Last week Kyndall was on Fall break which meant no pre-school, no dance, no cheerleading, no piano, etc. A few months ago we decided to take advantage of this little taste of freedom and we began planning a trip to Texas to visit a few friends. Matthew had a few extra vacation days to burn and we had a ton of Southwest points saved up. So, off we went!
The day before we flew out, Kyndall declared she NEEDED her own rolling suitcase to carry through the airport. She was very specific, telling me she wanted it to be pink and green. I really didn't have time to be running all over Jackson looking for this silly suitcase so I was happy when we found one at Target that met her expectations. It even had light up wheels, which was an awesome bonus!
Kyndall and I flew out of Memphis on Tuesday and Matthew joined us on Thursday
I told her if she chose to take this thing along I would not carry it for her, no matter how tired she got. Little trooper drug it the whole way and never complained!
She chose to fill her carry-on with craft supplies, which is so very typical of Kyndall. She had everything from coloring books to stickers to markers and glue and glitter. She was frustrated that she couldn't bring scissors along so we were forced to have a lesson in airplane safety! While we waited at our gate to leave Memphis she constructed this card which she planned to give to the "food lady" on the plane. (AKA the flight attendant)
The passengers on the flight before ours were WW II vets returning from a trip to D.C. The staff at the Memphis airport tied balloons, hung a banner and passed out tiny flags for us to wave as they walked off the plane. Kyndall is probably the most patriotic kid I know so this made her very happy! It was neat to see these real life legends brought to tears as they were greeted with a room full of people standing and clapping for them.
That's our plane!
It's been about 2 years since her last flight so she was just as excited as if it was her very first time!
I was flipping through Southwest's flight magazine on our way to Houston and I came across this article about Taylor's Gift, which is an organization I'm very fond of. It gave me warm fuzzies to randomly pick up a magazine and see my passion put to print.
Kyndall gave the "food lady" her card which in turn awarded her a tour of the cockpit and a chance to sit int he pilot's seat!
Glory picked us up at the airport Tuesday night and took us to dinner. It was SO good to see her again! I was excited to spend a few days in her new town, meeting her new friends and seeing what everyday life is like for her in Pearland.
When I got to her house that night I noticed this picture on the nightstand in my room. Totally accurate!
Since it was late when we arrived, Caroline was already asleep. We picked up lunch and took it to her at school the next day and the girls had a sweet reunion! Lots of giggles and hugs!
That afternoon we walked to the bus stop at the end of the road and waited for her. Kyndall was in awe of all this "big kid" stuff Caroline gets to do now that she's in school.
We grabbed some frozen yogurt at Tutti Frutti before heading to the park
Possibly my favorite picture from our entire trip. Real life, people!
Later that night they decorated pumpkins together
The girls always love sleeping together
And I love it too when I walk in and see things like this! So sweet!
Matthew flew in late that night and we all had a yummy lunch the next day before saying goodbye to Pearland and moving on to Spring
Our next stop in Texas was Spring, which is only a little over an hour from where Glory lives. It's basically Houston. My friend Jennifer lives there and if you'll remember, I met her this past summer by chance when her husband Craig was going through the liver transplant process at Vanderbilt. I even asked you to pray for Craig and Jennifer, as he ended up needing two transplants within less than a month's time. Sadly, even after all of that Craig did not make it. I traveled to Texas in July to attend the funeral of my new friend, barely even knowing Jennifer much less anyone else in attendance. Little did I know, this was the start of a beautiful, God-ordained friendship that I have come to love. I am so thankful that through several twists of fate, Jennifer and Craig were placed in my path. As painful as it was, I needed to see them travel this difficult road. I needed a reminder of how very thankful I should be every single day. Jennifer amazes me with her grace and strength in the midst of heartache. She is truly one of the strongest people I have ever known. My only regret is not meeting them sooner so that I could have gotten to know Craig better.
After the funeral in July I promised her that I would eventually return for a FUN visit, and I kept my word. This was definitely a fun visit!
Kyndall had such a good time playing with Jennifer's grandkids, Addy and Rheyce
Jennifer is a teacher and a GiGi so naturally, Kyndall gravitated towards her
Saturday morning was Addy's 2nd birthday party at Jennifer's house. My wonderful hubby jumped in the kitchen and helped make the food for the party.
These girls bounced their hearts out!
Jennifer has a serious love for Blue Bell!
Addy with some of her party guests....
This sneaky girl made her way into the dining room when nobody was looking and had her way with her cake!
Jennifer's new baby, Harper
I adore this sweet lady!
At dinner Saturday night these two professed their love for one another. Lord, help us!
Before church Sunday morning
Clearly, Jennifer does not know the meaning of a silly picture. We'll have to work on that.
On Sunday afternoon Jennifer drove us back to the airport in Houston and we flew back to Jackson. We had so much fun and we were sad to say goodbye.
Her Texas souvenir
Our view of the sunset from above the clouds
It was a great way to spend our week! We are looking forward to our next visit to Texas!
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