Christmas in Bama

Well, I could not have picked a better day to fly out... The weather was downright miserable. The rain came down by the truckloads. I was only technically delayed 15 mins but we did not take off until an hour after the original departure time. The crowd at the airport was not bad and BWI did a good job of keeping the lines moving. Once we got up above the clouds it was smooth sailing and sunshine. Even the descent into ATL was good. The only turbulence was at the baggage claim. Somehow the airport lost our entire planes luggage. They kept telling us it was at the airport but they were trying to track down exactly where it was. They eventually found it and from the amount of water in/on my suitcase it led me to guess it sat out on the tarmat for quite some time. Nothing like having to put your clothes in the dryer when you get home. Which we were very lucky to make it home. The roads were so flooded I think we slid home. We got behind a fire truck with its lights on and going very slow. He was looking for a car that had slid off the road and landed in the woods. The police were trying to find the car but they got stuck in the mud. It was a mess. I wasn't home long before my allergies started acting up. They were bothering me in Huntsville last week but I figured it was from the cats or fragrances at the friends house we were staying at. But after being in Valley for hours I knew it had to be from something in the south that we do not have in MD. Even got a bad nose bleed from it on Monday. Had to go stock up on Benadryl to get me through the week. For moms birthday dad had to work. So mom and I drove to Auburn to do some shopping. I got a few Auburn shirts at Tiger Rags and J&M. They were blown out from all the Christmas shoppers. It was sad seeing an empty Toomers Corner. I can't wait for the University to fill it back in. When we got home I "strongly suggested" that Dad make some M&M cookies for me. What a great dad to work a full day then come home and slave in the kitchen making his only daughter's favorite Christmas treat. I have the recipe but they come out horribly wrong each time I attempt to make them. I guess practice will eventually make perfect. Christmas Eve was very nice. We did lunch at my dad's brothers house with his side of the family. It was loud with four little ones running around. The star toy, post-its! Who would have thought the accordion, slinky like papers found on a desk would have caused so much commotion. Christmas day was nice and relaxing. We hung out in our pj's all day until we had to get ready to go to my Mom's brother's house for dinner. This year I made my Grandmother's dressing for everyone. I think it was a success. I also got a new recipe from my Aunt Maria for "Crack potatoes" (seriously, that is what they are called. Google it.). I am going to make them for Doug on New Years Day. I also got to meet her puppy Copper. After a small piece of turkey we became best friends. I had so much fun playing with him as I was missing my little furry baby. It also made me want a new puppy really badly. The hunt for Auburn's sister is officially on. Even have a name for her thanks to my cousin Jordan. The day after Christmas we had a Lashley (Dad's Mom side of the family) reunion. It was great seeing my great Uncles and Aunts. We had one who could not make it (and was greatly missed!) but we had a good crowd. Of course, there was a lot of Auburn football talk! Seems like a lot of Alabama fans are pulling for the state of Alabama and the SEC to win again. See, SEC pride trumps the biggest rivalry in college football. The flight back was smooth. No lines at the airport, no delays, smooth flight, and had baggage when I got to BWI. :)The trip seemed to fly by and I really enjoyed being back home with the family. But it is nice being back home. It really feels like I have not been here and had a normal week in quite some time. Next week will not quite get back to normal but we are crossing our fingers for the next week. I will try to post pics from last week's trip soon. Our neighbor and good friend, Ryan, not only got Doug a Christmas gift, he also got me and Auburn something too. Even his parents (who we have never met) got us a Christmas gift! I am so thankful we have him as a friend. They always say you find out who people really are and who your true friends are when times are hard. Well, these are some damn good people and I am honored to call them my friends. And next year I am sending Ryan shopping with Doug for my presets. He did a great job and didn't even ask what I wanted. Impressive! This Christmas season was a crazy one but I am very thankful for the best job and husband in the world for giving me the time to spend with my family back home. I missed Doug and Auburn like crazy last week but was so grateful Doug and I got the time to spend with his family the week before that. Hopefully next year we will be able to enjoy the season more and all be together. Now, lets get ready for the new year! Bring it on 2014!