memorable moments

We just returned from South Carolina, from visiting Thayer's family.
I challenged the boys, and myself, to write a brief list of things that they found memorable about the trip.

Daniel wrote:
"Our trip to South Carolina was fun because we got to play with our cousins and eat pizza for dinner.  (we got to make our own).  Our uncle showed us a remote controlled camera car that you drive with your phone!  The next day we went to Frankies Fun Park.  It is like a Putt Putt but three times bigger!  But it has some thing that PuttPutt doesn't have,  like laser tag and a giant jungle jim.  on the way home Lucas knocked my jaw out of place with his fist!!  And that is a normal trip to South Carolina!"

Lucas wrote:
"mood ring, Frankies Fun Park, playing with cousins, being bored, remote control thingy"

I compiled a more detailed list :)  :
- driving 2 hours in heavy rain.
- 1.5 hours stuck in traffic
-seeing the in-laws
-playing board games with my boys
-watching tv and relaxing!
-dinner with cousins and 2nd cousins
-paraffin hand bath
-sleeping late!  (and the boys too!!)
-Finishing Kisses from Katie
-dreaming about Uganda
-pants shopping with Granny and Cindy
-Dr. Pepper bottle exploding in my my lap on the way home and changing my clothes in the McDonalds bathroom.
-Daniel's jaw being 'dislocated' by Lucas' punch... and the miraculous healing 1.5 hours later.
-being re-inspired by Andrew Peterson music
-Listening as my kids watched "Soccer Dog" in Spanish

Good times.  But so glad to be home!

road trip

We just returned from visiting my brother-in-law, his kids, and his in-laws.
It was a quick weekend trip. Too quick, I think.

I had mixed feelings about going. I was super excited to see Thayer's brother and my nephews and niece... but the excitement is always tinged with the obvious absence of Thayer.

The ride up was tense, as I realized that I had never maneuvered the DC beltway on my own. Thayer had always driven on our previous trips.

I imagined, as I always do, that I would break down and cry as soon as I saw my brother-in-law. I got teary in the car thinking about our mutual loss.
But, like usual, I didn't cry upon arrival. I was just so happy to be there.
We had one full day with the family. And I realized that it wasn't enough. I wished I could have settled in more. Maybe even had some lengthier conversations about Thayer. I should have taken advantage of the fact that this was the one guy who wouldn't mind talking about Thayer, alot.
But time was short.
Maybe next time.

As we headed home today I cranked up my new Andrew Peterson CD and the kids SLEPT for HOURS!! It was amazing.
I always enjoy telling the story of my kids when they were younger: They used to BEG me to play Andrew Peterson music in the car. They would say "Please play Andrew Peterson so we can sleep!"
By golly... it worked today! I didn't DARE think about changing the music selection. I must have listened thru that album about 5-6 times. I love it. And since it works as a sleeping aid for children... I recommend it to everyone! :)

Currently getting settled back in at home. Washing clothes and debating about catching up on my email in-box. I've been backed up for weeks....
so if you're waiting for a reply.... it'll come. at some point. please be patient with me.
;)