First day of the holidays

Actually began Thursday night....

I had had precious sleep Wed night as the steroids woke me up about 2 AM and would not let me drift off again.

Morning began and I spent 4 periods with my class and then, with my co coach (the real coach), we headed off with the senior curling team to a community about an hour away. It was great to watch four different schools come together for a little bonspiel before the holidays. We laughed (and laughed) on the way home. I got back to my empty house (well ok the kitties were there) about 8 PM. DH was already gone on his Christmas gift from me trip to Victoria to see his brother.

DD (DS1's girlfriend) arrived about 8:04. She and I would be heading into the city to pick up DS1 at the airport around 12:15 AM.  We hung out and chatted and waited for DS2 to get home, only to get texts from DS1 that his connecting flight in Minneapolis was delayed. and then delayed. and then delayed. He has flown  home three times from college and he has yet to have a flight without issues.

DS2 finally arrives home and we begin power doing laundry as HIS flight leaves at 11:20 on the 18th, to join his father in BC. (that  DS's gift from his mama). The three of us had a good visit and watched Planes, Trains and automobiles, then off to the city went DD and I.

DS1's flight finally came in about 2 AM, and he quickly cleared customs and zoom home we went. We got to the house about 3:45 AM and he was bouncing about, so glad to be there and happy to see the cats. DD and I just laughed, watching him. I headed off to bed for about 2 hours sleep before I had to wake up to get DS2 going.

By 9 AM DS2 and I were up, ready and done the 1.5 hour drive to the city. This is the first  time he's flown alone, but after a couple questions, he was fine.  I watched him go through security and then my exhausted butt started the drive home again.

By 10 AM a text came from DS2 saying the plane he was waiting for was delayed in Calgary.

By 11 AM I was back in my city and stopped at a couple places to get gifts and then home I went.  DS1 and DD had gone out for lunch. He was missing REAL A and W as he called it.  I had a little 45 minute nap then headed off to the bank, the post office and grabbed a few groceries. DD wanted my home made sweet and sour meatballs, rice etc. Grandma was excited to hear this and offered to make home made buns and a raspberry pie if we wanted to bring the main course over to eat at her place.

By 3:30 PM, DS got a call with a little voice asking if "Uncle" could come visit him at gram's. My niece was doing a whistle stop through on her way to the city and her son adores mine. So over we went for a quick visit and a game of ministicks.

By 4:30, we went over to my oldest sister's for  a quick visit (she's the one with MS). She is alone a lot and was happy for the visit.

By 5 PM, DS2's flight had finally got to Victoria, several hours late.

By 5:30 we were back at gram's for a delicious supper and a great visit.

By 6:30 we were back home and everyone crashed for a quick nap.

By 8PM I was up and making an appy as DS and DD were heading over to a nephew's house for an ugly sweater party. DH texted to say that DS2 had had a big turkey supper  and was crashed by 6PM BC time.

By 9 PM I drove the kids over to the party and nestled in on the couch at home. I should have been exhausted,  yet I sat here, in a weird state of "I should be doing something", so I spent a half hour marking  a social assignment. Silly girl.

I picked the kids up at 1 AM.

I am certainly glad I sacrificed one of my earned days off for Friday's adventures. No clue how all highway driving would have worked out, if I had tried to work too.

Money spent:
Gas for Two trips to the city - $75
parking at airport - $10
groceries - $80
gift shopping - $120

Now it's just after 8 AM. It's dark outside. My little tree lights are on, the cats are curled up on the couch, and the house is quiet, except for my fingers clicking on here, my coffee sipping, and HGTV on in the background.

Let the holidays begin!