Last Wednesday, we got up really early to hit the road and we made it as far as Clarksburg, West Virginia by dinnertime. Maddy has become a big fan of hotels. I think between the indoor pool and the big queen-sized bed (she's used to a twin) it must feel pretty luxurious to her! The next day we made it to Kentucky after about 6 hours of driving.
On Christmas Eve, we decided to take Maddy to church again (we made a disastrous attempt a couple years back) but this time it was fine. Maddy loved the stained glass windows and the music, and with the help of a toy dinosaur that sang along (quietly, just moving his mouth) we made it through the whole mass.
After Mass, Maddy and Grandfather had a beer at the Sherwood. Maddy had proper ID, of course. The Sherwood won't serve underage drinkers.
I think that being three, almost four is the perfect age to enjoy Christmas. This year, Maddy enjoyed presents (otherwise she would be un-American!) but she enjoyed Christmas music, seeing family, wearing her Santa hat and playing with anyone who could be roped into building a robot with her, just as much. She was full of Christmas spirit and it was amazing to watch.
This year was also memorable because it was a White Christmas. I can't remember the last time that happened. So after breakfast and opening presents Maddy couldn't wait to get out and build a snowman.

And after a little coaxing from her dad, Maddy decided to go for her first ride on a 'flying saucer' down the hill.
She took a turn with Uncle Patrick too, getting even a little more speed!

Eventually we convinced her to come back inside and get warm but it was hard! Given the snow that we just drove back too, I'm glad at least one of us enjoys the white stuff!
Later on the evening, we had Christmas dinner and Maddy got to spend some time with Great-Grandma Fields and Great-Grandmother Johnson.
The next day, we had Christmas with the extended family at Great-Grandmother Johnson's house. It's always a fun time, but this year the crowd seemed a little overwhelming to Maddy so she kept seeking out quiet places.
With Aunt Katie, she explored the upstairs of Great-Grandmother's house including the tiger that always used to give me the creeps. Note the deranged look in Maddy eyes....that was likely caused by a fistful of unauthorized peanut butter fudge.
She also had some quiet time on the couch, watching football with Uncle Charlie.
On Tuesday night, Bob and I got to sneak away to Rupp Arena so that Bob could see his first UK basketball game. We had amazing seats to see them beat up on Coppin State.
On Wednesday, we got up bright and early again to head back home. Maddy is an amazing traveler and (luckily) is pretty easily amused in the backseat. She just kept cranking out creations with her tubes...she especially liked making sticks to poke us with in the front seat.
It was a great trip and probably our last easy road trip for a while.
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