After 12 hours of flights and driving we made it to our destination. The Beau Rivage Casino in Biloxi. It is a beautiful hotel that is right on the Gulf. We had a wonderful time. Tom only had meetings until about noon everyday and then we got to play. We took a boat out to Ship Island one day. It was very beautiful even if it was infested with mosquitoes. The water was clear and there were several dolphins playing in it , not far off the shore. It was also full of "cow nosed" stingrays. It was a lot of fun.
I must say that it is true what they say about southern hospitality. I have never felt so welcome in all my life. However, I am not fond of the idea of frying all of your food groups. I prefer my food grilled, steamed, baked, just about any other way, really. I have to say I did try a variety of things that I never thought I would. Such as: fried green tomatoes (not bad), gator nuggets, grits, and every type of fish you can fry.
Biloxi is a beautiful place. It is right on the Gulf of Mexico. It is totally flat but very green. The water in the gulf is Tea colored, but apparently has been that way since it was discovered by Columbus. Who knew?
Tom and I ended our 5 day trip with a car ride into Alabama. It was an interesting ride. We were looking for a spoon, because our friends we were with collects them. Anyway, we thought we would find something quickly after crossing the border. No such luck. We did however, find a woman who was very helpful in telling us where she thought we could find spoons and also in telling us that only 15 min. down the road was the home they used to film "Forrest Gump." Tom is a huge fan, so this was to good to pass up. After driving all over the beautiful countryside of Alabama,(because no one had understood her directions) we gave up. It was a fun adventure anyway. After 5 days in the south, we were both catching ourselves drawling. It was kinda funny y'all!
After another 12 hour travelling day we arrived home late on Wednesday night. We awoke Thursday morning and got ready to pick our son Jason up from the airport! He was arriving home from his mission! It was the highlight of my week. It was great to see him again. It took forever to get the missionaries off the plane though. We hurried him home and took him to the Stake Offices to be released. It was great to hear more about some of his experiences. We then went home and started packing for the next trip. Yes, another one. Tom, Jason, and I went to San Francisco for the weekend. We went for an adult reunion with Tom's sisters and father. It was fun. We took a plane to S.F. and then hopped the Bart train into town and walked to our hotel. We went to the Golden Gate bridge, walked all over SF and went to the Walt Disney Family museum. I think that was the highlight for Jason. It was really cool.
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| Tom in front of Biloxi Lighthouse |
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| Old trees that were damaged in hurricane Katrina. Instead of tearing them all up they carved them! These are eagles. |
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| Seahorse |
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| Waiting for Jason at the airport |
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| Welcome home hugs! |
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| Family photo |
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| Jason and Elder Johnson (his last companion in France) |
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| Welcome home sign at home |
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| Tom and Jason on Golden Gate Bridge |
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| Cyndie and Tom |
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| Golden Gate Bridge |
