Home again, home again, jiggity jig

Where have I been? My email has been flooded with desperate PFP readers, begging for my return, pleading for a new post explaining my absence. Because there is just too much to write about, and because I don't want to totally loose your interest, I'm going to report my recent vacation by photograph.

We went up to Spouse's family cabin the day after Thanksgiving with lots of his family. The kids loved running wild with cousins.

I love this picture because it shows how #1 is so excited by the snow. Little did we know that we'd get three more huge snow storms in the next week and a half. #2 called it SMOW.

Who are these beautiful women? My dear friends from back in the day of flannel shirts and Dr. Martins..... high school. These girls are as good as they get; always inspiring me.

#1 and went to the local production of The Nutcracker with her Grandma and cute cousin. #1 was spellbound by the dancing, costumes and music. However, for a girl who goes to bed at 7:00, that late night got the better of her. During the Pax de Due, she struggled to keep her eyes open and helplessly said, "This music is so beautiful its making me sleepy." Then she passed out in my lap.

Here is a baby who loves babies. Every morning my nephew would greet #3 with a big "Hi baby!"

Here we are at Tempe Square. The kids loved the lights, but got tired and cold quick. We went with our long lost friends the Judds.

McCall, #3 and I. I'm really not taller than her (a former pro-basketball player)... just wearing four inch heels to trduge around in the snow.

My little sister tied the knot November 30. She was a lovely bride. #1 called her "the bride" all day. "Mom, can I go talk to the bride?" My new brother-in-law is really great, but makes me feel old because he's so hip and cool. I have his name for our Christmas exchange. What do you get a cool 22 year old musician?
These are all the men in my life, waiting outside the temple for little sister to emerge all glorious in her dress. My dad, spouse, two brothers and two bros-in-law. Handsome hunks huh? Especially that gentlemen in the shades. Next to him is my totally amazing brother who was on an 18 day leave from his tour of duty in Afghanistan. He is supposed to get home next May, so if you know of any single young women who could handle this honorable, rugged, smart man, point them his way.

Getting this picture was painful. I had big plans. We were all clean, all dressed up for my sister's reception ... perfect opportunity for our family Christmas picture, right? Wrong. This one was by far the best and #1 and #3 aren't smiling or even looking in the right direction. #1 loved the reception. She danced to the band and ran around with her cousins in matching dresses. #2 ate at least 4 pieces of cake. So did I.

Mom, Grandma, three of my sisters, and one sister in law. My dress is totally the wrong color. That's what I get for shopping while on Vicodin.

Now, I'm home trying to settle into reality. I hope that once I get my floor mopped and my Christmas things up I can start to think again and maybe squeeze a few creative drops out for my next post.