The In-Between Time

This is a photo from my slideshow, but I thought it was such a pretty pic of Grandma's tree. We had such a good visit, and I really appreciated Grandma's decorating and cooking for us. Have I mentioned that Grandma can cook? 'Cause yeah. Dang. She does.

We stopped again at Grandma/Grandpa Arkansas' house on our way home from the trip to have a small lunch and a small Christmas. Grandma had made pimento cheese sandwiches on Sicilian tomato bread (omg) with a chicken & mushroom soup that was seriously delicious. The road was calling, and we were back on it in quick fashion, despite the rain, in order to be able to pick up Flea & Tick from the doggy daycare.
Santa's elves were due Wednesday morning to assemble Sam & Sophy's fort, and due to a rare Christmas Miracle, the storm clouds lifted briefly allowing them to get it assembled. The kids were shuttled off to Meem's for a sleepover to keep the elves from being discovered. DaddyP & I went shopping in Longview in a blinding storm, yet again, only to discover that we were minutes behind a tornado that had destroyed the back side of the town. Luckily, the shopping areas of Longview were undisturbed and with electricity....and thankfully, mostly void of humanity. It was wonderful. We picked up a few last minute things and headed home in yet more blinding rain.Thursday, Christmas Eve, we picked them up and took them to lunch & a movie (Chipmunks) in order to pass some time that would allow us to come home after dark and continue to conceal Santa's surprise.
I'm happy to report we were able to come home, bake Santa's cookies, watch It's a Wonderful Life with the kids, and have a good fire before bedtime without Santa's surprise being discovered. Hoorah! (Note: We were so happy to discover that all 3 of the kids were willing and loved some of our favorite holiday movies this year. It was so cool to share A Christmas Carol (the George C. Scott version, my fav,) and It's a Wonderful Life.)