Our Trip Home

When I talk about Oregon, I still call it my home and wonder how long I will say that. It never ceases to amaze me with it's green, wet, freshness. We had a wonderful trip filled with what matters most, time with family. So, I'm apologizing right now to those of you who I didn't get in touch with...there wasn't enough time this trip! All of my family and Mark's family was there and each day there was something different and fun going on. The grand kids swam at the local pool, made cookies with Nana, participated in the traditional progressive dinner, opened a galore of presents, went to the coast and played and played! Grant had a fun baseball birthday party. Mark went skiing and outings with his dad, ate at Moe's, as well as managed to do some very sneaky, surprising shopping for his love. I felt like I was able to spend some good time with my family and sisters in particular, while enjoying Grant being occupied by his cousins. We all enjoyed major amounts of food and generous gifts from family. Thank you, we love you so much! Did I mention it even snowed on Christmas day!

So, back to Alabama we return with thundering storms, yellow grass and many holiday cards to welcome us. It's bitter sweet for me to compare these two places as we feel we have found a home here, but yet we are so far away from family. Thank goodness for airplanes and frequent flier miles!

We have lots of unpacking to do, pictures to sift through, things to get organized and time to just spend together. We have much to look forward to this coming year and as with each season it's fun to anticipate what changes may occur.