I was really nervous to go back to Houston. We're pretty sure moving back is in the near future so naturally I felt like this trip was going to determine my feelings about moving back. I was worried I was going to leave with the same feelings and then Paul would have to drag me back to Houston kicking and screaming.
As we neared the runway at the airport in Houston I turned to Audrey and said, "It looks like we're home.". I had to catch myself. In that moment it felt like Montana had never existed, we were just taking the same flight home like we had so many times before.
As we headed toward the exit in our rental car a sweet southern woman waved us over to her booth to check out. She had a Texas accent and called us honey. I smiled remembering all of the people I so dearly loved while living here.
We arrived at our friend's home and they welcomed us with hugs as I wiped back tears, I missed my friends. Over the next few days we talked late into the night, our kids played together, and we ate Gigi's famous home cooked meals. Everyday felt like a celebration of our time together. I can't say I was surprised but I was in awe over the kids that flocked to Melissa's house. I can't say I blame them. They probably come for the same reason I do. No one else I know loves people the way these people do.
Audrey enjoyed building forts, playing with Levi, and getting love from her Texas grandparents. She loved sleeping in a bunk bed for the first time and made sure to draw and cut out stars to tape to the ceiling to make the space her own. She arrived a little apprehensive and left with tears in her eyes because she didn't want to leave.
I left wanting to adopt as many babies as I can and hoping that someday I can be as loving and accepting of strangers as my friends are. Once a stranger, I now feel like a part of their family. I'm an Auntie Em and I couldn't be happier about it.
Our next stop was James and Jenny's house. We were all excited to see them. It's been at least a year since we last saw them and we felt like it was about time. Paul needs his brother sometimes, I was looking forward to reconnecting with Jenny and seeing how much the kids have grown, and Audrey was so excited to see her long lost Texas cousins. We arrived to Jane's birthday party and spent some time outside reminding ourselves of how hot and humid Houston can be. I think Paul mentioned several times that he was not looking forward to coming back to the heat. That evening we talked about what we wanted to do and made plans. I'm convinced that James and Jenny know how to plan and execute fun. Each morning Jenny would put together lunches and then we'd head off to a new destination. We went to the Museum of Natural Science, spent sometime poolside, and went to a water park. James spent so much time going over the map of his neighborhood and driving us around to look at houses for the upcoming move. It was that evening after driving around that I felt so much more peace about moving back. I hope it works out that we can be closer to them.
I made a little friend while I was there. When we left Mary was a baby and now she's a little girl. She plopped right down in my lap several times causing my heart to melt. I spend so much time trying to get my nieces and nephews to love me and with Mary it was easy. She is the sweetest. When we were at the water park I was able to spend some time with Jane and Audrey together. I enjoyed being with both of them and I'm so glad that they have each other. Audrey loves Jane so much, it's been hard for her to be away these last couple years. I'm was so happy that they were able to reconnect and enjoy being together.
Paul obviously couldn't say enough about how much he enjoyed being with James and I was so grateful that He and Jenny were willing to take care of us while we were there. We had many evening conversations and as I talked about the possibility of adopting, I so appreciated their excitement and support....heaven knows I'll need as much of that as I can get. I love them!
Leaving was harder than I expected. I felt like I was leaving home. I guess apart of my heart will always be in Texas. In the end I had a conversation with Paul about moving back and we both came to the same conclusion. It was always the people in Houston that made us love living there. In the end I was so grateful we took the push from James and made the trip. Thank you for helping us come, and thank you for making our decision a little easier!
Once again I'm fired from taking pictures. I was so busy having fun at James and Jenny's that I didn't take my camera out of the bag. Next time I'll be better.
