Playing with Toys

During our first week home, the kids were amazed at all the toys they had left behind. Now, of course, they are back to thinking their toys are old news. But Jax, during what (I swear) was less than one minute away from mom, had no trouble finding fun in unexpected places...


With perhaps a bit less excitement, the kids are still enjoying their old stuff. Legos are a big favorite for them both, though Jacqueline's interest has caused Michael to retreat from the floor and build atop a table. With the help of Michael's friend Tyler (who remembers some aspects of our place better than us residents), we have even discovered our toy cabinet and all its contents - more "new" toys!

Grandpa's Birthday

We arrived back in time to celebrate Grandpa Bryson's birthday. Michael had lots of fun preparing Grandpa's present with two favorites of Michael's: play dough and whiffle balls (which he has loved ever since Grandpa gave one to him last year). With the play dough we made Grandpa a golf course, complete with water hazard and sand trap, and filled it with the whiffle balls. (You will notice there is no picture of this gift - there is a good reason for that...). Grandpa even asked Michael to help blow out the candles. What a perfect day!

Survival of the Flightiest

Despite the weather's best efforts to keep us in Utah, we managed to brave the icy road and long flight back to Virginia. When the plane took off I gave one last, longing look toward the beautiful snow we were leaving behind, and then we were off.

The trek did not start out well. Icy roads and highway accidents contributed to a tediously slow ride to the airport. My mom (who was driving) tried valiantly to concentrate on the road and ignore Michael, who was unhappy about all sorts of random things. Some of the issues that made him cry:

• "My blanket isn't covering my foot!"
• "I can't get this suitcase zipper open!"
  
• "I need a drink!"
• "I need another drink!"
• "I can't see Jax!"
• "I want to go fast!"
• "I don't want to go on the plane!"

Yes, it was a fun drive indeed. We got to the airport with just enough time to check our bags with a Skycap (well worth the extra dollars) and get through security (quite the trick with two kids, two bags of diversions for the kids, a car seat, and a double stroller) before walking on the plane - almost the last of our section aboard. Whew!

My mother is an angel who booked a flight to Virginia just so she could help me with the kids during the process. Thank goodness she was there!