we took. Have I mentioned how fabulous my husband is? Because he is.
We woke up later than we meant to on Saturday to leave, and we had to go back to retrieve Afton's spare insulin that we'd left in the fridge, but we still got home by midnight. It was a fantastic trip and one I look back on with a great measure of pleasure. With any luck and with a dint of good planning, perhaps we can do it again next year!
4 seeds:
It's always fun to go back home. I'm going to MD next week!
Sounds like a long and fun trip! That's neat you got to see your dad, Kathy, and old friends.
It was fun to see you! Gavin was remarkably well-behaved that day, which made me happy, because pleasant conversation was actually possible! That I did not expect!
Sounds like a great time!
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