This year we chose to brave the travel to take our five kids across country for a Christmas vacation. We had a very fun 12 days away. The trip began with a flight to California. We stayed with my sister and her family and had lots of visiting with my other sister and her family. They hosted 2 days of disney, pony rides, the ocean, golf, flip-flop shopping, lots of laughs and one trip to the emergency room. (Hadley dislocated her elbow on the trampoline) Overall a fabulous stay for all of us. While I am sure they could not wait for us to pack up our noisy, active crew by the time we left, we appreciate the hospitality more than they will ever know.
On the 22nd we loaded up my sister Deb's borrowed suburban and trekked to Phoenix. There we checked into a resort for a couple days of R&R. We ended up in a very nice casita with plenty of room, and a very nice little water park, as well as a private pool and hot tub shared by just 2 other units. There we dined out, shopped, saw a movie, and floated a lazy river. The kids were in heaven. They even slept in a bit compared to the normal standard.
We moved into my brother's house on Christmas Eve. Many wii games, tree-house climbs, another movie, Christmas, bowling, a day at the spa, and a Cardinals game, filled our days with laughter and fun. We stayed 4 nights before loading the crew and driving back to California.
During the 6 hour drive back, we made a stop in Palm Springs at Dairy Queen. Holly still says this was the best part of the trip. Again we imposed our big ole family on my sister, and stayed one final night.
It was a great way to spend what would have been a very claustrophobic, long winter break with all five home from school for that many days in a row. That said, even with all the fun we had, and all the family that we were able to see, there is no place like home. We are always thankful to return safely to the place where we are a crazy, active, loud family in our own space.
New year's eve was great fun at my neighbor's house. There were like 20 kids under the age of 8. Monica worked so hard to plan fun stuff for them to do, and we counted the new year down at 9 pm, as Ian says, along with some island in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. My girls were then sent home with the babysitter. We made it until midnight, then crashed hard. In the morning it was time for a trip to Iowa to pick-up the dog and celebrate Christmas with the grandparents. Fun was had by all, and too much eating!!
The trees are down, the lights are dark. It is time to send some kids back to school, and for me to regroup. Kevin, however, will continue his vacation a few more days with a trip to the Orange Bowl in Miami. Go Hawks!!
Bring on the cereal and Chinese take-out for dinner!!
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