New Year in Texas

The day after Christmas, Orlando and I told Anastasia about the trip we'd planned to visit the family in Texas. Anastasia was super excited to get to ride on an airplane, and that she'd get to see her cousins when we got there. It's been more than a year since she and Ashley had been together, but she remembers all the fun they had together.

I decided early on that we woulnd't be paying any fees to check luggage, so we packed light and Annie was responsible for pulling her own suitcase. She did great!



I had packed a bag of tricks to keep her occupied on the plane, and we bought a special coloring book at the airport. The flight was late, so I was hoping that she would fall asleep, but no such luck. Still, she was very good. She colored, played, read, and surprisingly, she didn't play with the iPhone once!



When we finally landed, Auntie Sandi and Uncle Chris met us at the airport and drove us home, where they had more presents under the tree for Annie, Ashley and Quinn. So many stickers and coloring books, it was dizzying! Nevermind that it was well past bedtime, the kids stayed up playing and laughing. Next morning, Andrew came home a few days early, which was a surprise. We all returned to the Christmas tree to watch him open his gifts. I managed to get a couple of really good shots of the three kids on the sofa.



Also on the list of activities while we were there:

• Take the girls to see The Princess and the Frog
• Visit with Mrs. Easson and the Osbornes
• Play in the bath with Ashley
• Relax

Check, Check, Check and Check.

Anastasia felt it was necessary to add an unapproved item to the list: Get a urinary tract infection! After a visit to Ashley's doctor, and confirmation that something was definitely going on, we got her started on antibiotics to make sure it didn't get worse before our trip.

On the last night, I joined Mom and Dad at the Osborne's for the annual New Year's Eve party, complete with white elephant gift exchange. I managed to come away from the white elephant with a toilet seat that's been passed along for 17 years. Guess that means Annie and I have to go back to Texas for New Year's next year, too. If next year is anything like this year, I'm looking forward to it.