I was feeling pretty anxious about flying out of Atlanta with four kids alone, though I think I was most anxious about packing as little as possible while still having everything we needed. We left with plenty of time to get through the airport, so my stress was minimal as far as time went, but of course the airlines broke my stroller on the way and then because some kind gentleman jerry-rigged the wheel back into place, the airlines said “it looks usable so I can’t really file a claim.” Which was a lie, because back at my parents’ house they said to make sure to file the claim at the airport. I finally heard back from them and they want me to send my stroller to a stroller manufacturer to get fixed and they’ll “reimburse me.” What a headache. I only paid $25 for the stroller so I may not bother with the whole thing. Despite the stroller fiasco, the rest of the traveling went by without a hitch. It probably helped that the weather has been abnormally mild for this time of year and we had a direct flight from ATL to SLC.
Tuesday we hit the ground running with a trip to The Grand America Hotel. My dad had gotten us reservations for breakfast with Santa since we missed out on the Green’s annual Santa party. From there, I debated whether or not I should take my kids down to see their great grandpa. I knew this would probably be my last time to see him, so I decided to go with my dad so that I could have a better, uninterrupted conversation with him. Grandpa did ask why my kids didn’t come down, but we had a lovely chat and I was able to show him all of my siblings and their kids with the calendar I had made him. When we got there, my dad asked if he knew who I was. Grandpa said, “That’s my LisseyLou.” It warmed my heart. Especially because I’ve heard that he hasn’t always been able to remember everyone’s names. He asked about Andy’s deployment and sympathized with our separation. He asked me about Georgia and our plans for the future. He asked about what each of my siblings was up to. It was a normal, lovely conversation. I asked him if he was ready to see Grandma, and he said, “I think so, but we’re both comfortable where we’re at, so it’ll be different.” I’m sure that’s true, but I also know that their reunion was probably very sweet. Nan told me that he had told her on a few occasions that grandma would come and lie by him in the mornings. When I asked Grandpa about it, he said, “Not that I can recollect.” That being said, I think as we enter into this life and as we leave it, the veil between this world and theirs starts to thin, our mortal mind sheds that veil as we get close, but I think that it thickens once we’re born, and continues to thicken the more we allow the world to influence our thoughts. I have felt the veil thin at various times in my life. When my children were born, when Caitlyn was born, when Tom died, the funerals of my grandparents, and even in times of great distress when I felt the need for heavenly help.
After our trip down there, I got to see a few of my siblings and their kids back at my parents’ house. My kids had gone with Grandma to Jieun’s art studio, where she generously offered her supplies and tutelage to a lot of my nieces and nephews and kids.
The next day was Christmas Eve. We had great food, lots of laughs, and a few tears (kids still learning how to be gracious when playing games where they’re not always the winner).
Christmas Day was a lot more low key. It was just Crista’s family and ours. We’d had our “family” Christmas presents before coming to Utah, so Crista decided to do the same, so on Christmas Day, they had a Santa gift and Crista and I got gifts for each other’s kids. The only comparing was when my kids got Crazy Aaron puddy and Todd didn’t and Harvey didn’t get a glow stick, but hey! Santa left four puddies in my stocking for Todd and his sisters and Zack gave Harvey his glow stick, so everyone ended up happy. (I totally forgot I had put them in my stocking for traveling, but they were intended for the Vance’s all along).
Friday was another day full of art, games, and delicious food. Dan and Jieun invited me to go to Korean with them while our kids went on a birthday date with Grandma and Grandpa. Nik and Sara joined us and we had a great time. I learned that Jieun loves claw machines. Dan won a panda and gave it to me, which made Harvey extremely happy because it’s his favorite animal.
On Saturday it finally snowed! For ten minutes. By the time Harvey was dressed for the weather, it was melted and gone. He was devastated… if only it’d teach him to get dressed a little faster.
Nick and our kids went to the park. It was about 40 degrees outside, but the kids didn’t seem to mind and some even shed their coat. 
Andy got snow! 
Lunch with the adults! Unfortunately Crista hadn’t made it back from her in-laws yet and Jieun and Dan wound up in the hospital due to some gall bladder issues. 
Zackary has a six hour surgery tomorrow, so keep him in your prayers.
On my way to the airport, Thursday morning, my grandpa passed. I was so very grateful I got to see him so soon before he left this life. I will miss him so very much, but I am grateful I have one more angel on my side. I feel very fortunate that I’ve found a sitter and will be able to fly back out to go to his funeral and say my goodbyes as well as reconnect with family I haven’t seen in years.