Our December In Pictures

This is the weather that we faced on our way to Ohio. We were only about 90 minutes into our trip and were driving 25 in a 55 mph zone. It was miserable. 

The kids were in good spirits though and they all said that they were willing to add to our already 27 hour car ride in order to go back to Ohio to see loved ones. So, instead of turning around we kept on driving despite the cruddy weather. 

Bob drove the whole day the first day. We drove from 5 am to midnight. By the time we got to our stop for the night in Missouri I don't think Bob ever wanted to drive again. 

We were only on the famous (to me because of the kids movie Cars, of course) Route 66 for about 3 minutes, but it was cool to be able to say that we have drive on it. 

Sammy looking confused after his first car trip with us as a family. He did a pretty good job at my mom and dad's house despite all of the chaos of many people and many dogs. 

Sarah on our first morning in Ohio eating Lucky Charms because Nana and Papa spoil my kids rotten. 

Elizabeth looking at a picture album. We tease my mom because she is constantly taking pictures, but we end up appreciating them because she has captured so many good memories from the past. Bob and I spent a good amount of time while we were at their house looking at all her photo albums which date back to when Andy was a baby. 

This kid is too much. 

A birthday cake made by Aunt Emily: Angel food cake with Nana's hand picked strawberries that she froze for Sarah. 

We were so lucky because the weather was so nice in Ohio. There was only one day that I remember it being cold. The others were just chilly and had no snow. It was a blessing for us because we did not have room in the car to bring winter coats! 

On our last night in Ohio we had a Thanksgiving meal with my parents and sister (and her family) since we did not have a big meal in our own house on Turkey day due to us leaving for Ohio and not wanting to have leftovers in the frig. 

Lincoln National Forest on our way home from Ohio. We had about 2 hours left at this point. It is so beautiful up here in the mountains. 

Sunset in the mountains. 

Relaxing at home after our trip. Everyone was exhausted for a couple of days afterwards. 

Poor Sammy. So pooped. 

A special gift for Sarah from Nana and Papa. My mom and dad bought a book that would record their voices reading it to Sarah. She loves the book very much and listens to it often. 

The kids all set up for Santa to come. The girls slept with the boys on Christmas Eve. 

Lily is ready for bed too. 

Christmas morning. 

Josh getting up...kinda on Christmas morning. 

I love that the kids still want to get up super early (it is 6:15 am) even though they are getting older. 

Lego's from Nana and Papa that Sarah is very excited about getting. 

Josh sporting the head band (although he calls it something else - I forget what though) given to him by his aunt and uncle. Josh wears a head band in almost all of his soccer games in honor of his best, best friend Boorman. 

Tradition! Although he just threw it together this time without making it look too fancy Josh made antipasto for his portion of Christmas dinner. My parents make this dish usually for Thanksgiving, but sometimes for other holidays as well. Josh likes the tradition of doing so and wanted to carry it on even though we live many miles from family and cannot share the tradition in person.