Long Road Home

97

Two weeks after Thanksgiving the first snow began falling at the lake house and with it an ever growing Christmas list for Santa from Alura. Along with letters for Santa, Lori became more mobile, and more talkative. She could say 'sissy, momma and mommy, and gammy. Alex and Sam were disappointed that she couldn't say 'Aunite' yet, however now they were too busy planning for the birth of their son. Alex was busy setting up the nursery while Sam was busy bossing Alex around and picking out names.

Right now Kara and Lena are currently loading up their daughters to take them to Eliza's for the day so they can go Christmas shopping for them. "Momma? Will you drop my letter off?" Alura asked. "Of course sweetheart! We'll drop it off on our way into town so Santa will get it quickly." Kara replied. "Ok good, cause I wrote down stuff on there for Lori too." Alura said. "Well, that is very nice of you sweetheart! I'm sure Santa will get you both something very special this year, since you two have been very good girls." Lena added as she buckled Lori in. "Ok! Is everyone ready to go see grandma?" Kara asked as she got into the drivers seat. "Yeaaa!" Both girls cried out. "Ok! Let's go!" Lena replied as Kara began driving out of the driveway.

A few minutes later they arrived at Eliza's and unloaded the girls and their car seats. "We should be back later...but here are their car seats so you can do that special grandma granddaughter activity." Kara said. "Oh yes! Come on girls, we've got a big day ahead of us." Eliza cooed. "What are we gonna do grandma?" Alura asked. "Well first...we're going to make cookies, then I've got a special activity to do with you two." Eliza said. "Have fun girls! Be good for grandma!" Kara and Lena called out together as they headed back to their car.

A little while later Kara and Lena pulled up to the mall and got out of the car. "So...kids first, then mom, Sam and Alex, then we do our shopping for each other another time?" Kara asked. "Yes. Now...where to first?" Lena asked. "Clothes for the kids, then to get some items of Alura's Santa's list." Kara replied. "Ok let's get going...it's gonna be a long day." Lena said with a sigh.

Meanwhile back in Eliza's house the three of them are busy making sugar cut out cookies. Alura and Lori sat up on the counter and dumped in all the ingredients. "Gammy..." Lori said. "Yes sweetheart?" Eliza asked. "I gu poty?" Lori asked. "Yes, come on darling. Alura sit still till I come back ok." Eliza said. Alura nodded as Eliza walked towards the bathroom with Lori in her arms.

A few minutes later they returned and they continued making the cookies. "Ok! Now that they're in the oven...let's watch a Christmas movie, I'll make coco for all of us." Eliza said as she walked over to the cupboards grabbing three cups out of it. "Come on Lori, let's go get on the sofa and wait for Grandma." Alura said as she took her hand and walked towards the living room.

Back in the mall Kara  and Lena were just leaving the toy store with lots of bags on their arms. "Thank Rao we've got super strength." Lena whispered as they walked towards another store. "Ok kids, check! Now to get everyone else done." Kara replied with a smile.