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What a rude welcome we received arriving back in Utah after days in sunny California. Our harrowing drive back, in a snowstorm, sure made me grateful for "vehicle stability control" and my husbands good driving skills. We nearly slammed into the back of a semi, slid off into a small ravine, back into the side of that semi, and then almost into a couple of other cars. Our van was sliding and starting to spin. Really, I cannot believe we didn't hit something. Al white-knuckled it back to our house. It only took us about 6 hours longer than usual. All the while the kids happily, blissfully unaware, watched "Over the Hedge". I don't think they ever even heard me swear.
Disneyland has this magical way of making you glad to be home. As much as we love it, our feet, bodies, wallets, are so worn out, we are happy to leave the 'happiest place on earth'. Max said "Next year I will probably be brave enough to ride 'tower of terror'...or when I am 18." No regrets.Before coming home we drove down to San Diego to spend a night with my dear friend Kristen. We loved catching up with their 3 cute kids, Jessica, Laura, and Joshua. We played with their dog, Lilly. Then, before heading home, we HAD to stop at Trader Joes for some Christmas Jo Jo's (lovely little cookies). Now, I am furiously trying to catch up on Christmas. I'm usually done by now with shopping and can focus on the cookie, gingerbread house making, sledding, hot cocoa drinking duties. Not this year...what were we thinking, leaving three weeks before Christmas on a vacation?! Disneyland was awfully beautiful, lit up with Christmas lights. The 'snow' falling on Main St. after the parade was pretty. All the so.cal. children, their eyes big as saucers, trying to catch the soapy snow in their mouths. Sweet. The lights on the 'small world' ride alone were breathtaking. We would probably go at Christmas time again. Although, with Alan's new job there doesn't seem to be a good time, ever.With these budget cuts looming, Al knows he's going to, most likely, have to let people go. I could tell it was on his mind throughout our vacation. Alan is one of the most empathetic people I know. Even though he doesn't see all of his nearly 1,000 employees, he worries about them individually. His shoulders have been heavier since taking on this new position. I hope all of you have worry free holidays this year. I know everyone is tighter. So far, knock on wood, no one I personally know, has lost their job. I hope the reasons you celebrate the holidays fill your homes so that you can truly enjoy this time of year.