There's No Place Like Home

I am home.
It is good to be home.

First allow me to express how very grateful I am to all of my family back in Michigan.
Instead of remembering these past months as a time that I "survived" without my husband, I have so many wonderful memories of a fun holiday season. I love that you all got to spend time with Alex and Derek, and that they were able to develop deeper realtionships with all of you.
Thank you for taking us in, for all of the meals, the time out of your busy schedules, the Christmas gifts, the babysitting, everything!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I'm so glad we made the decision to go back to Michigan, and yet now I am truly happy to be home.
I'm eagerly anticipating the next big event for us, which will be to welcome Josh home and reunite as a family. And I even know when that is going to happen!
I can't share the specifics over the blog, but I can tell you that I had really better get started on an aggressive plan involving the shedding of holiday pounds and hair removal, post haste.

And speaking of toning up my somewhat soft physique-- don't think that because as I type I have been awake for 17 hours and spent that time traveling with children, possibly the most exhausting activity on the planet, that I will be foregoing my 8 minute abs.
Nay, I shall not.
As soon as I hit the publish post button I will be hitting the floor because it is entirely too early in my resolution to fail. And I've got a few more friends participating, so join in! To sweeten the pot, and make it a little more fun, those of you who join me and don't miss a single day for 6 months will receive from yours truly a gift card from Starbucks.
In the words of Jeff Probst: Worth playing for?
Okay, probably not. If you're looking for awesome giveaways you should be reading Pioneer Woman and not the random blog from some Idaho mom. 

So our travel day actually went about as well as I could have hoped. Southwest's free curbside check-in was a total blessing to starting my day, and I have never had an easier time going through security than today. And I didn't even have a helper, because PtB wasn't able to get a gate pass.
The kids did really well on the flights, and they were glad to be reunited with their toys at home. Derek had this look on his face that said "Hey, I remember this place!"

And 16 hours later, with only one 40 minute snooze for Derek, they are tucked into their beds for what will hopefully be a long night's rest.

Right now, bed sounds heavenly. So I'd better get crunching so I can get to sleep!

G'Night John Boy.