There are times when schedules become cumbersome, and other times when I so look forward to them!  Like this week.  Today we are taking Shay out to buy something for her birthday gift.  Since we weren't here for the actual day (but close) we told her we wanted to go shopping with her to get something that she wants for her birthday when we arrived in Show Low.  Today is the day.  We will go do some shopping in Show Low later today and then have "coffee" someplace before going back home. 

We also have asked Kara if we can go for "coffee" with her, just her like we are going with just Shay, which gives us some time to visit with each of them independently.  We look forward to those "coffee" times since we don't often have an opportunity to spend time with the girls one on one.

When we are in Tucson the schedule is for the big girls to have a day to themselves to go shopping, to visit and laugh and just enjoy each other without "little people" or anyone else along.  The four of us always have a good time together, each brings their own level of seriousness, humor and just plan silliness to the day.  It will be fun.

The family picture that Greg and I have asked for for Christmas will be a wonderful experience.  Seeing everyone in white shirts and bluejeans and seeing if we can get everyone to smile at the same time (Jake can show off his teeth in this picture….maybe) will be something that we will treasure forever.  I look at the family photo that we had done with my parents when Joe and I were younger and treasure that picture so much.  Although we had many pictures in many years after that one, that one was where my folks had asked that we have it done and now, looking at it, it is so funny to see the characteristics that Joe and I got from Mom and Dad.

We are going to Ken and Jennifer's on the 26th to see their new house and have dinner.  We will enjoy that, they are very nice people and always make us glad to be around them.  Then back to Cyn and Drew's to have the Christmas there.  Cyn told me last night that Wanda, that very sweet lady that used to work for Cyn, brought over a bottle of wine for Cyn and me to share.  How sweet was that?

We will probably head out for home before the 31st, since Greg wants to be home for caucus on the 3rd.  This may be the last year that Iowa is first in the nation, and then, who knows.  It's just that with other states wanting to beat Iowa out for that "honor" they keep moving the dates up earlier and earlier.  It's stupid to me to do that, but then, what do I know?

Greg has been sleeping so well this morning, he was so pooped from the trip, I really wish he could sleep until noon, but of course he won't.  Housekeeping was just here so he'll probably get up in a little while.  Alas, the housekeepers woke him up, he's up now so we will get moving.  Darn, sure wish he could have slept longer.

I'm looking forward to spending time with Bobbi today too, she and I have always enjoyed each other, my first born with her serious nature and then bursting into laughter, watching her with her kids, laughing at the little ones and actually understanding what her older ones are talking about is such a delight.  Sharing thoughts, dreams and ideas while we go about doing other things is the way we have almost always functioned, it's pretty neat.

I would suppose that Greg and Greg will be together today.  They have a project to discuss and each has been looking forward to it. 

Me?  I'm just looking forward to being with my family, all of them!!  Whahoo, it's Christmas!