A Homecoming

The reader will notice that I haven't written in quite some time...this would be due to a much needed vacation/family trip/etc. back east. Having been in Phoenix for nearly a year (shockingly) we felt it necessary to visit some family, friends (no to mention two weddings) and old haunts just to check in and catch up. With most trips there we difficulties and trouble spots to navigate but on the whole it was "epic" to say the least. Of course Lyra did her fair share of glad handing (whether on her own accord or with some prompting from mom and dad) and clowning around with kids close to her age. We shared so many conversations, stories, laughs, dances, meals, drinks, rooms, homes, cars to lead one to think that our family had a knack for traveling; gypsies maybe? I celebrated my 26th and Lyra celebrated her first. Of course cake was a part of each celebration. While this was not my first time devouring a red velvet birthday cake (my favorite) this WAS Lyra's first [cup]cake experience. Let me just say the girl was up for the challenge! While she was a little hesitant at first once she saw/heard all the encouragement from family to just "dig in" she did just that. So face covered with cup cake and frosting mom, dad, grandpa, grandma, uncle, great uncle and great grandfather all stood back and captured the moment (to be used later for embarrassment purposes). Our trip ended just as it started with a plane ride followed by a sleepy car ride home. Home where our counter awaited to receive the trips many bags, boxes and books. Home where our beds waited patiently for our exhausted bodies to collapse; appreciative of their soft embrace. Home. Home. Home.