Coming Home

After spending a full day at Magic Kingdom on Friday, Brian and I put the girls in their jammies, handed them their blankies and dolls and drove the 7 and 1/2 haul to Atlanta, GA. We rolled in to my brother David's house at about 1:30am. We were absolutely exhausted, but is was worth it to spend the day with the Caylors.

David and Janene are fantastic hosts--they feed you well and always make you feel comfortable in their home. David made one of his famous cheesecakes (some of which I transported from Georgia and is calling my name from the refrigerator), which he makes most times we come to visit. Believe me, it is true incentive. We also loved admiring all the work they've done on their home--painting, tons of new trim work and new furniture. David has become quite the woodmaster.

And it was of course another girl fest as the cousins played the day away together.

After we left Atlanta, and were headed home, the car was quiet and I was thinking about the closeness I share with my three siblings. I thought about their many talents and the goodness that they radiate. They have truly been my life partners.

Our final stop was to pay homage to Brian's graduate alma mater. He even wore the appropriate shirt for the occasion. We strolled through the campus, which is lovely. Brian has fond memories of this three years there, and the place holds meaning for me too, since we dated the last two years he was there.

We enjoyed reminiscing about the many drives between Durham and DC, his friends, and mostly, Elmo's. There has never been a diner as great as Elmo's, mostly because it serves the best veggie burger ever. It is a must every time we pass through.

During our drive home I thought about how college and graduate school were such defining life experiences for me (we did a lot of driving--there was lots of time to think) and how in the distant future, I will enjoy watching my own children go through them. You feel an immense sense of freedom and excitement about what life will bring next, but that time also provides a comforting shelter from the world. I relish those years, but surprisingly, don't know that I'd want to go back to them. I suppose I'm happy where I am.

We're glad to be home, though today was an adjustment as we dove back into real life again. Fortunately, I have the month of October to look forward to, which holds birthday, anniversary and Halloween celebrations. I adore the Fall, and it was nice to come home to crisp fall air and leaves just starting to turn. Which is definitely one thing Florida will never be able to match.