I'm in Love, I'm All Shook Up!

That's right. Henry was Elvis for Halloween. So damn cute. He could be my teddy bear any time. And I must give equal time to the equally adorable Audrey who was supposed to be Strawberry Shortcake but changed her mind at the last minute (like every woman) and was a butterfly instead. Spending time with Audrey and Henry has been the biggest perk of wintering in SoCal. Here's why.

I knew that Audrey and Henry's babysitter had taken them somewhere to see some chickens. For whatever reason I thought they were in someone's backyard.

Me: Audrey, does the babysitter have chickens in her yard?

Audrey: No.

Me: Where are the chickens?

Audrey: They're in the fridge, Non.

Another example. Audrey came out of her room wearing a princess costume a few weeks ago.

Rick: Audrey, you look just like a real princess!

Audrey: I am a real princess Appa. All I need is a castle, a wolf and a bush for the wolf to hide in.

The stories go on. One funnier than the last. Simply precious.

I had a terrific and much needed visit from Nancy and Colleen. Since I don't have any friends here (I am not a loser!) it was a welcome holiday from my duties as Lauren's slave. However, this visit was not without what seems to be our usual car trouble. No, not the new Traverse. We only have the Traverse here so with one car it can be challenging. The girls and I decided to rent a car for the duration of their stay to make things easier on everyone. Monday afternoon we are enjoying the views on PCH driving home from the beach in the rental. Lo and behold, the brakes went OUT. Fortunately we were near Neptune's net, and honestly, if you have to break down somewhere this is the place. Called Avis who gave us the roadside assistance number. Called roadside assistance and they said it would be 4 hours to get out to us with another vehicle. WHAT? Not acceptable in any way, shape or form. The supervisor that I spoke with advised me to drive the car back to the rental agency near LAX if I wanted to get another car sooner. I asked if the call was being recorded, and it was, so when me and my two friends die because there are no breaks in this car, this recording will be available for the lawsuit, RIGHT? Surprisingly, there was no response. Ultimately, we had it towed and did not get another car. Rick came to pick us up and we did just fine with one care for the last two days. Note to self: Do not ever, under any circumstances, rent from Avis. Morons.

Lauren is doing well. She enjoyed a much needed trip to spend a week with Nathan. And Rick and I enjoyed the time she was away. First break we have had since July 18. From empty nesters and loving it to 24/7 care. Tough deal. Her doctor back at Rush did not give her the okay to start putting weight on her foot. He said he does not want her to do anything until he sees her when we come home for Thanksgiving. We all sort of expected that. And after everything Lauren has been through theses last 3 1/2 months, we do not want to rush things and have a setback. She is so done with the crutches and I can't blame her. Hopefully in a few weeks. Fingers crossed.

Expecting rain in SoCal tomorrow. If it does rain, it will be the second time since we moved here on September 9. Far cry from October in Chicago.