Miles, Smiles and Memories

Well, we are home from our road trip. It is a bittersweet thing. While it feels good to be home, it is sad to have the trip behind us. Sadder still to have to part from loved ones. Family and friends. Withdrawal,...severe. Ache,.. acute.

While we had a great time in Kaaaansas. I type it that way because that is how my boys pronounce it. Great emphasis on the first syllable. Kaaaansas. As if it is a magical state that requires much reverence. I guess it does. That is where "granpa" lives. If you think my boys put great emphasis on the pronunciation of Kansas, you should hear them say the word "granpa." They love that man beyond reason. We all do. He just makes everything better. Everything. He can take the simplest thing and turn it into something wonderful. A rock found in a driveway becomes a cherished, treasured artifact. A trip to the grocery store, a magical experience. Granpa's meat department, why it is the holy grail of excitement.

Granpa's house is the coolest. While small in square footage, it is enormous in excitement. They just don't make houses like that anymore. Around every corner is something wonderful. And as luck would have it, he has the worlds' most cutest, sweetest, wonderful cat to share his homestead with. My eldest is allergic to cats. But, he thinks it is worth a little stuffiness just to be around her. My youngest looooves her. He says her name too as if it is the most beautiful name in the world.

It is amazing to me how being in this state, around this great man, in these hallowed halls can make you feel so relaxed, tranquil, blessed, loved.





We had a great time!!! Whether seeing the local hot spots (Some of us didn't want to leave....EVER! ) or...
Visiting with extended family members and close friends. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives. People we have so many wonderful memories with. People who help us in making more cherished memories with every trip.With every talk. With every moment together. People who make us laugh. Who open their hearts, homes and share their wealth of valuable knowledge with us. People who know us like no others. Who love us despite our flaws. Who make us feel special.


They welcome us no matter how long we have been away. They long to see us again the moment we leave. And visa versa. Ohhhh, how very visa versa.

The boys were the ones who cried when it was time for their friends to leave. But, we all wanted to. We are counting down the days until our next trip. Until we make more wonderful memories with everyone again. Until then, these photos will help to get us by.

I'll be back tomorrow with more humorous thoughts, insights and ideas. As for today, I'm feeling a little sentimental and melancholy.