We had a very special Christmas this year. We traveled to Florida to be with my (Rebecca's) side of the family.We flew out of Manchester Airport the Monday before Christmas, and we were so grateful when that plane took to the skies. Two days before, our area got hit with snow and ice, so a lot of the planes were grounded the day before our trip. The airport was a mad-house... people stranded everywhere! But fortunately, our plane took off.
It was a long flight (over 8 hours), and although some of the time was spent wrestling our 30-pound gorilla (Collin), we all survived. We arrived at Atlanta just fine, and after a 3-hour layover, we continued on to West Palm Beach. By that time, it was about 2am UK time, so we were completely exhausted. But, we made it, and it was so worth it.
What fun it was to be in Florida! My parents live in a development where the homes are arranged around a man-made lake. It's just perfect for the kids! They spent a lot of time riding their bikes around the lake, playing on the playground and in the sand court, fishing, and running the remote-control boats. My parents got a push-buggy for Collin to ride in, and he was so happy driving his "car" around the lake everyday. I especially enjoyed being outside and feeling the sunshine! Bliss!
It was wonderful being with family, of course. My brother Jesse flew down to be with us, and the kids had so much fun playing with him. My sister and her family live about a half-hour away from my parents, so we were able to spend a lot of time with them too. I especially loved being with my niece, Summer Grace, who kept us entertained with all of her animal impressions and faces! She is so full of life and joy-- I just love her!
Some of the highlights of our trip included:- Ethan got to go golfing with my brother Jesse and brother-in-law Eric. The course was located between the ocean and the intercoastal, so the scenery was great.
- Going swimming and decorating cookies at my sister's house.
- We went to an incredible Christmas Eve service at my parents' church, and celebrated Christmas Eve with family and friends.
- We received a phone call from my brother Jason, telling us of his engagement to his girlfriend Ashley! Congrats!
- Christmas morning! Toys and Games!
- Flying remote-control helicopters with Uncle Jesse.
- Christmas dinner with the Schultzes (my sister's family).
- A fun day at Lion Country Safari.
- Barnum & Bailey Circus!
- Date night for Ethan and I (we got to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie).
- Shopping kid-free at Jo-Ann's for some quilting fabric.
- A visit to the turtle hospital and time at the beach.
The "Low-light" of our trip was definitely the germs that infiltrated our fun. My mom and I both came down with sore-throats on Christmas Eve, and the kids each got a fever at one point. Unfortunately, it did put a damper on our fun, but we didn't let it keep us down.Many, many thanks to you Mom and Dad, for a wonderful Christmas and vacation! We love and miss you already!
2 comments:
sounds so fun! there is nothing like time spent with family! :)
And we miss you more than you can know!!! xxx's
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