After 6 nights, we checked out of Room #130 in the Quality Suites. We managed to give away a 5-foot tall mechatronic Santa and a crib with all the accoutrements to the housekeeping staff. Next time we'll just bring a catalog so they can browse Mom's boutique. It was nice Mom could join us again for breakfast, but I won't be craving omelettes or waffles anytime soon. We moved more stuff at the old house to the garage, and got one last load to mom's new place. The boys kept busy watching Popeye cartoons on dvd while Liz and I kicked it. We dropped off the crib at the hotel, returned stuff to Lowe's, and took the load to the new house. The wind was howling something fierce while we were packing, and there was a tornado watch. We finished, said our goodbyes, and left town at 1 pm for our 250 mile drive to St. Louis.
I had to keep both hands on the wheel (yes, I should do that anyway) to stay on the road with the windgusts. It really was something. 3 hours into the ride in Ste. Genieneve, we found the bad weather. It was raining sideways so hard that the wipers couldn't keep up, and we joined about a dozen other cars who pulled over on the highway until the worst of it passed. It was not safe to drive. Josh said, "Now this is REAL rain!" (We joke that the rain in Seattle is not "real" like in the midwest, and here was the proof... I'm surprised when the boys listen.) We made it to Grandma & Grandpa's house just before 5 and unloaded our bags and the three boxes of "Casey's Special Things" in the rain. The four of us were so happy to see Paul and K!
To make our arrival even better, Amanda called to say they made it back to the Gould, went over to the old house, and were glad to see what we had accomplished since they left to see her family in Mississippi. That had been our motivating force... that John and Amanda would be happy with what they had left to do (which ended up being the garage workbench, deliver a pile to Senior Bees, move the "Boutique" from garage to curb or mission, move or give away the living room couch, and the big one... start to unpack and organize at mom's new place.)
Right after we arrived in St. Louis, K popped open some champagne and we toasted to Mother Mary's new place. K made delicious scalloped potatoes and ham for dinner, and we played Wii "Big Brain Academy" together. I couldn't believe how the boys can play Wii... even Luke. The boys got to bed by 10 and Liz wisely followed suit. I'm up doing laundry and glad to type in this blog instead of thumb it. I'm hoping we'll all sleep good tonight.
Tomorrow Dec 28 we're having "Wentzien" Christmas. Apparently they didn't open gifts on Christmas, and saved it until now. It should be a lot of fun! We're having a big Christmas dinner with prime rib. Beth, Jill and Jake are driving in from Indianapolis and staying here with us. We haven't met Jake yet, so this is big highlight. I'm thrilled to take a few days and relax!
I had to keep both hands on the wheel (yes, I should do that anyway) to stay on the road with the windgusts. It really was something. 3 hours into the ride in Ste. Genieneve, we found the bad weather. It was raining sideways so hard that the wipers couldn't keep up, and we joined about a dozen other cars who pulled over on the highway until the worst of it passed. It was not safe to drive. Josh said, "Now this is REAL rain!" (We joke that the rain in Seattle is not "real" like in the midwest, and here was the proof... I'm surprised when the boys listen.) We made it to Grandma & Grandpa's house just before 5 and unloaded our bags and the three boxes of "Casey's Special Things" in the rain. The four of us were so happy to see Paul and K!
To make our arrival even better, Amanda called to say they made it back to the Gould, went over to the old house, and were glad to see what we had accomplished since they left to see her family in Mississippi. That had been our motivating force... that John and Amanda would be happy with what they had left to do (which ended up being the garage workbench, deliver a pile to Senior Bees, move the "Boutique" from garage to curb or mission, move or give away the living room couch, and the big one... start to unpack and organize at mom's new place.)
Right after we arrived in St. Louis, K popped open some champagne and we toasted to Mother Mary's new place. K made delicious scalloped potatoes and ham for dinner, and we played Wii "Big Brain Academy" together. I couldn't believe how the boys can play Wii... even Luke. The boys got to bed by 10 and Liz wisely followed suit. I'm up doing laundry and glad to type in this blog instead of thumb it. I'm hoping we'll all sleep good tonight.
Tomorrow Dec 28 we're having "Wentzien" Christmas. Apparently they didn't open gifts on Christmas, and saved it until now. It should be a lot of fun! We're having a big Christmas dinner with prime rib. Beth, Jill and Jake are driving in from Indianapolis and staying here with us. We haven't met Jake yet, so this is big highlight. I'm thrilled to take a few days and relax!
