The flight home was long and could do not be over soon enough. I got to the airport about an hours and a half before my flight left, and luckily I was able to upgrade my seat at the very last minute so I could get some sleep. With that I was able to sit in the lounge while waiting so Diane and I chatted until it was time to go to the gate. Now mind you in other lounges, that is in other countries and the US, you are able to dine on some pretty decent foods and a relaxing
atmosphere. In Saudi it is a little different but very tolerable. The cuisine was tuna sandwiches, donuts, coffee and bottled water. Not what you call a feast but hey it was enough to pass the time and cut the cravings.
At 12:15 the call was made that they were loading the flight, so I bid my farewell to Diane, packed up my Laptop and made my way to the gate. The crowd as usual was lite and the plane which had made its way from Qatar was hardly full. I made my way to my seat, got out my MP3 player, headphones, book etc, and settled in for the long semi long trip to Amsterdam. We took off on time and about 15 minutes into the flight they started serving the meal. I actually can’t tell you what we had because I was tired and ready for them to dim the lights so sleep could begin. About 45 minutes later that is just what happened. Like all other trips I was keyed up so sleep did not come easy but eventually it set in and I was pleasantly refreshed when they turned on the lights for the pre-landing meal. Again it slips my mind but usually consists of some fruit, yogurt, an omelet and some meat. Of course the coffee and juice flows and you can never get enough of that.
As I exited the plane at the gate, I began my long walk back to the concourse where the KLM lounge was. It still amazes me how many people fly through there from so many places. You see all kinds, all ages, and just about from every country you can imagine. As I made my way upstairs, I realized that it was just 6:30 and I was going to have to endure a longer stent than usual. We must have landed early as the flight to Houston was still about 3 and a half hours away. I checked in and made my way to a desk where I could setup my Laptop and see
who was online, check emails and just try and chill. I got settled and then called Diane to let her know I had made the first leg ok. We chatted for a few minutes as it was already past her bedtime by then. The time went by fairly fast and before I knew it, it was time to head to the gate again. The walk to the International gate is quite long, and of course I am carrying a back pack and a carryon so it tends to make the trip seem like forever.
Once on the plane I settled in for some book, movies and music. Again we were off on time and merrily on our way. Continental has finally gotten up with the times and installed On Demand video. So I had quite a few movies to select from. The first I picked was Marley and me which was a really great movie. If you haven’t watched it I recommend it. The second and third escape me but they were both really good if I remember. By the time the third one was winding down, they were serving a snack and we were about 45 minutes outside of Houston making our approach. We landed about 15 minutes early and taxied to the gate. As luck would have it, we actually got to the gate closest to Immigration which rarely happens. The lines were crazy as it looked like we and three other planes had gotten in right after each other. Even though the lines were long, they moved quickly and I was next in line. As I walked up to the booth, the officer eyed me and looked at my entry form, asked his normal questions like, Have you been to any other countries before coming here? Well ya, that’s why I am in International arrivals and getting my passport stamped, duh, but I didn’t say that to him of course. He finally finished his drill and then stamped me and I was headed to Baggage Claims. Amazingly the bags were already coming out on the carousel as I walked down the escalator and I was able to grab my bag in no time. Off to Customs and then out the door to my waiting wife and daughter.
Well of course the first stop was to see the new house the kids had built, and let me tell you the pictures didn’t do it justice. Everything looked so clean and fresh, the color coordination was absolutely amazing, and the yard was landscaped nicely. We toured through the house and I got to look at everything, which wasn’t much because it was still vacant. After, we decided to stop for a quick bite at Chewys’ a really nice Mexican Restaurant, you know I had to get my TEX-MEX fix ☺. Once we finished up the great meal, we headed back to TC and dropped Kimber off at her apartment. Finally getting home, I unloaded my bags and hauled them into the house and began unpacking. Everything was clean so laundry would wait until we returned from San Angelo. For the evening we just hung out watched some TIVO and just chilled. It was nice to be home, of course the dogs were going nuts and were all over me, but hey they missed me so what do you expect.
