Very special happy birthday to my niece, Suzy. We missed her birthday while on the road to Omaha, but are very glad to wish her happiness even if it is a little late.
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The road trip to Omaha was fairly easy. Most days on the road by 10am, stopped by 5pm when the Mouse couldn't take anymore of riding in her car seat. We saw our very good friend Ann
(see her blog here) in Columbus the first night and she treated us to Texas Road House for dinner. She also very kindly gave Mouse a Christmas present of some pretty new clothes. She wore one yesterday and it looks great! No, I was too lazy to get a photo, but I'm sure I'll get to one while the clothes still fit.
Our second night was in Peoria where the wind was howling and the temperature was around 0F. It was a whole new experience in cold for GP as she's never felt that kind of cold before. On the way to Iowa, we were kicked off I-74 by the state police as visibility was about an eighth mile and there was some ice on the road. I know as we slid a little sideways when driving over a bridge at 75mph. Yikes!
Luckily, we were able to pick up speed again back on I-80 and made it to Des Moines just a little late. Our friends Steve and Kathy showed us their new house and treated us to some tasty (heavy on the cheese) pizza. We will have to catch Scot on the way back to Philly. Thanks again, Steve and Kathy, for the hospitality. They also gave Mouse a nice present, this one penguin flavored for her father's tastes. We'll break it out as soon as she can bowl :)
Now we are in Omaha (viz Waterloo) and enjoying time with the family. Tomorrow (Christmas) we go to the water park for a nontraditional Christmas frenzy and some relaxation.
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Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and other holiday greetings to all of our dear readers and friends.
Labels: Birthday, Christmas
