“What is your baby’s name?” “Annabelle,” I said happily. “Um, could you write that down?” The Japanese flight attendant gave me a big smile as she handed me pad and pen. Although curious, I did as she asked. She disappeared for a few minutes to return with an inflatable ANA airplane complete with handwritten date, Annabelle’s name, and destination of Annabelle’s first flight. She then gave me a bag full of toys and candy for “Annabelle” which I promptly raided. What a “sweet” beginning of our day and a half sojourn to the states. Barrett left for deployment and we promptly left for a family introduction of Annabelle. The Lord was kind and gave us an empty seat next to me the whole way so I could put her in her car seat. She barely fussed the entire trip. I’m so thankful!!
We landed in RI at midnight and were met by Grammy and Pepere Caron, hugs and kisses abounded as we gathered our gear and headed home. We all hit the sack (even Annabelle) and almost made it through the night. The next day Annabelle smelled her first New England air, cut grass, and met her Uncle Chris, Aunt Leah, and cousins Gray and Lexi for the first time. What fun! My dad needed to get school bus driver training in Virginia so we left the next morning leaving further catch up with the RI Caron’s when we get back. We made an obligatory Dunkin Donut run for donuts and coffee…mmmmmmmmmmmm…and then were off on another travel adventure.
We got to Virginia a little later than expected so the Virginia Caron’s were in their bed and PJ’s, yet that didn’t keep them from padding out to see their new cousin. Annabelle was loved to life once again to the joy of my heart. They actually left for a week long vacation the following day so once again a visit was cut short but it was still sweet. Hopefully we will catch up with them next week when they return.
In the mean time we have been cutting bushes, pulling branches, and clearing out my parents new back yard. We have been getting the Internet connected, trying to get TV, and assembling their new abode. Annabelle and I have been fighting a cold that leaves her sneezing out two facets of fierce snot. Its disgusting and laughable at the same time. I’ve been to Starbucks (a few times), driven on the wrong side of the road (a few times), and worn a sweater (a few times)!!!
So, in short, we are enjoying our time in the states. The loneliness birds that hover and land during Barrett’s deployments are being shooed away and Annabelle’s smiles get bigger with each new face of family and friends. We are thankful to have this time with family, see friends, and eat ice cream from my favorite places. We miss you Barrett and are thankful for your service. We are thankful to the Lord for loving families and a chance to meet them!! For now, Im going to get a mug of hot chocolate and Annabelle and I will snuggle up with Grammy and Pepere to watch a movie. Love you all!