I guess it's about time to update my ol' blog. My Grandmother Holland says she keeps checking it and there's nothing new, so here you go.

I had an eventful weekend, you could say. Well, I'll back up a bit. Last week our family had a terrible time with the flu. Baylea and Molly had fevers, chills, and vomiting, Cole had ear infections and bloodshot eyes, I got hit with the flu on Thursday, and Brett got it on Saturday. Only Connor esaped unscathed.

Friday night I took Cole with me on a trip to Missouri for my grandparent's 60th anniversary party. We planned to fly from Detroit to Chicago, then Springfield. I still felt pretty crummy from the flu but figured I could tough it out though my eye was getting a little irritated on the drive to Detroit. The plane didn't even get to the gate until 50 minutes after the scheduled departure. Once we boarded the pilot tells us that they need to de-ice the plane. So we sit. . . and sit. Guess who has two thumbs and a screaming 18 month old on a crowded plane? This mom.

It was very embarrassing. I was trying everything- juice, crackers, books, cuddling. . .Cole was just tired and fighting sleep so he was throwing a fit while we all sat on the runway. I even called Brett on the cell phone and had him sternly tell Cole "No", which did work for a few seconds. Finally, he wore himself out and fell asleep. In the mean time, my eye is really starting to hurt. I'm thinking maybe my contact is inside out or I've got something on it, because I can barely open it. If I can just make it to Chicago, then I can take care of it.

Well, we finally land in Chicago. . .just as my connecting flight is taking off. We scramble over to a desk and try to find another flight to Spfd, but there was no time to make it. We've missed our chance to make it that night. We have to stay in a hotel. I'm starting to break down a little at this point, not because we have to stay, but because I feel absolutely terrible, my eye is on fire, and am carrying a purse, two coats, a diaper bag and a 30 lb toddler through O'Hare. We finally make it to our discounted room at the airport Hilton, which I must say is very nice. My checked luggage has to stay at the airport, so we don't have our toiletries or changes of clothes. It's about 10:30, so I ordered room service-a burger, kid's plate hot dog, and two drinks=$31.00. We lay down and try to get some sleep, but my eye is in so much pain, I can't rest. Around 2:00 am, I raid the mini-bar and purchase the first aid kit with 2 Tylenol in it for $4.75. It helps and I rest until morning.

We make it out of Chicago without a hitch. Cole does pretty well on the plane. He liked to look out the window and loved the air vents shooting on his head. My eye was feeling better so I was able to put my contact back in. Dad picked us up and we headed to his house. I couldn't believe the amount of trees affected by the recent ice storms. I feel for everyone who has gone without power.

The anniversary party was held at Highland Springs and was fun for the family. It was good to see aunts, uncles, cousins, and their kids. There was a DVD playing of my grandparents through the years, and the room was decorated very nicely (good job, Mom). Afterwards, we headed out to my grandparent's house for more 'togetherness'. My eye has gradually worsened again, so I take my contact out. It looks really bloodshot, gross, and painful, and I can only open that eyelid halfway. I'm sure that will be lovely in all the pictures that were taken.

Sunday afternoon we all get together again for more food and fellowship. My flight was cancelled, so I got to stay another day and flew out on Monday. It was difficult at times, but I'm glad we got to pay a visit. I missed the other kiddos and Brett while we were gone. I saw the eye doctor and got some antibiotic drops, which are helping. No contact for a week, so I'm kind of one eye-sighted. I have some pictures in my camera that I need to post, which I hope to do tomorrow. Anyway, long post for a long absence.