Just an Observation

The times in my life when I've been the happiest are the times when I've put the wants and needs of others to the forefront. No wonder I LOVE Christmas. When I think of " I , I , I" ( as in I am tired, I don't feel good I WANT) Nothing and No one (especially husband ) is good enough.

Having said that... Daughter and husband Gabe should be the happiest holiday travelers ever,

Mari and Gabe, after a sleepless night in Raleigh N.C. traveled about 3000 miles with a very active toddler to geve two sets of Grandparents and other assorted relatives a VERY wonderful Christmas.

The Travel weary Higerd Trio got off of the airplane to two days of rain and cold. The 1st real rain Cali. has had in months, As well as cases of a particularly bad stomach flu. Mari's comment was " I had the flu three times with Caroline! This is only the 1st with Anabelle" Gabe rallied enough to go to a very exciting (even tho Navy lost) Football game in San Diego with Dennis. And Mari and I managed several trips to the Mall without her throwing up on any other shoppers.

For Christmas the family drove 350 miles (with the same "I DON'T like to sit still toddler) to Mammoth and Gabes parents house. Up there it wasn't the Dynamic Trio who were sick but their hosts. Add that to the altitude change and the colds that the three were suffering and they still managed to focus the fun stuff that they did.

There is some truth to the song "There is no place like home for the holidays". I'm sure staying in N.C. would have been a lot less stressful and exhausting. Thank you Mari, Gabe and C.C. for putting all of us ahead of yourselves and making this a wonderful Christmas for us. You are the greatest and we love you for putting visiting Calif. for the holidays before your holiday ease.

I don't want to forget to thank the rest of our family for contributing to a great Christmas too. Bob, Doug and Family for gifts and the wonderful Front yard renovation and all of the help and sharing and cooperation that made this holiday a special one.

I wish I could get a picture of Mari, Gabe and C,C, kissing the ground at Raleigh Airport upon their return. It takes a great trip to make you appreciate home as well.