Postings from Germany

Me US Visit

It was a too quick, too short, but fun nonetheless.  There were three stages:  Lynn Haven, Apalachicola and Orlando.  So, let's take them in turn.

Lynn Haven

It's well into the school year, the schedule is pretty much set for Hunter and Hannah and there weren't too many free hours.  Classes, homework, dance lessons - well, you know, the usual intra- and extra-curricular activities.  But I did get to meet the new family member, Riley, who tried to eat my shoe laces, pull me down by my pants legs and lick my ears to oblivion.

Hannah was happy to model her Halloween costume and Michelle and Joey were happy to have a garage sale and clear out the attic!

Apalach 

It's always a treat to go to the beach, whether on the boat to Shell Island with Joey and Michelle or a visit to Nancy's place on St. George.  This time, visiting St. George meant a short visit with Julie and her family.  Ben (6) and Anna (4) are a hoot.  Julie got the  party rolling by burying Jon in the sand and then bopping Ben on the head with the shovel when he was helplessly buried!  She turned an accident into an event and suddenly Ben had a third "eye"!!! Perfect for the upcoming Halloween!  Of course, Anna had to have a third eye, too.  They were great, but the best part of the day was super fresh tasty oysters and wonderful fried shrimp eaten right on the water.  Sigh.....

Orlando

This was the purpose of this trip - staying in Orlando to help with Hayden and Dylan while Mom went to a corporate training/meeting.  To be honest, I didn't think it was going to be a picnic, and it wasn't, but it was still a lot of fun.  Hayden has a new interest in trains (and their accompanying bells, whistles and choo-choo noises - noise being the operative word!) and has not lost interest in taking rides around the neighborhood in the wagon.  Dylan is a proper 3-year-old who requires attention.  But give the girl a bath, sew a dress for her and her doll, and we have an attention-getter of our own!

Another highlight was an afternoon with a college friend.  Hard to believe but wonderful to experience, connecting after 40+ years was so easy.  Thank you Facebook!  We'll do it again!
While I was there, I celebrated my 65th birthday (I am now officially old) and Lee and Crissy their 10th Anniversary (Congratulations!).  We went to the Melting Pot and had all the fondue options available there and wheeled ourselves out.  What a feast!  Werner and I owe them a dinner there next time, with bells on.

How better to end than with a happy happy picture of Hayden, counting down for popcorn.  Boy, can I relate!  I love popcorn too. 

Home again home again jiggity jig.  So soon over and too soon done.  But we'll be back again and I can hardly wait.