2 Babies...and 1 Dog Left

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Christmas at the Opryland Hotel

While in Bowling Green, we drove to Nashville one day to see all of the Christmas lights at the Opryland Hotel. Even though it was daylight, the place was absolutely gorgeous! Avery had a great time running around, dancing in restuarants, taking a boat ride, and sitting on Santa's lap for the third time this season (he asked for Thomas trains again). What great memories for the kids!

Christmas #2 in Bowling Green, KY

We celebrated our second "Christmas morning" of 2011 in Bowling Green, KY, with Ninny & Grandaddy.

Kobe has found a good lookout buddy.

Kayla eating a good Christmas dinner.

Hanging out with Kobes while Ninny cooked her tail off in the kitchen.

Yeah, I'm cute.

What can I say? Avery just prefers a 9 inch screen.

Christmas #2 for the kids. Santa sure had to travel a lot this year for the Jean Family.

Avery and his buddy, Buzz Lightyear.

So nicely sharing Kayla's Disney princess car. I still have a hard time getting used to the color pink.

Kayla and her singing teapot.

Kayla's first babydoll.

Avery's first real guitar.

Avery is so excited. He loves playing and singing with Daddy.

Kayla and her Ninny.

Kayla and her Grandaddy.

Kayla "sharing" her new car with Avery. I love the end of the video when Avery claims that "Taco wants to get out". We're onto you, Aves.

Longest. Trip. Ever.

I know I have said it before, but I really mean it this time: this is the last big road trip we are making for a LONG time. We made the world's longest trip for Christmas over a 9 day span, starting with the 12 hour drive from Charleston to Bowling Green, KY for a Christmas celebration with Ninny & Grandaddy Jean. From there, we drove two hours to Louisville, KY to visit with Baby Annie. We then drove three hours to Columbus, OH to see Baby Vinnie and then drove another hour north to Mount Gilead, OH to meet Baby Ricky. Sheesh...that's a lot of babies! Apparently, my friends were very busy in 2011. We then made the last two hour drive to Cleveland, OH, where we stayed for 6 days for Christmas to visit with Maw Maw & Paw Paw Sattelmeyer, Uncle David & fam, and Uncle Jon-Jon & Auntie Luz. Needless to say, when we came home after making the 14 hour drive back to Charleston, we were exhausted, cranky, and ravaged with illnesses (Avery and Kayla had a stomach bug in Cleveland; once we were at home, there was a cold for Avery, double ear infection for Kayla, and...OH YEAH....a sinus infection, flu, and pneumonia for Mommy. This was the first time I have been sick since Kayla was born and I guess I was saving it all up). We are all finally healthy, weeks later after our trip. Last.Big.Trip.Ever.

1778 miles in total. Our poor car.

Avery is ready for takeoff, with his blankie, his bear "Roar", and his Thomas pillow. Ironically, there was very little sleeping going on in the car.

Kayla is also ready for takeoff. She did a good job napping after each stop. But she wasn't too happy during the hour or two of awake time in between stops. This child hates to be tied down.

Avery's DVD player...

...and Kayla's DVD player. Only Elmo could keep this child quiet for short periods of time. Before you judge, make the road trip we did. Then come talk to me.