Home for the holiday:

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas because we sure did!!!

We set out for Ohio on Thursday the 21st of December. There was no snow in MT and the temperature was 10 degrees above normal. Never would we have guessed that Denver was experiencing a blizzard. Needless to say, our flight was canceled. At least we were stuck at home and not in the airport. Because of the time of year the soonest we could fly out was Friday so we made the best of our day off in MT. Chris bought a pair of ski boots, we had some lunch, rented a movie and I cleaned the house from top to bottom. Friday afternoon we flew out and for the first time EVER (at Great Falls International) had a line at the security gate. By Saturday afternoon we arrived in Gallipolis.

12/23: We spent our first night at my Mom’s where she cooked at fabulous meal. Lots of family stopped by and I was able to spend some great quality time with all of them. Kendra announced her engagement to Josh and we toasted to green Kool-Aid (They are thinking of a June date). After our bellies were full my cousins Jeff and Jayne told us about a house with Xmas lights synchronized to music. I had to go see it so I convinced everyone to pile into Robbie’s Tahoe and we headed down the road to see the spectacle. The drive there was an adventure in itself considering Jeff was in the back with Rob’s bike helmet on his head and a case of beer. (Don’t worry the beer was not opened.) We pulled up to the house, tuned our radio on to the radio staion the house was self broadcasting and enjoyed. We didn’t realize that Jayne and Jeff had been there a few times before (4) until Jayne yelled out “Here comes my favorite part!!” There sure is a lot to do in Gallipolis!! Anyway, the lights were definitely worth seeing and the ride was a blast.

When we got back from our light viewing excursion the men thought that they would fix my mom’s floor. (She has a spot where the wood has shifted and is heaving up.) I think it may be time to call the professionals...

After the floor was torn apart we began discussing our views on all the problems of the world- particularly education. Unfortunatley we weren't able to fix much that night- the floor or the world. We reminisced with pictures Jeff had taken of our wedding and looked at more photos from Jeff and Jayne's trip to Europe.

12/24: We spent the morning at my mom’s and then Chris left to go see his family while my mom and I headed to the barn. The horses all look great including my Texaco. Mom also has 2 Australian puppies left from the litter born at the end of October. Let me just say that they are the cutest things I have ever seen!! I wish I had taken a picture of the little fur balls.

That night we headed into the annual Christmas Eve party at Chris’ Aunt Nancy and Uncle James. We had a great time!! It was great to see everyone! We ate, laughed, sang carols and drank (well everyone but me). To make up for not being able to drink I ate at least 5 pounds of fudge! No regrets either- it was amazing!!

12/25: We spent Xmas eve night and Xmas night with Chris’ parents. Christmas morning soon after we got up- Kelli, Mike and Alana made it in from Mike’s parents in Cincy. Even though Rob was ready to open presents little Alana and the pregnant girls (AKA fatties) had other things in mind. The first thing Alana wanted to do was go to the barn. A barn trip worked out well for 2 hungry pregnant people so the Uncle's took Alana out while Kell fixed breakfast. After the horses, cats, and “fatties” were fed we checked out what Santa had brought us. We received many wonderful things from all our families but I have to say my favorite part of Christmas was watching Alana play with her new kitchen set. Kids really make Christmas. They remind us what the holiday is about and fill our hearts with such joy!!
We ran over to my house for a few minutes to say hello to my Mom and brother on Xmas day then headed back to Chris’ parents. That night we ate like kings and queens and I had another 5 pounds of fudge… okay, maybe just 2 pounds.

12/26: Chris played B-Ball while I went to my Mom’s. Later in the afternoon, Chris came over and we opened presents from mom and played some chicken foot. Kari and her mother stopped by and we caught up on each others families and opened some baby gifts. They got us a great picture frame and an adorable cowboy hat. Thanks!

Later we headed out to meet my Stidham (Carol's side) family for dinner. Just about everyone from the crew showed up. It was wonderful to see them all!! It meant so much to Chris and I to spend time with them. I especially appreciate them making the time to see us.

12/27: In the morning we went to see my Nana Hudson. Then Chris headed to Cincy to spend some time with his cousin Merm and her husband Pete and my mom took me to Athens to meet up with my friend Melissa and her baby Clara. I spent the night with Lissa in Zanesville.
12/28: Melissa, Clara and I headed to Columbus to shop and met back up with Chris. I checked out Babies-r-us and made some changes to my registery, then we met my Uncle Barb, Uncle Bill and Aunt Fuzz for lunch. It was great to see them!! Thanks again for lunch Uncle Bill. After lunch I exchanged a few Xmas items and then we headed to meet Chris at Kelli and Mike’s. We had a great time visiting more with them.

12/29: Headed back to MT. We didn’t think we would make it because Denver was expected to get dumped on again. But… we did. We were delayed leaving Denver by only a few hours. Not bad- much better than spending the night in the airport!!

We truly had a wonderful time in Ohio!! We only wish we could have spent more time with everyone. Thank you all for everything. We love and miss you tons!!

Looking forward to seeing many of you again when the baby comes!!