Back in 2024, I flew to Pennsylvania in mid-December to surprise my sister for her 75th birthday. It was great fun, working with her kids in the area to facilitate the surprise, and even more fun spending those days with Joie! I decided then that an annual trip (but without the surprise element) was something I needed to work into my December schedule. And so was born the Second Annual Birthday Trip.

We did all the things we love to do together –
Puzzles

(Coffee and chocolate just out of the frame.)
and games

(Super fun afternoon joining friends for a Rummicub marathon.)
and thrifting, of course!

(Yes, I brought home (much) more than I took!)
We enjoyed lunch out with Joie’s lovely SIL

(Yes, we are wearing matching scarves. Sorry, not sorry!)
and even got to take in a delightful Christmas concert at their local Christian School.

(Oh, the memories of the many Christmas concerts we attended over the years!)
Since Joie has several of her kids living within a reasonable driving distance, we also got to spend some lovely time with those folks, too! No picture of the nine who came for brunch one day,

but we did get to spend some quality time (and did a bit more thrifting, tis true!) with these folks!

(This dear family also lives close to the airport and were instrumental in the entire ‘getting me there’ project!)

Quiet mornings, coffee with cream, homemade everything, and time to share our hearts. How precious those days were. Days that reminded us of how much we miss our sister, Elna (who is waiting for us in heaven), but also how blessed we are to have each other!
And how important it is to get the Third Annual Birthday Trip on the calendar!

But wait – there’s more!! The December fun continues…
Next time!

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