Missouri Loves Company

And thankfully, so do my grandparents.

But today, they're probably the most thankful that the company has finally gone home.

Typically, leaving for your destination is one of the biggest parts of the adventure when going on vacation. For us, coming home was much more event-filled, despite having to run to catch our plane leaving PA. On the way back to Harrisburg, we experienced many more issues.

It stormed.

We got lost on our way to the airport.

We manage to take the bus to the wrong terminal.

Apparently, United and Continental aren't really one in the same.

We finally make it to our flight, with ten minutes to spare.

We arrive in Cleveland and are directed to the wrong gate.

We make it to our gate to the news that our flight is delayed almost two hours.

They don't have a flight attendant.

They find a flight attendant.. eventually.

An old lady tries to come through security with a dead mouse in her suitcase. Oops.

We finally board the tiny plane.. which required walking outside to do.

Our flight attendant looks like Kurt from Glee.

And I'm sitting next to the killer from the Lovely Bones.

And eventually, we make it home.

But drama or not, the trip was worth it. And for many reasons...

We visited my eighty-eight year old great grandmother - Grammy Hammy, for short. A crazy old lady who stuffs everything important to her in her bra.. except for her teeth. She keeps those in her pocket. Yes, really.

My grandma was worried about my dads hat and wether mice had made the holes. When we told her that he bought it that way, she laughed and got out a hat of her own. Not only is it pink.. it lights up. And, she got it at the Missouri State Fair. Which, apparently, is a big deal.

If you can't tell by the faces, my grandma is a pretty funny lady.

And she's full of advice.

Advice on marriage.

Advice on clothing choices.

Advice on physical "thurapy."

Advice that everyone was dying to hear.

And, she sleeps in that recliner.

I got to meet many relatives for the first time, or to see them after many years. I was so thrilled to meet my Uncle Rob & Aunt Lindsey, even if they found the entire Lake family experience to be a bit overwhelming. And I was so excited to see my Aunt Sarah and Aunt Cathy after so many years. And while I may have seen Uncle Bob, Aunt Kim, Aunt Becky, Aunt Amy and Uncle Larry just two years ago - two years is far too long.

We visited family members who couldn't be with us anymore.

We got to show Aiden where dad grew up - or what remains. Somehow, my dad has lived through three house fires. After his house burned, this barn was all that remained. Every time we visit Missouri, we drive through the little (tiny) town of De Witt to see it. 

We rode four wheelers. 

And in dusty pick up trucks.

We ate dinner as a family. Many times on the deck of grandmas house. Once at the park. And once, we braved a restaurant with 25 of us. Poor Becca. Somehow she managed to serve us all hot (and correct) food, all at once.

While we waited, Sarah read Grandma Hamblen her horoscope according to Glamour.

And Grandma informed me that Giorgio Armani is definitely not attractive.

Boy does he make great cologne, though.

We played with fireworks. Real fireworks - one's that leave the ground. Ones with a real worry of danger. But, we also played with sparklers because, everyone loves a good sparkler.

But more than anything, we enjoyed doing a whole lot of nothing. Sometimes, it's nice to be in a place without city lights, shopping malls or a whole lot of traffic. It's easier to relax in a town where everyone drives 20 mph and has to do all of their shopping at the local Walmart.

But for now it's back to East Coast worries. It's time to get back to work with a full schedule Monday - Friday. I've got a bag to unpack, laundry to do, and a room to clean. Not to mention, my car is acting up and is due for inspection next week. Plus there are CDs to burn and photos to order and more senior portrait sessions coming up. And on top of it all? I have a cold. 

At least it's the weekend.