Leaving on a jet plane...

This all started with me missing Elena and wanting to make a trip south to see her and spend a little time together. It turned out to be a great bonding time with my sister and Elena and a time to refresh and refocus.

Cori and I met in Wausau Wednesday night and spent the night at the Super 8 (NOT highly recommended but cheap and close to the airport!) We crashed early as our flight took off the next morning at 6:07. Our wake up call was at 3:30 a.m. , we got up and ready for the adventure ahead.

The travel days were fun and gave us a ton of time to talk and people watch.

We sat in front of a family of 3 who didn't believe in bathing.

Our trip was a SURPRISE for Miss Elena...doesn't this face say it all!

We picked her up from school...when she saw who was picking her up she couldn't run fast enough and was trying to get in the car to give us hugs...so worth it all!

The whole way home Elena couldn't wipe the smile off her face...

As tradition has it, we took the neighborhood kids, this time the boys couldn't join us, to Cici's for some good eats and great conversation!

On Friday, while Elena was in school, we stopped by and visited with our friends, Arica, Calli and Hudson, Chris was at work...then we headed off to watch AUSTRAILIA and of course dig into the movie theatre goodies! I highly recommend this movie!

We took Elena to a "paint your own pottery" place and made Christmas presents for her mom.

Cori and Elena working on the lettering...

the final product!

Pampering Elena...

I straightened her hair and Cori worked on her bangs...a team effort!

As per Elena's mom's request, we made some delicious puppy chow!

Go Cowboys!

Actually we stopped and got this picture for Cori's oldest son, G!

The Cheesecake Factory was a must stop...

I love my sweet Elena girl...

Cori and I had so many people take double takes and then ask if we were twins :O)

We enjoyed kicking back and relaxing in the hot tub every day...we were a little late for church on Sunday because we stayed in a little too long.

Elena opening her Christmas gifts from my mom and dad...

Some of her special gifts from the P family, us and my mom and dad...she is one loved chica!

Unfortunately, as we were settling into our hotel room the night we got back into WI, Cori got a call from Adam saying that his aunt had died unexpectantly that night. She was 38 and had 5 kids, ranging from 16-7. Not exactly a fun way to end a trip. Niether one of us could get back to sleep. Finally after laying silent for about 15 minutes, Cori came in and crawled into bed with me...we were both finally able to settle down around 1:30 and slept in until 8:30.

If you think of it please pray for Chuck and his kids as they grieve the loss of their mommy and wife.