Tuesday, well I really can’t even remember what I did on Tuesday, I know there was something going on because literally I did something every single day! Anyway it must not have been too exciting if I can’t remember it ;). So on Wednesday I had errands to run. I definitely went and picked up my Tux and some other odds and ends not a really busy day, but it was almost three quarters of getting stuff ready for the trip to San Angelo. We had taken the dogs to get them groomed and when I got home Diane was picking them up from the groomer. Later the groomer and hubby came over as they were going to watch the dogs for us while we were gone so they wanted to be sure about everything. That also went off without a hitch and we finished off the evening with more TIVO and then much needed sleep. Thursday morning was busy with packing suitcases, going over lists to make sure we had everything and then the chore of packing the car. Always when we go on a trip I feel like we move the house with us, but this time was different. This trip we had tons of stuff to take for the wedding. Diane had been taking care of flowers that were individually potted to be used for the rehearsal dinner. So let me tell you that took some effort to make sure they didn’t get damaged during the trip. Eventually we got them all packed in along with clothes, necessities and of course my golf clubs☺. We were on the road by 10 with a quick stop to pick up donuts and Kimber.
The trip went pretty quick, usually we can count on 8-9 hours but we made into Abilene by 6 that evening. Since we don’t like to put my mom out and wait dinner on us, we headed to the mall for a couple of items we had forgotten and then to Taco Bueno for dinner, yummy my favorite fast food Mexican! This place makes Taco Bell look like, well lets just say that if you haven’t ever tried it, you need to because you will enjoy the food and the experience. We finished up dinner and headed to moms house. After unpacking the car and getting the air mattress blown up, sheets on, we were pretty exhausted but we stayed up and chatted for awhile. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits and we enjoyed the evening until it was time to hit the hay. I have to say that with the new technology in air mattresses, it is hard not to get a good night sleep. Of course Diane will argue the point because she says I move too much and bounces her around but I have no idea what she is talking about. So the next morning we got up, had showers and a good breakfast and packed up the car again and got on the road to San
Angelo.
The drive was a quick hour and a half and the scenery was nice. We arrived in San Angelo and called the kids to find out where the Hotel was. We were going to stop by just to see if we could get checked in so we could dump some of the stuff off and lighten the load. Well sure enough we were able to and the room was very nice and the hotel staff was pleasant, thank you Comfort Suites! So we called Cassie and asked her where we needed to go to start getting things setup
for the rehearsal dinner. She directed us in the general area and we finally ended up meeting her at the church parking lot so she could lead us and let us in. We got in and immediately began the preparations. Tables, chairs, table clothes, plants (finally), balloons, ice cream fixin’s etc, etc, etc. The groomsmen, brides maids, and other family showed up to help so it went really quick and we were done within an hour. Kimber left with the others to hang out for the afternoon while Diane and I headed to the airport to pick up the Brother Glass and Lacy the awesome photographer! They were right on time so we all pilled in and headed to Chilies for a quick bite.
Well it ended up being quite a long bite we waited forever for our food, but as usual the quality was excellent when it came. We all just ate and chatted about events, other weddings, some of Lacy’s shoots, etc. The conversation was well worth the wait and we eventually finished up and headed back to the hotel. While Grayson and Lacy checked in, Diane and I headed upstairs to try and relax a little before time to go to the church. By this time other family who was coming to the wedding had checked in so we stopped and chatted for awhile and then just chilled out in the room. Kimber showed back up and around 5’ish we all got dressed and headed to the church. Well the rehearsal went off without a hitch everyone knew pretty much what to do where to stand etc, normal wedding preparation stuff. So we called it a wrap and everyone headed over to the rehearsal dinner. We opened up and the caterer was already setup and waiting for us. The guest started arriving and began to mingle and look at all the decorations and pictures we had set around. There were quite a few and I think the last count was around 40 or so. Everyone started eating and seemed to be enjoying the food. The menu consisted of chicken and beef fajitas, beans, rice, pico, guacamole, chips and salsa. The excitement began as dessert was served, we had setup a “top your own ice cream cup”. We had all kinds of toppings from caramel, chocolate syrup, crushed Butter Finger bars to nuts, sprinkles and even gummy bears (Cassie’s favorite).
Next Lee, Cassie’s step dad, got up and made a toast, then it was my turn. They were both quite good and the new families were enjoying the time together. Then Josh and Cassie gave out their Groomsmen and Brides Maids gifts, along with the flower girls and ring bearer. They all seemed to enjoy what they got and as each one was introduced and a short story to go along with them. It was time for the bride and grooms gifts. Josh gave Cassie and really nice set of designer luggage and Cassie had painted Josh another Bleu Dog painting. If you don’t know, there is an artist in Louisiana that paints a Blue Dog. Josh really likes them and Cassie is so talented that she paints an awesome look alike. Well they both seemed to enjoy each others and the party just continued for another hour or so. I snuck off and took the pastor back to the hotel and by the time I got back they had started cleaning up. Really there wasn’t a whole lot to do and within a short time we had everything cleaned up and was locking the door. All the kids were headed to the ranch where they were staying for some fun and the rest of us headed back to the hotel for some much deserved sleep, it had been a very long and busy day. We changed and read for awhile, watched a little TV and then turned out the lights. Tomorrow would be another busy day and we needed our beauty rest.
