Fa la la lazzzzzzzzzz

I am tired. My husband and I passed out at 9pm last night and it felt great. We all got double digits of sleep last night (except for Clark who actually got up to go to work this morning, poor baby.)
We have just arrived home from a much anticipated trip to Houston for Christmas and a wedding. The suitcases actually got unpacked within 24 hours which would be quite impressive had we not all stayed in our pajamas ALL DAY. It is so sad to have this trip behind us. It's one that we have been looking forward to since we found out that Clark's little bro was getting married and we knew that we had a good excuse to be in Houston for Christmas.
Clark pulled in from a short underway last Sunday and by Sunday night we were on our way. We drove up to the airport the night before to outsmart the winter storm that was threatening to cancel our trip. We decided to camp out for a few hours at a hotel near the airport and brave the icy roads in the evening instead of 3 in the morning (our flight left at 5:45am.) We were very lucky to have made all of our flights though we were mingled among all the irate passengers who had their flights cancelled for 2 days prior. We were grateful to make it in one piece though I wish I could have said the same for our luggage. The downside is that I spent 2 days worrying that our suitcase full of every Christmas gift of the year was not going to make it. The upside is that we finally got it all Christmas Eve morning AND Delta had to shell out $250 to compensate us for our daily necessities. Nice. Delta bought Clark a new shirt and Abby some nifty boots, among some other "necessities". We totally lucked out with that one seeing as how we were spending the week at his sister's house who has four girls (and an equally adorable little boy) in corresponding ages to our own. They may not have had any of their own clothes but they looked adorable and well fitted nonetheless. Megan and I got to know each other very well through some borrowed undies and shirts that were so cute I continued to wear them even after our luggage arrived. The accommodations were phenomenal and I recommend them to anyone visiting the Houston area-- but that might be slightly awkward if you don't really know them. We had my favorite truffles and darling slippers waiting for us in a welcome basket, not to mention much needed shampoos and deodorant when she found out that our luggage was not with us.
As we made our initial descent into Houston, Clark and I agreed that though it's not much to look at (compared to the beauty of New England) you sure can't beat the people. It always feels like we are going home when we visit.
So let me fill you in on some of the highlights, though I realized when I got home that I hadn't taken nearly as many pictures as I should have. I was too busy enjoying myself and not doing much of anything.
We gorged ourselves silly on delicious Scharman feasts of favorites. Clark and I adopted a six-meal-a-day plan mandatory for fitting in all of our favorite eating establishments that are scarce here in Connecticut. At least two meals at Los Cucos and a breakfast and lunch at Chick-Fil-A, with a midnight run to Sonic one night for onion rings and a limeade. I promised Clark that we would eat Los Cucos until our sides split open and green sauce spilled out all over the floor. We nearly did. Man, even the burps are good.
The girls all ravaged the remains of the carrots in the garden. It kept them occupied for a really long time. I felt like such a good Mom all week, mostly because my kids were so content playing with their cousins that I didn't have to yell at them.
We took walks and basked in the balmy warm weather of the South. See my bare legs? I particularly loved this walk. We had 3 girls on bikes, one in dress ups pushing a doll stroller, two in winter beanies and one on a pogo stick.
We shared Christmas. There might not have been anything more fun than to wake up Christmas morning to 8 adorable little girls (and one adorable little boy) excited and enthusiastic with Christmas cheer. The girls missed their cousins so much. They have a special bond with all of these girls and it is a true treasure and a treat to be close to them. It is so difficult to say goodbye. Oh these cousins.
A couple of days after Christmas, Ethan and Marisa were married in the Houston temple. It was happy and fun...just check out her fabulous shoes. Once again, the children all looked darling and we had fun at the reception catching up with friends and family.
With the vacation hangover wearing off this evening I am sad that this much anticipated trip is over but so grateful for the amazing in laws that I have. I love them so much and feel so blessed to be a part of a family that I truly love and appreciate. Thank you for such a memorable time!!