Even though traveling can be a pain, it was worth the effort as the holidays were a blast. We saw so many friends and family which is really what the holidays are all about.
We spent Christmas morning at my parents house opening gifts. Caden was really getting the hang of ripping open gifts at this point. But, he got distracted easily. Apparently the paper is more fun sometimes than the gift itself.
Uncle Jeff helps Caden open his gift
(a JD tractor of course)
Jen and her dog Casey,
the newest member of the family
We went to Aunt Cindy's that afternoon. More gifts for Caden...he sure is loved. He got to know his second cousins. Kaleb seemed to like having some testosterone around for a change.
Caden shares corn puffs with cousin Kaleb
(all of them, actually)
Sleeping across Iowa...what an sweetheart
We headed east on the 27th. Pat, Pam, and Shannon all had work off so we got to spend a lot of time with them. I nominated myself to be Shannon's wedding planner so we spent hours on the Internet looking at tulle and pew bows. Pat was anxious to get his credit card back. Meanwhile, Pam spoiled us with all sorts of candy and yummy meals. They also babysat New Years Eve so Brian and I could enjoy a night out on the town with Shannon and Dane. I gave Dane a lot of crap over the course of the visit and he fed it right back, so he gets my seal of approval as future brother-in-law!
Shannon and her fiance Dane
We made a visit to both Great Grandma's. I had never been to Grandma Geraghty's condo before so it was nice to see where she lives. Grandma Teresa is in the Manchester nursing home right now. It's a struggle for her but they take good care of her and we will continue to pray for her.
Hello Great Grandma Geraghty
Four Generations
(Caden, Brian, Grandma Pam, and Great Grandma Teresa)
We got a lot of time with the Hasleys...YAY! Wow, our nieces Gabrielle and Allie are both becoming beautiful young ladies. But, they're still kids at heart as they found plenty of opportunities to rough-house with Uncle Brian. Brian threw Allie in the snow at one point. Lawson is 3 and comes up with some of the funniest one-liners. His favorite Christmas present was a toy vacuum; what a riot. Isabella is a doll; she's so mellow and loves to eat. Then, there's our Caden who is anything but mellow and finds food to be an inconvenience to his playing.
Bella and Caden, 11 months old
Caden and his cousins Allie, Isabella, Lawson, and Gabrielle
We drove back to Avoca on the 1st and flew back to DC on the 2nd. My parents had to get in one last picture with the grandson. Luckily they will see him again soon. They fly in January 16 for a week to help him celebrate his 1st birthday.
Caden with Grandma Bernitta and Grandpa Bob
Caden tries grapes...questionable at best
Helping make supper (Sort of)
Upcoming events include my two boys' birthdays and Brian's USMC tri-team tryouts in 2 weeks. He flies to Florida on the 23rd and will return the 27th. The itinerary includes hours upon hours of working out EVERY day. INSANE. He did a lot of work tonite on getting all his gear ready. He's getting excited.
Happy New Year to all. We hope it's off to a good start.
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