Nina and I took advantage of some great Allegiant Air fares and flew down to Mesa, Arizona over Christmas. Number 3 daughter Jaelene was due to deliver a daughter in early January. But, since she has consistently delivered early, we were sure we’d be there for the birth. As luck would have it, that’s what happened and Madeline Elizabeth Kimes was born shortly after midnight on December 28th. Although a “lottery” was posted on the fridge, no one picked the 28th. Since it was an unfunded lottery, no one lost anything, either.

As a safety factor, Nina’s return was set for a few days later than mine (I go back to work on the 6th) along with the right to change her flight at no additional cost. Allegiant Air flies to Idaho Falls from Mesa on Sunday and Thursday evenings. It’s a pretty good service, but you get exactly what you pay for. Want a reserved seat? That’s extra. Want to check a bag? More $$. Want a carry on? Same thing. Checked bag weighs more than 40 pounds? Open your wallet. I rather like it. We’ll do this again.

Meanwhile, grandmother Nina is reveling in a brand-new baby. I’m very much enjoying “no snow”!!! (And a new grand daughter). Life is good!