2014 Alabama Christmas, Part 1

When we checked last spring on flights to Alabama for the four of us, they were already expensive. So we talked ourselves into doing the 16hr without kids drive (2 days for us). We told ourselves we would do it this once and it would be so miserable that we'd have reason to buy plane tickets in the future. We were pleasantly surprised that the kids did well on the drive down to Alabama. There was moderate use of the iPad with Curious George (mostly when Austin took his midday nap and after dark). Otherwise, they were happy with the bag of tricks I had prepared (thank goodness for pinterest!)

The biggest challenge was the amount of time after the sun went down (3-4 hours on Day1, 2-3hours on Day2). Here's how we tried to stay occupied.

We arrived in Alabama and stayed with Grandma & Granddaddy for the first week. We were able to grab a good family photo.

 

Visiting with Great Granddaddy

These cousins kept each other entertained most of the time!

I couldn't find a photo to demonstrate how Amelia reacted to her cousin Harrison. She dotes on him, asking him to play with her and basically demanding his attention/bossing him around their entire visit. At a later visit I was told that she climbed in his lap and snuggled to him. He was a sweetheart went right along with it even though he could have been doing more-fun-for-him activities. I'm so glad she choose a cousin so thoughtful to be attached too.

 Granddaddy makes every game or toy so silly!

 

You know how your kids get obsessed with a book for a month at a time? Well our kids are all about Chicka Chicka Boom Boom right now (and have been for the last 2 months). Amelia can "read" it to Austin (basically memorized) and even Austin has his cues memorized - "boom, boom", "oh no!", "B, C". So our family ended up reading this book a lot. It's a good thing we have two copies.

Big boy on the big wheel

Can't ride it yet but can push with his feet

Doing tricks

 

The kids still love Grandma's pool (as Amelia calls it). We probably would have tried to go more often if we hadn't packed our schedule out.

 

The fitness room next to the pool had all kinds of fun things to do!

Showing how-to do the machine

Showing off his muscles

She even did the rowing machine

This is how daddy likes to use the weight machines

The kids got measured on Granddaddy's chart. It was the first time that Amelia asked and was a willing participant.

Funny observation - Amelia consistently has 3-4 inches on Austin at the same ages. Daddy's banking on basketball/volleyball scholarships.

We met Gabrielle for lunch at chick-fil-a (a great joy to those of us who don't live near one!) You can see that Austin was a charmer.

Amelia on the other hand was not in a good mood. So Daddy took a selfie.

Cuddles with Grandma

This piano gets quite a bit of love when we visit.

Granddaddy keeping them busy taking notes.

Amelia really got into the present-handing-out job. As eldest grandchild, I suppose it's her birthright.

These boots would be worn every day if I let her.

Austin liked mommy's new rain boots

 

Austin loved the funny noises Uncle Nathan would make

 

There was a quiet few moments. Grandma went to look for Austin.

 Found him with my wallet, taking it apart. He's a smart boy.

Granddaddy is the best at tea parties.

While we jumped to Grammie & Pappy's on Christmas eve, we returned for Christmas Day lunch. Here's a group photo, minus Grandma.