Christmas in Kentucky

After we had our own Christmas, it was time to pack up for Kentucky. The kids had only one rule, they could only bring whatever "friends" could fit into their backpacks. They got very creative!



On Monday morning we had a really efficient drive. We've trained the kids well...we left at 5:30AM and didn't really stop again until lunch time (except one quick gas stop!)



We made such good time driving, we got to stop for the day at 4:30 in West Virginia and had time for a nice dinner at a Japanese Steakhouse.



I think Maddy very much enjoyed being pelted with grilled shrimp.



And after dinner, we had plenty of time for a swim before watching two hours of Christmas Light Fight in the hotel room. A very successful road trip day!



After another half-day of driving we made it to New Haven and in plenty of time for Maddy to make her shift bartending at the Sherwood.





On Wednesday we hosted my UK Architecture friends (+Rachel Hale!) at my mom's house for some chili. It so warm, which was great. The kids loved running around outside. Unfortunately, this was as nice as the weather got. For most of our time there it rained cats and dogs!

After lunch the kids played a game called "throwing-the-ball-on-the-roof."



It rolled back every time without fail, and yet this game kept them interested for hours!



They had a great time together! I can't believe how big they are getting...



…while we've hardly aged a bit.



Later that night Maddy wanted to shoot some pool. She played on a team with Uncle Charlie vs Bob and Grandfather. Sadly, she and Charlie did not win, but they had fun.



Aunt Katie had arrived from Chicago the previous afternoon, so on Christmas Eve morning she was ready to watch some cat videos with the kids.



Bob and I got to go to Bardstown to meet some of my high school friends for lunch and to do some shopping. But first, I managed to inadvertantly freakout everyone that looks at my Facebook page.



See, not so scary....the owl isn't even afraid.



Christmas morning, we had time to lounge around in our Christmas PJs before everyone came over for breakfast.



After breakfast before we opened presents.



Uncle Patrick gave Maddy her favorite thing....a projectile with a UK logo on it. (Writing all this down for when I need to select a gift for Patrick's future children.)



Thank goodness Snoopy and Scout had some gifts under the tree as well.



And then to expand on the theme of holiday taxidermy photos, Audrey let me photograph her with the goose. All you have to do is say, "look scared" and the girl knows just what to do. I think an Oscar is in her future!



Christmas afternoon we dressed up in our Christmas outfits and got ready for our dinner guests. The kids loved the village that Aunt Patti sent.



We clean up pretty good!



Sister JA came for dinner and caught up with the kids.





Aunt Sue and Uncle Robert came as well, and Maddy got play "guess the emotion" with Uncle Robert.





It was a really nice Christmas dinner! Maddy's prime rib was excellent.



The day after Christmas we went to Lexington to watch the UK-UL game at Patrick and Heather's house. It was nice for Maddy and Audrey to spend some time with their cousin Evie (and Buster too!)



After the Cats barely squeaked out a win we drove out to Heather's parent's farm to meet some horses. First we met Gentle Ben.



He was huge, yet Audrey had no trouble hopping right on up for a ride!



I think she's a natural.



Then we met Magic, who was perfectly Audrey-sized. And who really loved carrots.



And he even does tricks!



We scored a free night in a Lexington hotel, so we checked in, got the horse stink off of us and then went to the Fields Christmas. It was so much fun to catch up with everyone....



...and have some really good food! Audrey never met a pepper she didn't like!



In the gift exchange, Patrick scored a selfie stick which turned out to be really, really fun...





...until it got stolen by the Beavins. I think we need to invest in one!









Sunday morning we enjoyed the hotel pool before our next gathering...



(time for the hobo children to pack their bags and move along)



...the Johnson Christmas at Uncle Kenny and Aunt Beba's house.



It was all so much fun, but with Bob starting his new job just a couple months ago we had to head right back. And just to add a little winter drama, there was an impending snow storm to beat home. So we decided to drive back all in one day. And we actually made it home before 11:00. I give all the credit to Sour Cream and Onion Pringles which kept the backseat very content, if not a little stinky. And also, to Bob who probably drove 10 hours!



It was a great trip and a wonderful Christmas.