Stealing Gas To Get Abby

Dear Family,

Thanksgiving seemed to have been a mere pause on the way to Christmas festivities. We need to thank David, Meg and family, Reid, Jean(er), Andrew, Willow, and Matt and Marie who joined us for Thanksgiving. We had good times to add to our 'warm memories' with a delicious dinner, games, making bread dough ornaments, basketball (no one over 30 got hurt YEAH!) and soaking/boiling at Crystal Hot Springs. Did anyone else go see the movie Hugo?

The Sunday after Thanksgiving we drove to the SLC airport to pick up Abby from her study abroad program in Italy. At 10:30 p.m. we were resting all toasty and warm until Curt announced Abby's flight was ahead of schedule and rushed everyone into the cars. We split into two cars with one car needing to be left at the airport for Alex and Ashley's return from California. Arrggg…both cars were seriously running on empty. Marie replied faithfully that because it was Sunday she was certain the Lord would not let us run out of gas. Curt and I, obviously lacking, put our faith in the arm of flesh and pulled over to fill the tanks and sped off. We weren't quite half way to the airport when we got a call from Matt who stayed at home. He explained that an officer Anderson was at our door because we had not paid for our gas and was there to hunt us down. Yikes! April swore that she swiped our bank card but who knows!? I asked Matt to tell the officer that if he would give us until midnight we would be back from the airport and stop and pay for our gas. Goodness what a night. Soon after that we got a call from Abby saying that her plane landed and where were we? When I pulled over at the airport curb April and Marie (who are the most accommodating people I know) rushed in to open the 'Welcome Home' banner as Abby came down the escalator. She looked happy but very tired and as soon as we got back to Syracuse we paid for our gas.

We have really enjoyed learning about all the places Abby was able to visit and learn about. She had a really good experience where not everything went as planned but she made the best of things. She has had some amazing experiences never to be forgotten.

April just finished her clinical hours for her CNA . She had some very interesting experiences that would crack you up. She is REALLY convinced that she doesn't want to do that for a living but after talking with Jean(er) she realizes that she may have to do some gross things in the future but she does not have to work in a nursing home. She seemed to always get the grossest assignments. She looks pretty natural in her new scrubs and stethoscope.

We don't have much more to share but just want each one of you to know how often we think of you and enjoy your company. PLEASE come or call or let us know if we can ever be of help to you.

We love you,
Uncle Curt & Aunt Susan