Morning came too soon, as the alarm went off it was hard to struggle out of bed. But we managed and as Diane went to get a shower and get dressed for her Brunch with the girls, I headed down stairs for some breakfast and read the paper. When I got back to the room, Diane and Kimber were just finishing up and it was time to take them to the Brunch. The trip was short and after I dropped them off I headed back to the hotel for a little studying and watch some of the US open. The time flew by too quickly because before I knew it Diane was calling and saying they were ready to be picked up. Well let’s leave at there for now, we will pickup in the next edition with the rest of the days events leading up to the Big Event. Hope you are enjoying stand by for more fun and excitement.
for the rehearsal dinner. She directed us in the general area and we finally ended up meeting her at the church parking lot so she could lead us and let us in. We got in and immediately began the preparations. Tables, chairs, table clothes, plants (finally), balloons, ice cream fixin’s etc, etc, etc. The groomsmen, brides maids, and other family showed up to help so it went really quick and we were done within an hour. Kimber left with the others to hang out for the afternoon while Diane and I headed to the airport to pick up the Brother Glass and Lacy the awesome photographer! They were right on time so we all pilled in and headed to Chilies for a quick bite.
Well it ended up being quite a long bite we waited forever for our food, but as usual the quality was excellent when it came. We all just ate and chatted about events, other weddings, some of Lacy’s shoots, etc. The conversation was well worth the wait and we eventually finished up and headed back to the hotel. While Grayson and Lacy checked in, Diane and I headed upstairs to try and relax a little before time to go to the church. By this time other family who was coming to the wedding had checked in so we stopped and chatted for awhile and then just chilled out in the room. Kimber showed back up and around 5’ish we all got dressed and headed to the church. Well the rehearsal went off without a hitch everyone knew pretty much what to do where to stand etc, normal wedding preparation stuff. So we called it a wrap and everyone headed over to the rehearsal dinner. We opened up and the caterer was already setup and waiting for us. The guest started arriving and began to mingle and look at all the decorations and pictures we had set around. There were quite a few and I think the last count was around 40 or so. Everyone started eating and seemed to be enjoying the food. The menu consisted of chicken and beef fajitas, beans, rice, pico, guacamole, chips and salsa. The excitement began as dessert was served, we had setup a “top your own ice cream cup”. We had all kinds of toppings from caramel, chocolate syrup, crushed Butter Finger bars to nuts, sprinkles and even gummy bears (Cassie’s favorite).
Next Lee, Cassie’s step dad, got up and made a toast, then it was my turn. They were both quite good and the new families were enjoying the time together. Then Josh and Cassie gave out their Groomsmen and Brides Maids gifts, along with the flower girls and ring bearer. They all seemed to enjoy what they got and as each one was introduced and a short story to go along with them. It was time for the bride and grooms gifts. Josh gave Cassie and really nice set of designer luggage and Cassie had painted Josh another Bleu Dog painting. If you don’t know, there is an artist in Louisiana that paints a Blue Dog. Josh really likes them and Cassie is so talented that she paints an awesome look alike. Well they both seemed to enjoy each others and the party just continued for another hour or so. I snuck off and took the pastor back to the hotel and by the time I got back they had started cleaning up. Really there wasn’t a whole lot to do and within a short time we had everything cleaned up and was locking the door. All the kids were headed to the ranch where they were staying for some fun and the rest of us headed back to the hotel for some much deserved sleep, it had been a very long and busy day. We changed and read for awhile, watched a little TV and then turned out the lights. Tomorrow would be another busy day and we needed our beauty rest.
Morning came too soon, as the alarm went off it was hard to struggle out of bed. But we managed and as Diane went to get a shower and get dressed for her Brunch with the girls, I headed down stairs for some breakfast and read the paper. When I got back to the room, Diane and Kimber were just finishing up and it was time to take them to the Brunch. The trip was short and after I dropped them off I headed back to the hotel for a little studying and watch some of the US open. The time flew by too quickly because before I knew it Diane was calling and saying they were ready to be picked up. Well let’s leave at there for now, we will pickup in the next edition with the rest of the days events leading up to the Big Event. Hope you are enjoying stand by for more fun and excitement.
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