The kids and I headed out bright and early Sunday morning, the 26th, for our 3rd Annual Holiday Break Visit back home. The kids were extremely excited to have a second Christmas at Mimi and Papa's house, a first (normally all gifts from family are here by Christmas morning). They got some very nice things that were on their list - including an iPod touch for Asher! Now he doesn't bug John and I to play on our phones constantly. The cool thing is he can do what's called FaceTime with the iPod. It's like Skype video calling, it uses the internet connection, kind of like a web cam. My upgraded iPhone (thanks again Mimi & Papa!) also has the FaceTime ability.
 |
| Allie trying on her sweater from Maine. |
Monday we did some shopping and ended the evening bowling at Uncle Easy's (real name Jason, John's brother) work. Asher had gotten to bowl with Uncle Easy back in June, but this was the first time Allie had ever been bowling, and I hadn't been in years (and years and years). It was a lot of FUN! The pictures and videos however did not make it off my new iPhone, as it erased them when I synced for the first time to my laptop. Grr. But trust me, it was VERY cute (them, not me! Yikes!).
Tuesday morning we loaded up and drove the 3.5 hours to Hot Springs to see my parents and siblings. My two sisters drove in the same day, and we visited at Mom and Dad's for awhile before checking into our adjoining rooms at the Embassy Suites that evening - 3 of us and 6 kids.
 |
| My mom & dad with the kids. |
Wednesday and Thursday passed way too quickly. We shopped some, but mostly hung out at Mom and Dad's, catching up while the cousins played hard. Grandpa (my dad) had a campfire in the backyard as usual, and the grand-kids enjoyed that too. Asher spent more time outside than in, I think!
The hotel was a blast - great breakfasts that the Embassy is known for, and late nights (that were definitely worth it) resulting in awesome sister time! The cousins all had a blast swimming.
My oldest brother Jon drove down on the Wednesday with his two little ones, who are close to Allie and Asher's ages, so for several hours there were 8 cousins! They came back to the hotel to swim with us too, and Uncle Jon got bombarded being the only grown up in the pool while we 3 sisters supervised.
 |
| Allie ran to her cousin Nick for a hug. |
 |
| Allie catching a ride with Uncle Jon. |
Wednesday evening the kids and I got to visit with Mr and Mrs Hooks for over an hour, which is always a special time. For those that don't know, Mr Hooks was John's bus driver all through school and teacher in high school. They've hunted and fished together and have kept in touch all these years. We see them nearly every visit back home, even if John isn't with us.
 |
| Mr & Mrs Hooks, aka Dad & Mom Hooks |
 |
| Allie with Mom Hooks |
 |
| And with Asher |
Friday morning was bittersweet, saying goodbye to my family is NEVER easy. However, we were stopping in Memphis again to spend one night with Mimi and Papa, so we had that to look forward to. There was a strange weather pattern happening that day, and it was 72 degrees in Memphis. We took advantage of the mild weather and played outside until the rain (but thankfully not any tornadoes) came.
 |
| Allie in the swing, Asher in the tree! |
Papa and I spent 30 minutes configuring the loading of my Expedition with Christmas presents, shopping purchases, and all the bags I'd packed for a trip with two little ones. That definitely took two people to get situated!
Saturday morning we headed home for Kentucky. As usual, the kids were happy to get to see Daddy, but very sad to leave family. It's ALWAYS so hard to leave. We try to focus on the positive though and be thankful that we are able to travel and see our family as often as we're able.
