Not much time to write, because once we are all together it will be hopeless, but-

Soon, we will be walking to the grandkids’ school to surprise them when they emerge, as they think we are arriving the first day of their Spring Break, tomorrow! That’s the moment Grandma and Grandpa have been dreaming of-

Before that we are catching up and making grocery lists with the parents and, most importantly, being charmed by baby antics and beginner’s speech-

Before that we are snacking at the table and laughing as Little Curly suddenly stands in the high chair, gestures grandly toward the big window, and dramatically declares “BUS.” And guess what, he’s got a million more of these super-cute tricks!

Before that we are in a taxi, so happy to spot the beautiful and familiar Puente de l’Assut l’Or bridge that means we are so near our daughter’s apartment. 

Before that we are happily fetching bags and emerging into the Valencian sunshine and wind, and are welcomed by the brilliant almost purple blue color the city is famous for, as we see it again in tiles and planters and guardrails.

Before that we are rushing for our connection at Charles De Gaulle Airport, starting with a packed shuttle, then going through yet another security check (drink all that water, stat), waiting in a long line for passport check with other panicked flyers looking at their watches and then, catching yet another shuttle, speed-walking past gates that seem to stretch out infinitely ahead of us, checking watches that say the gate will already be closed, but can’t give up yet, so RUNNING to make our connecting flight Paris to Valencia-

Before that, as our plane lands, we are astonished to see a HUGE, gorgeous German Shepard dog unfurl himself from the airplane floor where he has spent the night quiet as a mouse, and seeing the elderly man bring his guide-dog harness down from the overhead bin. Good dog.

Before that we are miserably comparing notes in the middle of the long night flight over the Atlantic, about our necks, backs, legs, bums … and how could anyone be  expected to endure this confinement?

Before that we are killing time in Washington D.C.’s Dulles Airport, trying to avoid the Dunkin donut stand-

Before that I was sitting typing my last post about packing for this trip!