Back To Life, Back To Reality
Date: Tuesday July 22, 2008Posted in: Blogging, Emily, Family, Friends, Graham, Nathan, vacating
We had company arrive less than twenty four hours after I got home (I KNOW)(No, I have not finished unpacking)(Yes, I did sleep)(A little), so I am behind on both posting and reading. I am up early and will do the best I can with the time I have.
Remember that little bribe contest I had? I just went to Random.org, stuck in the numbers and out popped…15. I scrolled through the comments and the lucky winner is…Marcie! I will most definitely hook you up with the Starbucks you wished for.
I know that I said I would write more about my trip, but today is not that day. I could write a gigantic diatribe outlining all of the happenings, and the conversations, and the loveliness…but that would put me to sleep. You might just die from the boredom. I might also unintentionally leave someone out and hurt their feelings. That would suck. So instead, I will write about small portions that I cannot help but share and keep the rest of the good times locked away for safe keeping.
I could write about the Cheeseburger Party ‘08, but Lindsay did a stellar explanation that is far better than anything I could have written. She was there last year and gives a bit of the history. She included a photo of me doing the Kissy Face On Crack (Not literally. But do I really need to clarify that?). She is also both hilarious AND hot. Check it out.
My photos of the event are on Flickr (HERE), and if you want to see a less crazy photo of me wearing my McDonald’s-bag-hat, Y posted this one in her Flickr stream.
I will write about my arrival home.
My trip was fun and amazing and wonderful, packed into a bundle of awesome, and I was so busy that the ache for my family was kept to a dull roar. As my plane taxied to the terminal after landing in Kelowna I got a little misty. As soon as I saw their faces I choked back tears while beaming like a lunatic.
The boys did not look much older, but their skin had been further kissed by the sun and has turned a golden bronze.
Miss Emily, however, had somehow aged a month in five short days. She looked older, spoke more, and had new wisps of hair (Hair!) that curled around her ears.
(Here’s one more, because I LOVE THE THUMB.)
I opted to sit in the back of the van between Nathan and Emily. She asked for hugs approximately every two minutes, and held my hand the rest of the time. The boys chimed in with statements of, “We missed you!” and “We are so very happy that you are home!”
The feeling was beyond mutual.
We got home, played in the yard, sat on the deck, took some photos. It was then time for the nightly bath.
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE FINAL MELTDOWN.
There was crying, there was fighting, there was kicking and screaming. I was low on sleep. Don’t judge me.
My novelty has worn off and we are back to our normal routine. It is like I never left and I truly could not be happier about it. There really is no place like home.
27 Comments
It’s true, there is nothing better about traveling than getting back home. Glad you are getting back into the routine! Good luck with the houseguests and getting your unpacking done before August. 
bethany actually’s last blog post..Make your own number puzzle
Comment by bethany actually on July 22nd, 2008 @ 10:18 amGlad you’re home, glad you had a great time! 
Victoria’s last blog post..OK, Seriously, What The Frak*?
Oh wait! Now I’m singing that song!!! Back to Liiiiiife, Back to Realityyy, back to the… la la laaaaaaaa! woo hooo
Victoria’s last blog post..OK, Seriously, What The Frak*?
Comment by Victoria on July 22nd, 2008 @ 10:46 amLove the smiley pic of Miss Emily, too cute. (And I agree she does look older) Can’t wait to hear all about BlogHer…off to check out photos.
Heather’s last blog post..And the winner is……..
Comment by Heather on July 22nd, 2008 @ 10:54 amAhhh! How did I miss the Starbucks contest? I love Starbucks, I need Starbucks.
I need to start tuning in to your blog more.
teresa’s last blog post..Vacation Part 2
Comment by teresa on July 22nd, 2008 @ 11:24 amEmily looks like such a little grownup now!
hills’s last blog post..My Gush Hits Harder Than Some GHB
Comment by hills on July 22nd, 2008 @ 11:32 amI am so glad to be home but I am leaving tomorrow for SEATTLE and I really, really don’t want to go.
Maybe I should pick up Emily’s thumb action while crying on a heap of dirty laundry and rocking back and forth in a corner.
