Road Trip to Brother's College Graduation

Well, it's been awhile since I've written. I'm not quite as inspired to write often, but I should try. I left off promising to tell about my trip to visit my brother's home for his graduation from Stephen F. Austin University. My DH dropped me off at my brother No.1's home in another town 3 hours away, since my mom and I were riding with him and his wife. I was anxious to begin the trip which I just knew would be comfortable since Bro has a Chevy Tahoe. Was I in for a surprise! The Tahoe needed new tires and we would be traveling instead, in his wife's Volkswagon Pssat! Immediately I began to worry that my luggage would be an issue! You see, I have trouble packing anything less than the kitchen sink! Luckily, SIL#1 assured me that her car had a LARGE trunk! Thankfully, she was right, and everything fit! WHEW!

So, we began our trip the next day for another 3-4 hour trip, now sitting all cozy in her compact vehicle. Well, as you all probably know, the Driver gets to choose the music listened to on the drive; and, not everyone has the same taste, as we all know. I, of course, always travel with reading material, mostly books. SIL decided that she wanted to listen to soft jazz Christmas music, being 2 weeks away from Christmas. Needless to say, everyone else preferred anything else, as the music was nice, but it was s - l - o - w........, and putting us all to sleep. I don't know HOW Sara stayed awake! I tried to read, but then mom and/or Rob would start a conversation (presumably to stay awake), and I would have to put my book down. :( I just wanted to escape into a good read. So, FINALLY, we arrive at Pat's home. After settling in, we all have a great visit with Bro#2 & SIL#2 and their 2 boys (9 & 7 yrs). Well, guess what??!! My other SIL#2 puts on background music. Just guess what we listened to?? YUP, Christmas music, of the christian station persuasion (not that there's anything wrong with it), with the exception that we had just been made to listen to Christmas music for 4 hrs, previously!!! SIL#2 teaches at a private christian school, and her boys attend the same school. (BTW - I Love SIL's #1 & #2 - the Best!)

OH YEAH! I FORGOT THE REAL KICKER IN THIS VISIT! NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED IN THEIR HOME!!!!!!! I had heard from Bro#1 that they didn't drink (which I knew) but I didn't expect them to not allow it in their home, at all! I just assumed that they wouldn't mind if we drank; and that maybe for a special occasion they would join us in some wine to celebrate; and mom loves her beer! I had brought 2 bottles of wine all packed in my luggage. But, apparently, they have taught the boys the EVILS of Alcohol! So, the boys would probably have a heart attack if they saw it in their home! So, mom and I had to spend the week without ANY ALCOHOL AT ALL!!! Well, if there ever was any question whether or not, mom or I were alcoholics, that occasion gave us our answer! WE are NOT! WOO HOO!!! No, shaking, or trembling whatsoever! LOL!!

So, anyway, the visit went well, and the graduation was long, as they all are, but we were so very proud of my Bro#2. It seems that the family had just gotten over the cold/flu the previous 3 weeks, in which they all took turns with the illness. Well, the germ decided it liked its visitors (us), and it came home with all of us!! I don't know why, but I seem to have gotten the worst of it. FINALLY, this week, I'm much better with the exception of a nasty cough that won't go away. So, all in all, it was good visit with the family.

HOPE EVERYONE HAD A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND A NEW YEARS EVE/DAY!