Allie Has Left the State...

...and the 2025 Holiday Season is officially over. One of the hard things about holidays these days is the moment when all the adult kids have headed back to their homes. In the blink of an eye, though it was really a lovely month break, we find our feet back at the airport.  (Note: I tried to take a subtle photo during our group huddle, hug and prayer. I ended up with an atrocious nostril shot...forget subtlety let's take a foot shot).  

Our month of celebrating began when Allie arrived home on Dec 11th. When one of the Gherkins come home our house is full of not only them, but the others come around much more often to visit. We love to see the visible love they have for one another. Allie's arrival signaled a full month of game nights, visits, movies, Krista and Luke arriving, birthdays, Melia moving in and Christmas and New Years. 

The day began for Melia and Stacia with school. I love this photo. Allie was off to catch some time with Nolan. 

I availed myself of the treadmill and noted with the warm temps much snow has melted, and I can see the tops of the garden beds now.  Temps, of course, cooled down again and we now have an ice rink in our driveway. 

About the time these two finished with school, Allie and Nolan arrived. We kept Allie company while she packed and did laundry. She is going back with a second suitcase. United certainly doesn't have the great deals on baggage Alaska Airlines has. 😀If only they flew all the places we need to fly. 

Jamin and Jared stopped by to visit and say goodbye. We all went out for a rushed but yummy dinner after which the five of us caught a local presentation of The Magician's Nephew. 

We left for the airport in Anchorage immediately after the play. The roads were nasty. We counted 15 separate accidents on the trip. In the winter we plan flights so Michael can drive. I am horrible on ice and simply don't want the stress. I could tell it was bad as Michael drove with two hands firmly on the wheel.  Before we knew it Allie was checked in, we had been assured her plane WOULD leave tonight, we huddled and prayed, and it was time for airport hugs. 

Stacia made sure I got an airport photo this time

Allie & Michael 

Melia & Allie

Stacia & Allie

We came back home around 1:30 a.m. The girls and I had a bit of a talk before I called it and went to bed. Michael came home and went right to bed.  (Note: Allie has landed in Roanoke at 1:20 p.m. our time - 5:20 her time and will be met by friends for the drive to Lynchburg).

And so, ends the 2025 Holiday Season at our home.