The door slams shut and I look over as my beautiful baby girl runs in.
"Hey baby! How was school!?" I ask while moving from behind the counter and meeting her halfway.
"It was good! We wrote to Santa!" She exclaims giving me a big hug.
"Did you? What did you ask Santa for?" I ask and she smiles.
"I can't tell you that." She says and I laugh.
"Okay baby. Go upstairs and draw for a little bit and let mommy finish cleaning everything up down here before we leave for grandma and grandpa's."
"Okay mommy." She says then puts her book bag on the chair and runs upstairs. I smile after her then turn back to the kitchen and grab the gift boxes. I fill them each with the cookies and other treats then put the bows on. I look over at the clock, 3:45pm. My phone starts to ring and I reach over and grab it.
"Hello?"
"Hi Baby! Just checking in to see when you'll be here?"
"We should be leaving here in the next fifteen minutes or so. Just getting some last minute packing done." I say grabbing the gift boxes and walking outside.
"Okay great! We'll see you soon then!"
"Yes; tell daddy hi."
"I will, stay safe!" She says
"I will, love you mom."
"Love you too baby." She says then ends the call. I pop the trunk then put the gifts in with the rest of our packing, before shutting it back and heading back inside. I clean everything up then climb the stairs and walk into Josie's bedroom.
"Hi baby." I say and she looks up from her book.
"What book are you reading?" I ask
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas."
"Oo that's a good one." I say sitting down beside her.
"Can I bring it to Grandma and Grandpa's house?"
"I'm sure you can. Speaking of which, you ready to go?" I ask and she nods with a grin.
"Great, go potty while I double check everything then we can go." I say and she smiles jumping off the bed and running down the hall to the bathroom. I smile to myself as I grab her stuffed animal off the bed then make my way down the stairs. I grab my purse off the counter and drop my phone into it then turn around as Josie runs downstairs; How the Grinch Stole Christmas clutched in her grip.
"You ready baby?" I ask putting my purse down and squatting to her level.
"Yes!" She exclaims and I smile putting her coat on then zipping her up.
"Ah, all nice and toasty." I say handing over Mr. Bear. She grins holding him in her other arm then running outside while I pull on my own coat then grab my purse. I walk out to the car and be sure she's all buckled in then climb into my seat and start up the car.
"Alright baby, you all set?" I ask.
"Yep!" She says then I smile backing out of our driveway.
~~~
I pull into my mother's driveway and look over my shoulder at my sleepy girl. I smile then get out and quietly open her door and lift her into my arms. I walk up front just as my mother comes out.
"Olivia! It is so good to oh-
She stops herself noticing Josie sound asleep.
"Hi mommy." I say giving her a side hug as I shift Josie.
"Aw, sleepy thing. Let me show you to her room."
"That would be great." I say and she smiles then leads me inside. We climb the stairs and then she pushes open a bedroom door and motions me in. I walk inside and gently put Josie down then kiss her forehead and leave the room. I follow my mom back down stairs then can officially give her a real hug.
"Oh my baby girl, I've missed you." She says and I nod against her.
"I've missed you too." I whisper then smile moving back as the front door opens and shuts. My dad walks in brushing snow off his coat and then shifts his gaze over to me.
"Livi!" He shouts, a smile brightening up his face.
"Hi daddy." I say smiling as he pulls me in for one of his usual big bear hugs. I pull back and smile as he looks around.
"And where's the little munchkin?"
"She's asleep upstairs." I say and he nods.
"Well, do you need any help unpacking?"
"Actually yes, that would be great." I say then we head outside.
~~~~~~
