Upon our return to the States, we taxied to Johnny and Beverly's to pick up our car and drove to Chris and Victoria's where we would spend a week. It was a lovely time with delicious meals at special restaurants, delightful chats with Chris and Vic and time spent with adorable Maddy. She is such a spunky kid and, with her two cousins, make a truly engaging trio--happy, smart kids who are busy and active.
John walked Maddy to her near-by elementary school several times. We drove her to a Campfire Art Class on Monday night, visited her gymnastics class twice and watched her play, read and share in family meals. It was a good time.
On Thursday, we returned to Johnny and Beverly's house in order to babysit for the two boys while their parents enjoyed a weekend at Terranea Resort. That Saturday was Jack's final basketball game and season ending celebration. Beverly and Johnny returned for that event. Otherwise, we enjoyed the company of the two boys who were exceptionally well behaved.
On Saturday, Chris, Vic and Maddy joined John, the boys and I for a cookout. It was fun family time. On Sunday night, we arranged an adult dinner with Johnny, Beverly, Chris and Vic to celebrate the lovely time we had had in California.
On Monday morning, we gathered all of our things, packed the car, and began the drive east and north. Monday would have been a reasonable drive except for the hour and a half backup on the interstate due to an overturned truck.
That evening we arrived in Flagstaff, AZ, just after a blizzard, and had considerable difficulty in getting into our VRBO rental. Once in, we had a lovely dinner and a good night's sleep. Tuesday found us in Albuquerque. We spend Wednesday and Thursday visiting Nina in Amarillo. She had just lost her life partner to cancer. It was a sad but good visit.
Friday we made it to Missouri; Saturday to Illinois and home Sunday evening. It had been exactly two months since we left. As always, we learned, despite a wonderful adventure, "there is no place like home."
No comments:
Post a Comment