We're back

George and I went away for a few days to visit my nephew Andrew and his wife Shawna in MO. My mom decided to hitch a ride with us even though she and my dad had just returned from a 4200 mile trip to Michigan, Canada, Maine and many other states. She never passes up the opportunity for a get away.

Paul took time off from work, so he could stay home with the other 4 kids. He may have taken time off work at the grocery store, but he was very busy here. By the time I called him around 9:30 Thursday morning, he had already made a "batch" of applesauce with the kids. He said it's possible to do that when you're all up at 6. He not only finished painting the main floor of the house (school room and laundry room) but he finished the staining in the basement that has been needing to get done for... we'll just say a while. He did a bunch of other little projects that I am still finding. I called him this morning after finding the basement projects done and said to him, "honey you're amazing" his response- "I know." No shortage of confidence there I guess. The kids survived all his work by playing, playing and more playing.

Today was a little rough for all of us; that's putting it mildly. I think we all liked the change in routine and were fighting being back to reality. Tomorrow will be a better day.

For the most part, I can't complain about the car ride. George had his moments, but come on it was 8 hours cooped up in a car. Definitely an experience my mom and I will remember. The most memorable moment of the car ride was on the way home. George had just had it with being in the car seat, he wanted me aka milk but was too distracted to eat. We were trying to let him cry it out, but I finally just looked at my mom and said "do you think you could just climb back there and sit with him?" With shock she looked at me, asked me to repeat myself and then responded with a "Meredith, I'm 68 years old." I told her it would make a funny story, and after about another 15 minutes of crying she gave it a go. She handled herself like a champ, if only there weren't a clothes bar hanging she would have cleared with no problem. He was much happier once she was back there.

The weather in MO. was beautiful. The fall is my favorite time to travel there. The leaves are so pretty. George enjoyed playing in the leaves until he found the pond aka the swimming pool to our other kids. Thankfully, he did not fall in, but he did get pretty angry that I wouldn't let him.

George is standing on his own a lot now and taking more steps. Crawling is definitely still his main source of transportation which is fine with me.

Andrew makes breakfasts or brunches as we liked to call them, especially when they happen after noon. He filled us up good before we had to leave for home. We ate good while there.

Saying good bye is never easy for us; it just felt too soon, but I had a lot to look forward to coming home to. We had such a nice time. The first morning I slept in until 10:30 (keep in mind I was up most of the night with George and his teething/cold). I gladly let my mom take him when she woke up. It feels so good to be with people who really understand you and really love you for who you are and what you stand for. We share such a love for the Lord. Andrew had so much beautiful scripture come to him one night. His scripture and words of wisdom were answers to prayers I have had recently. It is so awesome when the Lord makes it so obvious that he hears you and that he loves you. I am so thankful that they opened up their home and their lives for us. I miss them already.