The Worst

...plane ride ever. Also Gabe's newest catch phrase. I'm surprised we survived the flight and landing. We have decided that Northwest Airlines is not for us...no matter how inexpensive the tickets may be next time. We had "the worst" seats going and coming. As the lady at the check in counter described it when asked if we had good seats "If you define good as sitting together." Gee, thanks! On the way there, we were one of about 100 families traveling with kids. It was a zoo. A sea of sippy cups, strollers, diapers, and frazzled, tired parents. A blast. Then we were lucky enough to be seated in the row directly in front of the bathrooms. Strange, gross smells surrounded us for six hours. Not to mention we were unable to recline. On the way back we had "the worst" turbulence I've ever had the misfortune to experience. Turbulence plus no warning of said turbulence plus surprising lights on, lights off in the cabin equals crappy flight. But I still managed to snooze, snore, and disrupt my fellow passengers. All was not lost. We just got back late last night (the baggage carousel broke before we could retrieve our luggage) from spending a week in Tenino, Washington. Where in the world is that you might ask? A few miles south of the middle of nowhere. That's okay. We can't all live in the big city. We spent Christmas 2009 with Isom's sister and her family. They have a huge, beautiful piece of property that includes a pond, man shed, trampoline, the biggest garage I've ever seen, and what felt like miles for the kids and dog to run around on. I wouldn't know what to do with all that space! It was a great experience for Gabe to play with cousins Ryan (7) and Wes (15). It was great for Isom to see his sister and other relatives. As for me, it was great to relax. No computering (although I did still manage to Facebook from my iPhone). No baking. Just eating...and more eating. And catching up. Snow, beer, and food adventures to follow...