So, I DID update the site on the 17th and then lost it in some freak web update accident. I’ve been pretty unmotivated to write it again. So, to make things easier, I have gotten written permission to steal from my sister’s blog. She did all the hard work -I’m just filling it in “hannah” style.
Among many things this past month, we traveled to Kansas for a family reunion. My mother’s family were all getting back together for a reunion. Amazing thing was that all but 5 people were there -3 were in Japan, too far away, and the fourth, well, he was only an hour away and had the swine flu. We actually encouraged him to NOT come.
Lindy and I flew to Kansas early since we didn’t have too many committments in Pittsburgh. When we arrived in Wichita, my mom picked us up and we did an Aldi’s run and then off to visit Uncle Bob and Aunt Donna who lived just 20 minutes from the airport. Too bad it took almost 2 hours to get there. We got a little disoriented. Nothing that a good ‘ole Sonic stop won’t fix. yum. Thursday, we baked and cooked up a storm in anticipation of the family reunion that weekend.
Friday morning, first thing, Dale flew into town. We stopped in to see Uncle Dave (Dale’s father’s, sisters, husband)(wow, was that confusing). He lives 10 minutes from MY Aunt and Uncle in Wichita. Amazing how our lives intersect in the middle of Kansas. Dale enjoyed seeing Uncle Dave’s new hobby equipment -his gun collection.
It was amazing to be back with everyone again. Cousins and their children. There were three 3 year olds to play together. We had family come in from all over the world! Japan, Arizona, Missouri, Illinois,
One evening, the grandparents watched the grandbabies while all of us cousins and a few aunts and uncles went bowling and go cart driving one evening.
My mom rented out the girl scout’s cabin on Sunday and we had a little get together with friends from my home town. We had a nice group -seeing Jake and Bobbie and their daughter Saige. Anna Kaufman and her daughter Renee. It was good to see old friends. Was hoping to see some girls from my class but they must not have gotten my messages.
The sisters spent the day at the spa. A new masseuse in town is finishing her schooling and was offering $20 hour-long massages so that she could finish her credit hours. Mom snatched up some appointments for us. For $20 it was a nice, relaxing hour …. but she definitely needed the hours of practice. Before I left, I ment to tell the owner that I was VERY uncomfortable with the hole in the ceiling directly above the masseuse table. how awkward hugh? Also, the BEST manicures are the ones where they actually cut the cuticle off right? well, I guess in Kansas they don’t do that? Anyone know why? Is it bad to not cut the cuticles? After we were done, I felt like I needed to get my nails done AGAIN. Felt like she just painted over dead skin. ha. yes, I complain, but it was an enjoyable time with my sisters.
My mom’s friend Merlin has made a kids paradise in his home and on his land. He invited our entire extended family to spend the day there on Saturday. It was freeeeezing cold. Maybe 30 degrees. The family from Arizona didn’t really have the appropriate gear–not hats and coats needed in sunny AZ! But we braved through a hay ride, enjoyed some roasted hot dogs, hot cocoa and a pumpkin launch. It was a great morning. I was bummed that the sun wasn’t out and we couldn’t enjoy it a bit more. It was just tooooo cold. We went back to mom’s house and Dale orchestrated a game for all of us to play.
The boys (Dale and Kavan) flew back home on Monday evening and then us ladies relaxed for a few more days.
My sister had amazing pictures posted on her website and I didn’t take very many back home. If you want to see them, visit her site at www.lizandkavan.com.
As you might have heard, on our way back to Pittsburgh after our week long trip in Kansas. Our plane was delayed in Wichita for about 30 minutes -causing us to miss our connection in Memphis. The minute we got off the plane in Memphis, I stopped at the first Delta desk and asked them to call my gate and tell them we were coming -to hold the plane. She said she would. Lindy and I RAN for almost a MILE to the next terminal. Can you imagine me carrying her and my carry-on for a mile, running? We got there and the Delta guy practically laughed at me. “I can’t believe she told you that you’d make it, you’re not getting on this flight.” yes, the door was closed and yes that was the last flight out to Pittsburgh in the entire airport. I shed a few tears, don’t know why. Maybe because we were expecting to see daddy and sleep in our beds and see Indiana that night. After a few tears, we spoke with a manager, explaning that we couldn’t spend the night in the airport. She got us a room at a hotel and vouchers for dinner and breakfast. We’d catch the first flight going out the next day.
So, we caught a shuttle to the hotel and had dinner in the bar and grill. Hamburger and fries for me and mac and cheese for Lindy. Chocolate milk in a glass cup for Lindy. Our adventure was starting to become Legendary.
Lindy checking out the Memphis skyline from our hotel window
After settling in at our hotel, I decided that we’d take the shuttle to Target! I only had our carry-on with us, all of our other luggage was probably in Pittsburgh at that point. We needed pullups for the night, soy milk, some toiletries, and we bought some cheap clothes for me to swim in! Yes, how could we NOT swim at the hotel?!!!
Lindy had a kansas t-shirt from the airport. We had the pool all to ourselves and enjoyed our swim.
I even got to dip in the hot tub for a few minutes. Lindy warmed up her toes and took a picture for me. We climbed into bed at 10pm after our legendary night and watched some cable.
It took Lindy 2 hours to settle down but finally fell fast asleep at midnight.
Best part of all? Our night in Memphis was all paid for by Delta.
Should have bought some nicer clothes at Target!
P.S.S. April left 8 hours before me and still made it to Japan BEFORE I made it home to Pittsburgh.
