Last Wednesday I flew to Charlotte to spend a few days with my family. It was mostly uneventful. I didn't have my own transportation while I was there. I should have rented a car. I don't know what I was thinking. So I mostly just sat around my mom's house watching the freakin' cold rain pour down.

I arrived at 6AM Thursday morning. Since I cannot sleep on planes, the rest of the morning was spent napping. Part of the early afternoon, as well. Thursday night I bought and watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Friday I sat around waiting until 230PM for my brother to bring my mother's truck back home so I could get out of the house. I went grocery shopping for stuff to make cupcakes. My grandmother's church was having a Christmas banquet later that night, so I wanted to have some foods to take. The cupcakes were red velvet with white chocolate cream cheese icing. Muy bueno!

Saturday I did nothing until the evening. My sister was supposed to take me to dinner with her new boyfriend.... but then that got sidetracked when her husband said the niece and nephew couldn't go (because of the pre-divorce boyfriend). And the kids had to go because my mom had them and my mom was driving. So it was my sister and her boyfriend who didn't go. The rest of us ate at Tres Amigos, a Mexican restaurant nearby. The portions were smallish, but it was inexpensive so I guess that's OK. I ordered sopapillas for dessert. It wasn't on the menu, but I asked for it. They brought it out covered in whipped topping and candy sprinkles. I have no idea what that was about. Not very authentic.

Sunday I went to church-- the one where I grew up. I always play the piano when I visit, and this time was no different. I had to play Christmas music. I had practiced it a couple hours the night before, but it wouldn't have mattered. There are drums and guitars and such there, and they play everything so fast and loud nobody would have noticed if I'd messed up. I didn't, though.

After church my family ate Christmas dinner early, so that I could attend. They'll do it again without me next week, I suppose. But I got my presents and gave presents to my little niece and nephew. I took the opportunity to take some photos with the family.

A Boy And His Dog.

My sister, brothers, parents, niece and nephew. And me!

My grandparents and me.