St. Louis Zoo

The St. Louis Zoo is always a favorite and Savannah seems to love animals. In particular, she loves the animals from Madagascar. So we were sure to find the giraffes, lions and zebras. She also seemed to like the penguins, the goats in the petting zoo and elephants but by the time we got to the lions was sound asleep. She also really likes trains, or choo-choos as she calls them, so we took the ride around the zoo on the train, which of course she slept through as well. We attempted to escape some of the Dubai heat by coming to St. Louis, but since we arrived it has been unseasonably hot and humid! Today was finally a nice day to be outside.

Shopping in the US!

There is a  common quote that is used in Dubai... "Anything is possible in Dubai". Anything you could ever want or dream of wanting is available....at a price.

Shopping tends to be expensive in Dubai. Groceries are all imported in from all over the world so it adds up quick. Produce and meat in particular but also dry goods. (For example, I spent $14 on 4 lbs. of seedless grapes today and one- 8 oz bag of Pepperidge Farm Goldfish is $6.) It is also a very European way of shopping, so everything is smaller is size. There is no bulk-shopping at Costco or Sams. Even the grocery carts seem smaller. Many people shop multiple times throughout the week, instead of doing one big shopping. I think the idea is that they are buying fresher food but when it is all imported thousands of miles I think it is the same stuff on Sunday as it is on Wednesday! Things also tend to run out and when they are gone, they might be gone for awhile...for example we have been without Goldfish for a few weeks now and Savannah decided she likes "yellow" string cheese better than "white" string cheese which they have also been out of for a few weeks now.

I have been shopping several times since we have been in St. Louis and Florida and get sucked in every time. It makes me realize how much cheaper some things are and the convenience of being able to run up to the grocery store or Target and not have to go to the mall is so speedy! I do find that I have a hard time buying in bulk now though. It all seems like so much. (The last pack of toilet paper I bought in Dubai had four rolls in the pack...unlike the lifetime supply at Costco.) I also now have a new found interest in Target. We have a French version but it isn't the same. It is fine for some dry goods and the occasional produce but it doesn't carry the same home decor items or kids items. Also, in Dubai you have to go to a separate store for everything...there is very little one stop shopping.

We even made a list before I left of things to pick up while I was in the States because they will be significantly cheaper. For example, Chris needs new running shoes, I need a new pair of jeans, Savannah needs new shoes, etc... I am sure I will find a few other things not on the list a home in the suitcase!

St. Louis Bound...again

This afternoon Savannah and I headed back to St. Louis. It is always difficult to leave Florida but this trip was especially hard. I have grown up going to Florida on a regular basis to visit my grandparents, it almost has a homey feeling. It will be different to go back to visit my aunt and uncle and not have my Nana or Gramps there. Savannah was lucky enough to meet her "Great Nana" (or as she referred to herself..."THE Great Nana") several times and I will continue to pass on her spirit, kindness and love. Savannah's middle name started 4 generations ago with my Nana and I will be sure to make sure that Savannah grows up knowing how much her Great Nana loved all three of us.

Today, we got to fly with my mom! She may not have been as excited as we were but I was grateful to have extra help and hands and Savannah took right to telling her where she should sit and disliked that our flight from Atlanta to St. Louis involved her sitting in the row behind us! Given that we again boarded a plane, only to be delayed and de-boarded, to re-boarded and close to running again Savannah did great. She even got ice cream from the flight attendant.

A huge thank-you to my Aunt Lynn and Uncle Jim! They yet again opened their hearts and home to all. I always have a wonderful time visiting them and this trip was no exception. Savannah and I can't wait to come back!

Saying Good-bye

Today was Nana's Memorial Service. Everything was done beautifully and I think Nana would have been happy. It was sweet to talk to her friends and hear how much she talked about her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids to them. It was also sweet to know that she touched so many people's lives with her kindness and love. She will definitely be missed by not only her family but her friends as well.

My Nana will always hold a special place in my heart. I already miss our phone calls every few days and feel like I have so much to tell her. Her notes of love and encouragement were priceless and her example of truly loving the man she married is a lesson to all. She may have been stubborn but if I can be half of the woman she was I will feel like I have succeeded.

Family Bonding

The main objective of today was to spend time with family. My cousins are also all in town. We are a small family that is scattered all over the place so it is always great to spend a little time together. Even though we are all here for a sad event, my Nana would have been so glad that everyone was together. Unfortunatly, when there are lots of miles between us there are usually family members missing from gatherings. Chris is obviously still in Dubai and my cousin's wife and kids are back home in Texas.

While we are staying at a near by hotel with my mom, dad, sister and brother-in-law, we spend most of our time at my Aunt and Uncle's. I think Savannah spent more time in the pool than she did out of the pool and has now taken turns swimming with any and everyone My cousin's kids, Christopher and Nicole love to swim so she had good company.

Florida Bound

Early this morning Savannah and I headed back to the airport, bound for Ormond Beach. It will be great to see my side of the family again but for devastating reasons. My Nana was an amazing woman and will be greatly missed.

Of course, I couldn't get Savannah and I on the same flight as my dad and sister so we took the first flight out, arriving in Daytona Beach a few hours before them. My brother-in-law has been working in Cleveland and was also on the early flight in. We actually were on the same flight from Atlanta to Daytona Beach. Since Savannah and I again had to run to our connection I was relived to find out that he was sitting directly behind us...he may not have been as excited since Savannah was already crying before take-off!

We arrived at my Aunt and Uncle's late morning with of course no luggage! Oddly  our luggage was on my dad and sister's flight...the one that we couldn't get on! Of course, I didn't think to pack Savannah's swim suit in my carry on bags and in classic style, our bags didn't arrive until 8:00 pm! My aunt and uncle have a beautiful pool right outside their back door. After stalling most of the day and trying to occupy Savannah with other activities, we finally gave in and let her go swimming with dad, in her dress! It didn't seem to bother her at all and was great exercise for strengthing her leg!

Swimming at Last

Today we spent the day visiting with family and of course had to go visit Savannah's Great Grammie and Great Pa so she could go swimming. I am not sure who was more excited...Savannah or Great Grammie. Savannah didn't venture to far from the steps and her leg seems pretty weak but she enjoyed the afternoon in the pool and of course playing with the hose!

Unfortunately, my Nana passed away on Sunday. My mom has been in Florida since she suffered a stroke a few days before. Savannah and I will join her and the rest of our family there tomorrow. It is definitely a hard  trip, I will always be thankful that we came home in April to celebrate her 90th birthday!