Texas – The unassigned seat….

Going home is the toughest day for me, especially leaving people that bring me so much joy.  It doesn’t get easy living so far away from one of your best friends and her kids  This morning, the Twinkies noticed first thing in the morning that things had changed… Lola’s bag was packed…. T asked “why is your bag packed?”  Lola is going home today… “oh…” and “I am sad”, we cuddled and tried to make each other feel better, but tears were had.  Not only did he make Lola cry, he left the hug, and went to actually be sad on his own.  What a tough situation.

We brushed our teeth (in the dark) because they got cool light up tooth brushes from MBMells dentist last time she went. It was time to put them into circulation! 

We ate breakfast and then played. The twinkies were told we could “wash bugs” while Lola was here, so that had to be done before she left.  The bugs and water and soap came out and we had fun washing the bugs.

We read a lot of books mostly about feelings!  We talked about being Silly, Sad, Happy, Angry and thankful!  Lola loved the cuddles on the couch while reading was done and it was a great morning.  Lola made Kale and Italian sausage soup for lunch which the twinkies were apprehensive about, eventually decided it was so good, especially the broth!  Make sure to drink it all up!

After lunch we read a few books and then the twinkies went for their nap.  2 poopy diapers at the same time in the middle, gave Lola a last chance to change one...ha ha. Bags were then placed at the door, and MBMell and Lola hung out for the final 2 hours.  

DD got pulled into a meeting and had to change the plans of taking me to the airport, so he called Lola a "lift".  This chatty guy didn't know where manitoba was, but knew Ottawa and Calgary.  He also gave advice of what German town to visit next, and made sure that we had gone to Buckee's.  He also made me realize that Buckee's doesn't advertise their gas price, but yet hundreds of people fill up there.  He said the price is usually 2 cents a gallon cheaper but the drinks are more expensive.  It was an interesting ride.

 My bag was almost at the "heavy" limit, but made it under the wire :)  I made it to the airport, but worried that  Lola didn't have a seat for the flight from Minneapolis to Winnipeg.  Hard to leave your friends when you know you might not get home.  A little anxious, but at least she had a flight from Austin to Minneapolis. Lady at the austin check in couldn't give me a seat, but said there would be one once arriving in Minneapolis.

Since Lola got to the airport with plenty of time, since the last time AA cut it too close, she went for a search for food.  New location of the Salt lick.  Since no BBQ was had on this trip, a meal was necessary.  Gluten Free sausage and brisket, beans, potatoes and coleslaw, and of course sweet tea!  It was so good, and it was good to fly on a full stomach!

Looking for my phone in Lolas purse and found this Lion Guard bandaid left from B.  It may have made me tear up for the first time.  Miss that kid already!

 Ready at the gate in my new sweater!

So on board, picked a movie, Everything, Everything..... and may have cried 3 times, a lot of emotions but a very good movie.  and they even go to Maui in it, which makes Lola happy, but yet kept crying.  Good thing she was at the back of the plane (second from the back) and therefore she didn't have to see many people.

So getting to Minneapolis, and stressed that she might not get a seat.  She texted AA to make sure she wasn't going crazy, but the plane was taxing to gate D4 and the flight to Winnipeg was also out of D4.  No walking required.  So she got off the plane and went straight to the counter to ask if she had a seat.... "please wait".  oh..... so stressing out for almost an hour, while she hears that 5 people need to take the "package" and not take the flight to Toronto... Stress. Stress Stress.  A few photos of the sunsetting and ladys with Giant Stitch stuffed animal (is that carry on size?), and finally they call us up for boarding passes.  Oh wow 28 people didn't have assigned seats. but they put it on the board.

ONce the relief that Lola would get to see AA this evening, a treat of McDonalds Fries and a Sweet/Unsweet tea to celebrate!

 

So she got on the plane and got home safe and sound.  Customs went just fine, and AA was there to pick her up!  

Lola had a great time with the her Austin friends, and can't wait to see them soon.  OH and don't forget to take a photo of the polar bear when you get home!

Thanks for reading, till next time.

Lola

Texas - Maintenance Day

Today was finally the day B has been waiting for the entire time Lola has been here..... THE DENTIST.  We got up in the morning, but on our Buckee shirts, ate breakfast and loaded all of us in the car.  DD drove to work, then MBMell took the wheel and got us to the dentist.

All of us in the car!

We got there a little early, so we read some books in the waiting area till it was our turn.  It was nice of the hygienist to let us all come in the same room.   Lola was the helper to keep the twinkies that wasn't in the dentist chair calm and entertained... good thing MBMell had books in her bag, just kidding.. the twinkies were over the top amazing at the dentist.  B went first, was super excited to watch the tv on the ceiling and listened to the dentist.  He looked at her teeth, brushed them, and then applied fluoride.  She has all her teeth, and needs to work on eliminating the thumb sucking.  She was such a good patient!  T was next and waited patiently on Lola's lap for his turn, checking out what was happening with B.  He had the same calm experience.  So much so that the dentist commented "we never get to clean all the teeth of most kids"... good job!  T is growing his last set of molars and the drool is evident.  T loved the water that the dentist sprayed in his mouth, and commented on that after.  The twinkies were so good they got a stuffed friends.

Proud twinkies!

Since the twinkies were so successful, the 2 appointments made were not needed for time (done way sooner that we anticipated), so MBMell asked if we could do haircuts now.  Lola agreed this was better than going in the afternoon after nap like originally planned to try and get them done.  The kids also did fantastic.  We went to Bird Barbershop, walked right in and sat down.  Lola went with T and MBMell had B.  T was done in about 10 minutes, and even got the back of his neck shaved.  She mentioned that most men don't sit that still for the shaving of the neck.  B was a little antsy, but still was successful. 

 always thinking!

 Looking snazzy with their hair cuts!  And the black panther!

The crew made it home after a very successful morning.  We watched some Mickey Mouse Club House while the Girls made lunch!  Lola's speciality omelettes!

After a poopy diaper while trying to nap, the twinkies fell asleep, the ladies ate a bag of chips and cookies and just chatted on the couch!  It was a great afternoon. 2 hour nap, we opened the packages from the door, B was very excited to give DD his new socks that arrived, but he was still at work.  "I will hold on to them until he gets home". she placed them on the couch until he arrived.  when he did get home, she ran to get them, and immediately made him try them on!  so cute!  We also had a fashion show (trying on "winter" clothes to see what fit, for the next season).  The kids loved putting on each others clothes and wearing their Halloween costumes.

 The socks!

 We had a picnic!

 making a fashion statement

We went for supper at The Yard house.  The food and company was awesome.  Lola orders the ahi every time!  

After supper we got back to the "new House", got the mail, and headed for bedtime routine.  We had a short chat with uncle Adam and then went to bed!  

After the kids were sleeping we cleaned up, and just chatted.  DD went to bed early.  Lolas last full day made me "really Happy". We have been working on feelings while Lola has been here, and getting better at expression how we feel.  T asked us in the car if we were happy.  We all answered yes!

Lola is getting sad, as tomorrow is her last day.  And hopefully doesn't get stuck in Minneapolis as she doesn't have a seat (has to get an assigned seat at the gate).  A little anxious and a lot sad.  But will be happy to see AA at the airport tomorrow when he finally picks her up instead of the other way around!

Till tomorrow, Lola.