Luke and I recently returned from a great and long overdue visit to the States. Unbelieveably, this trip was only the second time we've been back to the US since moving to Italy. Thanks to all our family and close friends for being understanding of how tough it's been to travel back and helping us make the most of the visits we've been able to make. Wish we could have seen more of you, but we'll make it up to you once we're back.
On this trip, we spent most of our time in Murphy but made it to LaGrange for a rare visit with Lauren, Tom, and Susan all in one place. I hadn't realized just how much Luke had grown and how much of his own personality is now showing through until I saw him through the eyes of loved ones back home. It's easy to be fooled by the slow and steady changes that unfold day by day, but I couldn't deny how big Luke now is looking at the awe, wonder, and the little bit of sadness as the grandparents and aunts realize how much has changed since they saw him last. But with that comes the fun of getting reacquainted and showing all the new things Luke can do, be it turning on the stereo so he can dance or ordering "toast" from the local lunch counter.
We were able to get to my home church twice in Murphy, and it was wonderful be able to bring Luke there, especially for Mother's Day. We spent time with the grand and great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Luke had fun learning the ropes from his older and wiser cousin Delaney and seeing a real little "baby" in his new cousin Morgan. Going home is always a mixed reaction of how much some things have changed and how much others have stayed exactly the same. We have a new little generation of children on the Allen side of the family, and I enjoyed seeing them finally be together all in one place.
Good dinners at Grandma Allen, Mamaw's and of course my Mama's house were a welcome treat. Luke ate all his meals with Papaw at his side, sneaking him sips of sweet tea now and then. Papaw even let him "drive" his race car, even though Luke's feet only reached the end of the seat. Nana kept him busy cooking in the kitchen, mixing up special dishs and sorting through her tupperware cabinet. Spending time with Michele and Galen was also great. Michele's job keeps her busy and always into something different everyday of the week. Galen made two stops through Murphy on the Nascar circuit to get in to some playtime with Luke. Uncle Morris showed Luke his cows and even now that we've come back to Italy, he still keeps saying "Moo?" They are a long way from here, but he'll see them all again soon.
LaGrange was definately warmer but lovely, too, and just right for a the first swim of the season. Luke took to the water well, blowing a few bubbles with Lauren and kicking with Grandpa. Lauren came up from Tampa and Tom and Susan were there for a few days off between trips for work. We were unbelieveably lucky everyone could be off at the same time just before Mother's Day. The requisite pilgrimage to Charlie Joseph's lunch counter was our first stop in town for a cut up hot dog for Luke. We met Lauren there and then got to go back the next day to do it again the next day with the grandparents; no problem for me---I could eat there a couple times a week!
