I have lots to tell you, so I am going to pace myself. I will do as they do in Hollywood, and split this story into two episodes.
Part One: Christmas
We had a wonderful vacation in California!
Grandma Betty took Tilly in while we were gone. I think they became friends.
We arrived in Costa Mesa on the 23rd. We visited, wrapped, shopped, and prepared for our Christmas Eve dinner. Meghan arrived on Christmas Eve, just in time for the celebration! There was good food, laughter, and gifts.
I had a special mission from Aunt Barbara.
My grandmother's sister, Barbara is an artist. She compiled many beautiful paintings that she had created from her memories of a childhood in Spreckles, California and published it as a children's story to give to her sisters for Christmas. I was in charge of bringing the book from Utah and delivering it at Christmas time. It was very fun to sit around the table and listen to Mormor read us the story of her own childhood, complete with Aunt Barbara's beautiful pictures. It was fun to imagine that town as it used to be.
Christmas morning was wonderful. Before we opened gifts, Stephanie called from her mission. It was wonderful to get to talk to her and hear her voice. It was almost like we had the whole group together. She has had so many interesting and wonderful experiences--too many to tell in a phone call or an email. She is teaching and learning from some very interesting people!
After the phone call was over, our gift opening felt a little different. I think it was nice to be thinking of our sister (daughter, granddaughter) while we gave and received gifts.
Unfortunately, a cold virus was going around our group, and not everyone was able to go to Aunt Suzie's for Christmas dinner. It was a fun dinner party with more family, good food, and successful puzzling, but we missed our other members.
The other days were filled with trips to the beach, the swap meet, etc.
And one day in particular, we were surprised by my grandparents with tickets to see Wicked for Meghan's birthday! I have been wanting to see that play for such a long time, and it didn't disappoint! (I would post pictures of us at the Pantages and the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, but they are on my mom's camera). Mormor, Mom, Meghan, and I had a blast! We drove along Roxbury Dr, saw the "stars", ate in a sports bar right next to the theater, and stayed out late. What a perfect girls' night!
It was a wonderful trip with wonderful people, and it is always sad when those kinds of vacations are over. But it was time for us to return to Salem and our home full of boxes! (And Tilly, too)
Sianara for now!
Episode Two, and perhaps more pictures later!
Onward and Upward.
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