Loralee’s last blog post..Sideblog:Absence fallout
Comment by Loralee on July 22nd, 2008 @ 12:28 pmI would rather have come home to your cute kids than to my cats and a busted ceiling.
I still want to go back to SF! I miss you!
Kristabella’s last blog post..BlogHer Aught Eight - The Cheetos Caper
Comment by Kristabella on July 22nd, 2008 @ 1:25 pmI bet that was one sweet reunion!
But you know what? I am just glad to hear that you have “final meltdowns” with crying and kicking and screaming at your place. I’m not alone!
Welcome back to reality. I agree, there really IS no substitute 
Hannah’s last blog post..The pox has hit again!
Look at those shining eyes!
Cute McD’s photo too btw
Robyn’s last blog post..Art
First - I can’t seem to see the BlogHer photos. not sure why. I only see one photo up from July. Do I need to be a friend on flickr? (and why am I not already? That part of flickr confuses me.)
Second - It was SO NICE to meet you in person. You were very kind and gracious. Since I was one big bundle of nerves, that was appreciated. You’re just gorgeous.
Michele’s last blog post..Mothering fail
Comment by Michele on July 22nd, 2008 @ 1:54 pm“THE FINAL MELTDOWN” I like it. In my head, there’s music an’ everything!!
Elizabeth’s last blog post..Before and During?
Comment by Elizabeth on July 22nd, 2008 @ 2:26 pmIs it possible to have “final meltdowns” throughout the day because that’s what Judah does. Okaaay - he’s not that terrible, he’s just 2!! So very, very 2.
Enjoy your company
-Andrea
Andrea’s last blog post..Tuesday Recipe: Cream Puffs
Comment by Andrea on July 22nd, 2008 @ 3:24 pmThat Hamburger Party looked like too much fun! Now how many of you would sport those sexy hats alone, without the comfort of all the other blog buddies?
It’s great that you had so much fun, and we’re all glad your back and bloggin’ again.
Ashley’s last blog post..Spilled Milk
Comment by Ashley on July 22nd, 2008 @ 4:28 pmWelcome home, there really is no place like it! I love going off and having great time but coming home is even better
Kami’s last blog post..Ramblings of a part time lunatic or boring housewife, you be the judge
We’re all so glad that you’re back! Now…give us all hugs
Just finished looking at your photos—they are fantastic! Will there be more?
The Over-Thinker’s last blog post..And then I became Canadian….and it didn’t even involve alcohol!
Comment by The Over-Thinker on July 22nd, 2008 @ 6:06 pmGreat pictures!!!!!!!!!!!1
Michele’s last blog post..And’this is not my laundry room!
Comment by Michele on July 22nd, 2008 @ 6:59 pmOh I am sure you were SO happy to get back to those beautiful faces and words! Welcome home, Mommy! : )
Elaine’s last blog post..Sweet & Stinky Boys
Comment by Elaine on July 22nd, 2008 @ 7:21 pmI’m still so out of whack. I haven’ slept since I got home!
slynnro’s last blog post..My Tuesday, In Photographs, or Why I Love the Internet
Comment by slynnro on July 22nd, 2008 @ 7:43 pmGeeeeez your kids are cute. Seriously.
Maria’s last blog post..Stop Hatin’.
Comment by Maria on July 22nd, 2008 @ 8:09 pmThose kids are adorable! They are obviously so happy to have their mommy back! Hooray for routine
yeah, me too - glad to be home, sorry to have left. S’complicated.
(your children = gorgeous)
Her Bad Mother’s last blog post..Now The Party’s Over. I’m So Tired.
Comment by Her Bad Mother on July 23rd, 2008 @ 9:56 amAww!! I totally love the kid pictures. And yes, the novelty wears off VERY fast, but the first-home-honeymoon is so SO sweet!
Mrs. Wilson’s last blog post..The rest of the story
Comment by Mrs. Wilson on July 24th, 2008 @ 10:35 am
Ohmygosh I can’t believe I won! I never win anything! Hehe.
The baby thanks you for providing it with the caffeine that it’s not supposed to have. Hehe.
Thanks, Angella!
Marcie’s last blog post..Seven Months
Comment by Marcie on July 22nd, 2008 @ 9:32 am