It's Official.....the Chicks have left the nest!

The last of our family left this morning. We were up at 3:30 a.m. and on the road by 4 to reach the Richmond airport for their flight. It's a 12 hour trip for eldest daughter and baby Emma. They are flying into some really cold winter weather which will be a major change from the balmy sweater weather we have had in Virginia.

The house is unusually quiet....there is no run on the bathroom, no toys on the floor, and no squeals, giggles and smiles to greet me. I do have a picture ornament with Emma's voice recorded that I've listened to a lot today while looking at the tons of pictures we took while we were all together.


Emma loves Little People so of course not wanting her to forget her beloved Poppa and Diva I was thrilled when I found these for her. They actually do kind of look like us! I got really tickled when she picked up the Diva and kissed her! (What a clever girl!)




Uncle Andy bought Miss Emma her beautiful red dress so Saturday we took her to the Mall for her visit with Santa. She was in a really good mood when we got there but unfortunately Santa had pressing business at the North Pole so it was quite a while till we were able to get a picture with the two. Poppa was very good at amusing Emma by one of the giant Christmas trees.


Emma's Christmas shirt says, "Best Present Ever" and has a big bow on it. I certainly can say that she is the best present ever for our family. It was a thrilling experience to have my birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas all rolled into one one big eventful week. I may never get over it...I hope not! I can look at the pictures and be transported right back to the fun and laughter.

I was gently reminded that Thanksgiving is every day. Thank you family for the sacrifice of time and travel. All of you may me feel very special and very loved.