Until We Meet Again

This is "Schroeder Boy", as we affectionately call him.  Isn't he just the cutest black cat?!  We think so. Today marked yet another big milestone in our quest for adventure.  Probably the most difficult one too.  It was extremely tough watching grandma Kathie take him home (on a plane to California).  It was more like slow torture for all of us.  We knew this day was coming.  The weather was gloomy and rainy with thunder and lightning.  Schroeder's cat carrier sat by the stairs all day.  Nobody wanted to talk about it, so we kept busy until it was time to go.  My mom and I corralled Schroeder to give him his nice "relaxing" pill, which he took without any blood shed.   Maggie lost it when we put Schroeder in his carrier and into the car.  We watched with nervousness and long faces as grandma went through security (taking Schroeder out of his carrier and back in again).  Once she was out of sight, the tears began to flow.  Olivia, who was so non-chellant about the whole idea, broke down and cried all the way home.  All the while, Kate was rubbing everyone's back and holding hands in comfort.  My stomach was in knots partly because my heart was breaking for the girls but also because it was the last time I would see my mom before we depart.  It was an emotional day and if we can make it through the bedtime routine, where Schroeder was so proudly a participant, we will be in good shape.  Good-bye Schroeder Boy, until we meet again, next year!  We love you!