The trip home

Tomorrow begins our journey back to good ol' Alabama. It doesn't seem like I've been here nearly two weeks, but alas the calendar doesn't lie.

Some things I've enjoyed while here are:
1. Parker playing nearly nonstop with his cousins, their dog, and their toys.
2. Being around my family again. It's good to know where I get my quirks from. :)
3. The weather, for the most part.
4. Seeing my friends again and it not feeling like I've been gone 3 months.
5. Going shopping and seeing happy friendly faces who are glad to help me.
6. Encountering the farmers wave while driving down the highway. It makes me smile.
7. Listening to my nephew tell stories, Parker tell stories, and hearing them try to one up each other.
8. Going to the Henry Doorly Zoo for the first time in years.
9. Eating at my favorite non-Alabama establishments including HuHot, Lazlos, Valentinos, Amigos, Taco Johns, and Chipotle.
10. The feeling that I'm home, and not just living in some crazy place.

Things I didn't so much enjoy:
1. The random snowstorm that randomly dropped like a half inch Wednesday morning. The good news is it melted by that afternoon.
2. Seeing both my niece and nephew come down with strep throat. They alternated weekends and had to wait until Monday to go to the doctor. Poor kids!
3. My sisters dog deciding to lick my mouth while I was attempting to take a nap. It was gross.
4. Random allergy (I think) attack that made my nose constantly run, caused numerous sneezes, and made my eyes itch and water.

I had a really great time here and am glad I was able to come up here while Dale was gone. I really do love being around my family and friends, but at the same time, I'm ready to go home and see my husband. We leave tomorrow for Branson, Mo., where we'll stay for a few days then return to Alabama in time to get ready for Dale's welcome home. Just one more week!