Sweet Sorrow

September 7th finally arrived so this was the scene at Michelle's house. Many, many big suitcases on the porch awaiting the shuttle to the airport.


Landon was very happy that school was out for Labor Day today so he could go with me to say goodbye. He and Lucas were able to squeeze in about 25 minutes of video game time before they had to go.

{Bad photo, click to enlarge}

Landon made Max and Lucas these personalized treat kits for their plane ride (Eva is on her own I guess) and also made a coded letter for them to decipher, hopefully that will be good for 10 minutes of their 10 hour plane ride!


Eva was full of fears so I held her on my lap and tried to tell her all the wonderful things she was going to love about Paris. She was happy to discuss those things, but later went on to cry that she didn't "want to go at Paris!" Oh dear, I fear for their long flight!


Poor Max, had to wear this ginormous backpack that Marc bought specifically to hold their computer. They were hoping to be allowed to carry it on the plane, so I'll be curious to find out what happened with it. It looked so big on Max's skinny body that I joked that it might tip him over backwards if he wasn't careful.


The shuttle arrived and we were able to coax Eva out of the house. She wrapped herself in her disintegrating blankie, so maybe it actually has super powers of some sort and will be able to get her through this trip.


Michelle and I took our self-portrait with the shuttle in the background for an historically significant touch.

Landon and Lucas has a very casual farewell.

I was shocked that the shuttle driver was able to fit all of their suitcases into the van! It's basically a minivan, so I have no idea how he did that. (Notice Landon and Lucas doing a funny handshake.)


Landon chased the van down the street waving goodbye (just like Lucas used to do whenever we'd leave after being there for Creative Friday or a visit).

Landon and I stayed at the house after they left to do the final vacuuming, trash removal and to let Jack out one last time. I actually felt sorry for him! (Me, the non-dog lover of all time!) The poor guy has no idea what he's in for with their long absence.


As we headed to a car wash nearby we got pulled over (#$@!) because we still haven't been able to pay to register my car!! I had adrenaline coursing through my veins, but took some cleansing breaths and tried not to think of Amie's saying that "No good deed goes unpunished." I don't believe in that, but in this moment it definitely felt like it was true. (Cool photo eh?)

I came home feeling tired and a little bit sad and thinking about going to Paris. If only I could go to Paris too...







But wait, I AM going to Paris!


In 38 days, I'll be taking the same flight they took and flying to the other side of the world to visit them, weeha! Randy booked my ticket today, so it's official! (I haven't mentioned the possibility because I was so afraid it wouldn't happen.)


I made Michelle this silly photo letter to enclose with a note I wrote for her to read on the plane.

**Can you believe they're gone?
Have you ever been to Paris?
Are you afraid to fly?
Do you think no good deed goes unpunished?
Can you believe I get to go??**

Comment Window Tidbit: Randy and I were half way through watching "State of Play" when the disc froze. We cleaned it and then even tried to watch it on the computer because we were so sucked in, but no go, it wouldn't play scenes 12-14. It was a rather disappointing end to our day.