Back to Florida

After spending the whole school year with us, Phebe returned to Florida last week. We flew down on Monday morning, and I returned alone Monday evening. It has been so much fun for us to have had this year to establish a bond with Phebe, watch her grow and change, and see her develop into a delightful young lady! It was especially fun for me to help her learn to read! However, we also learned from experience that there's a reason we have our kids in our 20s and 30s!

What a sweet smile!

We had family and friends over on Sunday to say goodbye to our "little tornado." Here's Phebe with her neighborhood buddies, Anna and Adam. Anna is on her knees - they are actually like stairsteps. The kids played so well together this winter and spring!

Our guests even brought presents! It was great for Phebe to get new activities to keep us busy on the long plane ride. Thanks, everyone!

Jenna and Andy brought their new puppy, Crosby, for us all to meet. They also brought their baby gate so he stayed in the mud room. He is so cute!

Phebe and Maddox had fun playing Littlest Pet Shop one last time. I watched Maddox one day this week, and he kept asking, "Where's Phebe? Where are her toys?" Grandma wasn't quite as much fun to play with as Phebe was!

Kyle and Corey and their goofy kids.

At the airport.

Waiting to get on the plane. It was a little rainy on Monday morning, but the rain stopped by the time we took off.

Phebe discovered the barf bag on the plane, and couldn't resist a little pretending. She was a great passenger and kept me very entertained the whole way!

Looking out the window. Her comment as we approached the airport in Orlando: "The trees aren't like in Minnesota!"

Finally, back with Mom. Both Kate and Phebe have been waiting a long time for this reunion!

So....our house is much quieter now (and it stays clean a lot longer), and our nest is once again empty, but we really miss Phebe's smile and laughter and crazy comments ("Grandpa, you're weird" was one of her favorites). Guess we'll have to make a trip to Florida one of these days!

Be happy, Phebe, and we'll see you again soon!