Last Friday, Christmas Eve, I got on a plane and flew to Florida. Two new things; flying on Christmas Eve, and being away from home on Christmas.
Tensions were running high here at home before I left. I had gotten out of work early (10:30 am.) and there was a layer of wet sticky snow on the ground. Mid afternoon Sergio suggested we go for a walk. While I pushed the stroller carrying Killian in his snowsuit, Hannah, Sergio and Idris had a snowball fight. At 5:30 pm. Hannah dropped me and my suitcase off at the airport.
On Christmas morning I frightened one small boy who peeked in my bedroom door by saying "Good morning!" He hadn't expected a "strange" woman to be sleeping in Dad's office and burst into tears. Thankfully, I was able to calm his fears by picking him up and talking to him. It was a beautiful Christmas morning with matching pajamas, a fancy breakfast, and lots of presents followed by a trip to visit the other grandparents where there were more presents. Lots more presents.
On Sunday we went to look for the manatees, but the weather was warm and sunny and the manatees were not hanging out in their winter hot spot. Even so it was a wonderful outing. On Monday we walked about the city, stopped at the playground, looked at the lake, and ate lunch in a Mexican restaurant. Tuesday morning was spent at home and before I knew it the time had come for me to go home. I was feeling a little more emotional than expected.
I didn't get to the beach and I didn't find any long lost friends. I'm still hoping for that on my next Florida trip and reminding myself that this wasn't really a vacation. It was a trip to visit my son and his family for Christmas and it was beautiful. (I think I like Florida.)
PS. That's an alligator swimming in the lake.
I'm so glad you could pack so many memories into a very short time.
ReplyDeleteBeing with some of your far away family was really special.
I see another trip or two...or three in your future for sure.
Happy New Years dear friend.
Looking forward with anticipation to what the Lord has in store for you and for me too.
Sue
It was a very special trip. Much needed and appreciated. And yes, I see another trip or two in the future as well.
Delete:0)
Glad the travel went well. That breakfast... yum! Sounds like a nice visit!
ReplyDeleteI may have been known to startle a young one or two. Glad it doesn't usually take too long for them to warm up!
It was a wonderful little getaway. Can't wait to do it again!
DeleteI am also glad it doesn't typically take too long to settle a little one.
:0)