Day 12 - Farewells and a Missing Fork

No idea why, but I woke at 5:30 and couldn’t get back to sleep. Renn stirred at 6:50 with a small cry, so I jumped up—but she drifted back off until her pink light turned on at 7. She woke sweetly asking for Dada as I told her a bed time would be here when she woke, so I delivered her to their room just as Kaylin opened the door—perfect timing for morning snuggles.

I started packing up the last of Renn’s clean laundry and little odds and ends from their trip, then we headed downstairs for coffee and her Fruit Loops breakfast. Chuck and Debby whipped up bacon and pancakes for everyone, with the Schmitt kids joining us at 8.

Couple of cuties!

By 9, the Boysis family was packed up, hugged out, and off to the airport. The Schmitt kids left an hour later, and we parents crashed on the couch to catch our breath after the busy week. My paint parcel arrived too—perfect timing!

The fellows headed out to refill propane tanks and fuel while Debby and I ran to Walmart for beer and a few last supplies. Back home, there was a flurry of packing—followed by a much-needed beer and Cheezie snack break. Chuck discovered a propane leak and fuel handle issue in their trailer, sending the guys back out for parts.

I got busy dismantling the gorgeous floral arrangements, saving some to dry, some to take along camping, and leaving a few bouquets for the Schmitt kids to enjoy. S napped on the couch with Harley—right back to his afternoon nap routine.

I just LOVE the flowers so brought out all the 24 bud vases, jumbo bouquet and 12 roses from Paris.

<3 <3 <3

2 of the bouquets made for the kids, made another and left them the roses too

While Debby packed her trailer, I remade Kaylin’s bed, washed up some pots, and continued organizing our own “U-Haul” under the trailer bed. More laundry ran in the background as I scrolled through photos—hardly believing how many memories were captured and how much I still hadn’t even seen yet of others.

Kaylin messaged once they landed safely home… but mentioned rental company claims one fork was missing. Dang! Must have went into the trash when dumping a plate. I knew I should’ve counted the silverware before the rental company pickup. Of course, the trash had already gone out earlier today—so no chance of a rescue mission. 1 fork =$25!

We ended the day with a decadent crab leg supper—thank you, Schmitts! The kids returned around 7, just as we were cleaning up. The fellows chatted while us girls (minus Ashley, busy reading a script) took Harley for a walk and met their neighbor Tammy and her two pups. (*Charlie was the one that went missing at the gas station)

More laughter and stories followed before they headed home at 8:30. Debby turned in shortly after, and I wasn’t far behind—grateful, tired, and full of appreciation for a wonderful week of family, food, and farewells.