Texas...Family...HOME!!!

Have you ever heard people talking about how when they went home things weren't the same and that they were glad to get back to their "home"? Well, Mark and I flew to Houston last Friday. I was so nervous to fly since I have only done it a couple of times and the plane from Rhinelander to Minneapolis is very small. The flights were fine. When we got to Houston and walked outside to catch the shuttle to the rental car place the humidity hit us like a brick wall. It is so amazing how the climates are so different.

We drove up to mom and dad's and suprised Mom. Everyone knew about us coming except her. She was already asleep and we went in her bedroom and woke her up and she was SO suprised!! My sister Sherryl was so glad we had gotten there because she is not one to keep a secret and she had almost let it slip several times. Even her 9 year old Shawn was better than her! Anyway, Mom was suprised. It was almost 1:00 a.m. when we got there. We sat up and talked for a few minutes and then went to bed and died!! Sherryl and Shawn stayed until Sunday morning. I didn't want to see them go!

We stayed with mom until Monday and drove in to Houston on our way to Stafford, Sugar Land and Rosenberg. OH MY!!! The traffic was terrible!! I couldn't believe how it freaked me and Mark out. We've only been gone for 6 months!! We decided we love our small town!! So, we were headed for Frye's Electronic Store that we thought was opened but it still isn't open for business yet. So, we went to Catherines (larger women clothing) and I got me some hose and a pair of black pants. Love em!! It came a major thunderstorm when we were in the store. Then when we left the sun had come back out. (Typical Houston weather) Then we went to eat at P.F. Changs. I love their Kung Pao Scallops!!! Then since we had time to kill we went to the movies and saw "The Pacifier". Oh my goodness!! It was so funny! Really a good movie. I recommend it!! Then we checked in to our motel and rested for a few and then we went to Rosenberg and looked around. We drove by our old house. They had the windows open and they had painted the railing around the upstairs bannister a columbia blue. YUCK!! Anyway, it was a little sad to see it. Then we thought of the traffic, humidty and weather and decided that we love our little town.

Then we met Jeremy and his friend Matt at J & K for sushi!! I love sushi!! This was our favorite restaurant in Rosenberg. Jessica was happy to see us. I guess because it had been a while since I had eaten it it kinda made me a little sickly at my stomach. Then we left and went back to the motel and watched our MOnday night shows and went to bed. We got up Tuesday and went downtown to see everyone. Nik had left early because her daughter was on spring break and they had gone to lunch but my friend Denise met us down there and I got to see all the old clerks and stuff and then we went to eat at China Garden. MMMM....then we left and went to another Fryes and got all the stuff Mom needed for her computer and us a few things. We stopped at the outlet mall in Conroe and got Jeremy a couple of pairs of shorts, a bathing suit and a t-shirt. Then we went to Mom's. Spent the night.

Wednesday we got up and drove to Jeremy's grandma Hedy's house. She looks so bad to me. I don't think she will make the year. She had a full body scan on Thursday and should know the results today. Anyway, we went up there and went out to eat and had a great visit with her. Then we left and stayed in a motel in Terrell and ate Mexican food. Then we left and went back to mom's. It was so warm. I think the high when we were there were high 70's, low 80's. But the humidity was so bad. Mark and my fingers and feet were swollen the whole time. Then, I cooked dinner on Friday. Then I had the great task of packing everything to fly back on Saturday.

I forgot to tell you that we boarded Heidi at a Sunset Kennels in Aurora, WI. I didn't want to but we couldn't take her with us. She had never been in a kennel before. I felt better when we dropped her off on Friday. The lady was so nice and the kennel was very clean.

So, then we got up at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, loaded the car, kissed Mom and Dad goodbye and drove to the car rental place, dropped the car off, went to the airport and waited for our flight. This flight was jam packed. The seat next to Mark was empty and so he thought that no one was going to sit by him like when we went down and we could have the middle seat to pull the tray down. (fat people and planes just don't mix!!) Then here comes this guy and he squeezed in next to Mark. He asked the flight attendant if it was a full flight and he said yes. Then they finally said that's it and there were about 6 empty seats so the guy moved. We had a comfortable flight. We even watched a movie. I forget the name of it but it was good.

So, we got on the small plane and boy that ride was bumpy!! It was like a rollercoaster. I was almost in tears. Thank God Mark was there.

We called the kennel from the airport in Rhinelander to ask if we could come and get Heidi and the guy said not until in the morning. Then when we got home the kennel owner called me and said of course we could come and get her. Her son didn't realize who we were. So, we got back in the car and went and got her. The cat was mad because she was all over us and then we get up and leave again!! Anyway, so we got her and then our family was all back together.

You know, it's great to go on vacation but it is so good to get home. Mark and I have decided that we will never go back in to Houston. We will fly to the airport and drive up to mom and dad's at the lake. NO TRAFFIC!!

The good thing is they are coming in July to see us up here. I can't wait!!

I guess that's all. I have some pictures but I will have to put them on later.

Take care!