7.6.15 - MO Summer Trip

Jack, Clara, and I went back to MO for a quick few days to see everyone, and to let everyone meet Clara. The trip was chaotic because it was too short and we were trying to get visits in with everyone. Still, it was also fun. In no particular order, my joys from the trip:

• Clara did well on both flights to MO, sleeping a lot and not fussing much.
• Mom picked us up from the airport and she brought Neil with her, and she thoughtfully packed us a bunch of food to eat on the ride home.

Early in the morning, getting ready to fly out.

• Zoey was very interested in Clara and treated Clara very sweetly.

Zoey and Clara.

• I got to see Julie's new house and she gave us a tour. Also got to enjoy sibling time at the house and a bunch of junk food Mom bought.
• Jack and I stayed with his parents, and Merlene made us many delicious meals, including tortellini, taco salad, blueberry muffins for breakfast, etc.j
• Don and Merlene's living room couches are so comfy. I'd almost rather sleep on those than in a bed.
• I found time to go to Picasso's with Julie, and we got to sit in the decorative chairs just like old times.

• We had time to see Grandma and Grandpa for a few hours, at their house, which is nostalgic to me. Also Grandma made cherry pineapple dump cake, and it was amazing.

4 generations!

• We found time to visit Mom every day we were there, so she got some good cuddle time in with Clara.
• The weather was relatively cool and even rainy, which is so great for us from dry, dry California.
• Clara got to meet her cousin Naomi, and Jack and I joked with Aaron and Katie about Clara and Naomi being rivals. It was hilarious.
• Dave got to meet Clara and seemed to like her.

• Merlene introduced me to The Big Bang Theory and it actually was pretty funny.
• We had great weather for Sugar Creek winery and I got a nice buzz going.
• I took a break at Sugar Creek to go the car and pump, and while there I had a good PM convo with an old FB friend who is having a hard time. It made me grateful for technology all over again.
• Being a new parent gives me so much to talk about with other new parents. I had a lot of great visiting with Missy, and with Katie too.
• I got to talk one-on-one with my father-in-law more than I think I ever have before when he and I happened to both be awake early.
• Clara got used to sleeping in a pack and play in Don and Merlene's office, despite a rough first night.
• Don and Merlene got a lot of good visiting and cuddle time in with Clara.
• Jack had time to play Resistance with his and my brothers.
• He also had time to visit with some of his very old friends, including Ian and Chris.
• Jack's family managed to drive up from southern IL to meet Clara.

• That includes Clara meeting her namesake, Jack's paternal grandmother.
• Don and Merlene got some amazing photos of Clara and Naomi together. Some of the photos look downright professional.
• I got to see Eddie and Elisabeth briefly, and we laughed a lot playing 5 Crowns.
• Clara finally rolled onto her back, and though I wasn't in the room when it happened, apparently everyone cheered as if it were a sports event.