NC trip 2021

 Wednesday, November 24th

Still in Raleigh.

Slept soundly and comfortably. Had a leisurely morning including a hot breakfast, home cooked by Chris. We looked at driving options to Jenn’s that would avoid the congestion of I-95, which made for an enjoyably relaxing drive. That is until I decided to get on the interstate for the last 20 miles where traffic was bumper to bumper at two speeds: SLOW and STANDSTILL. Once I arrived, though, all of that seemed irrelevant when familiarity made me feel as though I had been there just the other day...not two years ago. I love that!

Soon, each of the grandsons arrived. Then, of course, came the fun and laughter. We are a family of clowns. What else can I say?

NC trip 2021

 Tuesday, November 23rd

With coffee in hand, Mike and I headed out at 7am, as planned. A dusting of snow was there to bless our journey. I say that in all sincerity. I love snowy mornings. I’m not one of the ‘snowbirds’ who wants to avoid winter; I travel to be with family. Or...as I call it “mooching off the kids.”

The pleasantries of the trip outweighed the tediousness. However, mile after mile on I-95 at a snail’s pace gets old really fast...and there was a lot of that.

It was a relief later in the day to hear J.D. tell me I had left my keys in the front door. I thought they might have fallen out of my pocket during our breakfast stop. I even called Panera Bread to check. By the way, their breakfast sandwiches are the best ever! 

Arriving in Raleigh at 7pm, we were enthusiastically greeted by two bouncing little girls and a happy baby brother. Oh, and their parents, too! Lily (6) played the piano for us, read to me from her Curious George book, and (to my heart’s delight) asked me to braid her hair. Cecilia (4) introduced some of her dolls to me, showing much partiality to Ana and Elsa, and seemed proud to announce that she is the “middle child.”

Later on, their cozy guest room was a welcome nest to rest my stiff and weary bones!