Vacation!

I needed a vacation! I really didn't know how much until I was away from my normal day-to-day. I like what I do, but there is a "rut" that is good to get away from now and then.

The doctor I work for took a week of vacation, and I would have had very little to do during that time. It happened to coincide with Josh's birthday, so I quickly made plans to take a trip to see him.

On the flight down, we had some rough weather. We had to fly through a thunderstorm in order to land. I have had some bumpy flights, but never experienced "drops" before. Several times during the decent, the whole plane dropped. I was sitting above the wing, so I could see the wing bouncing! Everyone in the plane squealed like school girls, then laughed once we were flying smoothly again. I was listening to classical music on Sirius, and the selection was very animated, almost circus-like--very fitting to the flapping and bouncing the plane was doing. Call me weird, but I enjoyed it! (I had Dramamine in me, so it didn't make me airsick.)
The train ride was fast and interesting, with the exception of a "homeless" man that solicited funds from the passengers. I just acted like everyone else and ignored him.

I have had a great time so far. I love spending time with Josh and Hannah, but it is also nice to have some days with very little to do. I will post some pictures once I am home.

Happy Birthday, Josh!

It was a surprise, so I didn't share it with very many people. My oldest, Josh, was having his 30th birthday and I didn't want to miss it. So I got on the Internet and found a great deal on plane fare. The morning of his surprise birthday party, I got in the car, drove 3 hours, parked, and flew south. The plane trip actually took a lot less time than the drive. I arrived in the big city and took the train to the station near their house, where Hannah picked me up. Jason called from home and said Josh was at the mall next door to the train station, where he was getting a hair cut! We had to get out of there! Josh called Hannah while I was in the car and they talked for a few minutes while I sat, grinning. He had no idea I was in town!

Hannah and I had a great time walking around the square and doing a little shopping before the party. We got to the restaurant about a half hour before he did. We knew the surprise party wasn't really a surprise anymore--it is hard to pull a fast one on Josh! But he had NO idea I was there. When he saw me, he said, "Now THAT'S a surprise!" It was great to see him, his wife, in-laws and friends.

Afterward, we went to Pete & Hollie's for cake and ice cream. We had a wonderful time.

While your children are little, you wonder if they will grow up to be decent, normal people! It is such a blessing to see Josh and Hannah all grown up and living their lives far away from their childhood homes, prospering and blessing those around them. They are doing great!