Christmas Vacation

We just got back from a great Christmas vacation.

Before we left, Maddy and Bob skipped school and work to celebrate our own Christmas. Luckily, Santa was able to squeeze us in for an early delivery. Maddy was so happy to see her "little Legos" and Audrey loved her drum. But I have to admit, the most loved presents were the ghostbusters T-shirts I made for them with an iron-on transfer.

Maddy and Audrey say, "Who you gonna call?"

Aside from all the presents and ghostbusting, our day was exciting for another reason. After much drama, Maddy finally lost her first tooth!

The next morning we got up early and hit the road. The kids were really good considering all the time in the car, though we did resort to a number of briberies.

Flying in the face of all the American Academy of Pediatric recommendations for TV and children, we let the kids (even the little one) watch a movie on the ipod, wearing the "earmuffs".

And when people got too cranky, we just hit them with a shot of cold air. That usually did the trick.

Also, knowing that there was a evening in a hotel pool in their future was also a big motivator. Audrey, particularly enjoyed the hot tub!

We made it to New Haven on the 23rd, and got to have a quick visit with Aunt Katie before she had to head back to Chicago.

On Christmas Eve, we took a family field trip to Lincoln's Birthplace in Hodgenville.

Showing the kids the way people used to live was interesting. Maddy had a hard time believing that they didn't have telephones or TV. Maybe the next time our internet goes out she'll be more patient. (right...!)

On Christmas Day there were a lot more presents. I think Uncle Patrick was single handedly trying to make sure that all our stuff wouldn't fit in the rental SUV on the way home!

Audrey was thrilled to get more Wildcat apparel.

Later in the day, Great-Grandma Fields, Aunt Paula, Uncle Dick, Great-Grandmother Johnson and Sister J.A. came over for dinner. Great-Grandma really enjoyed Uncle Patrick's egg nog!

Dinner was delicious, especially the ice cream!

After dinner, Maddy and Audrey converted their strollers into prime seating to watch National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

But eventually, they decided they would rather work on a puzzle with Aunt Paula.

The day after Christmas, we went to Lawrenceburg to see some old friends (Gabriel and Regina) and meet a new one (Lucia).

One of Audrey's favorite thing about Grandma's house was the neighbors dog, Toby. Though I would have to call her relationship with him love...

...mixed with a fair amount of terror!

On Friday, we took Maddy for a big sister day in Lexington to visit some more friends and to go to the Explorium. It was a fun place and Maddy had a great time playing in the water.

She even got to walk on the moon!

We also got an awesome tour of a secret location that shall remain nameless.

On our last day in New Haven there was some snow on the ground so I wanted to see what Audrey would think of it. Sensibly, she didn't really want to walk around on it. Smart girl!

Later in the day, we got all decked out in our UK apparel only to see them lose to Louisville. Boo!

I only wish the Cats had Audrey playing for them. She's amazing with the slam dunks!

Early Sunday morning we hit the road to head home. Bob and I even got to enjoy a few minutes of peace and quiet in the car.

It was a great vacation!