Home Sweet Home

You know when hubby is blaring polka music in the shower at 7 a.m. it can only mean one thing -- it's Sunday and we're getting pumped up for a road trip Up North. Thankfully the polka was short-lived once we got going. But we still had about 4 hours of classic country. (Groan.)

We hit the road by 8 and made a pit stop about half-way at UW-Eau Claire to pick up Casey. Clay (who is celebrating his 17th birthday today) opted not to go with this time. It was nice to see all my siblings -- within driving distance -- make it, along with several nieces and nephews.


As promised, we celebrated Tony's short but sweet homecoming, and several holidays, including Christmas. My sister Raylene even decorated a Christmas tree with just Tony's ornaments from childhood -- and a few newer, patriotic ones, too. Tony also got a brief Christmas program with Carter and my great-nephew Anthony playing Jingles Bells and few of their favorites on the trumpet. Nicely done!

With our visit sandwiched between two 4-hour drives, we had quality family time over quantity. So we ate, visited, ate some more, watched the Vikings lose, ate (comfort food), played some games, then hit the road by 5 p.m.

Dropped Casey off on the way, then had a foggy final 2 hours. We are beat but very happy we got to see everyone, especially Tony who, by the way, is thoroughly enjoying his leave (due only in small part to today's party). Good for him. It's so great to have him home safely, it's going to be tough to let him go in another week.

I'm certainly praying for strength for my sister, but mostly for safety for Tony and all the troops. In just a short 6 months, we'll have him home, sweet home, again!