We enjoyed a busy holiday season filled with travels to see family around the country. On Dec. 17th, we flew to Nashville to visit "GG and PaPa" Cross. On our way out, it began to snow heavily so we sat on the runway for 1.5 hours waiting to de-ice. Although frustrating for us, it didn't bother Eli as he took in the free DirectTV. I was just relieved we didn't encounter a situation like what happened two days later: the plane slid off the runway and burst into flames! Once we arrived in Nashville, another great surprise awaited us. Standing at the gate ready to board the plane we'd just exited was our dear friend from Denver (who recently moved to Phoenix) Nicole! Unfortunately we only got to chat for a few minutes, but it was such a serendipitous experience. What are the chances?
After safely arriving at Whitney's grandparents' in Monticello, KY (2 hours north of Nashville), we kicked back for a relaxing week there. We were joined by "Grandma Mel", Grandpa Cross, and Uncle Paul and Aunt Chrissy over that weekend and enjoyed a beautiful Christmas celebration together. Unfortunately, even though Eli got a digital camera, I have no pictures of the fam from the week, at least not fit for this post :)
On our way back to the Nashville airport on Christmas Eve, we stopped by the famous Opryland Hotel. Our dear friends and former neighbors who now live in Nashville, Holly and Miranda, joined us for a delightful lunch and stroll through the beautiful resort.
Jon's parents and our dog greeted us at the airport to take us home to our first Christmas in Colorado. Eli awoke to a plethora of gifts from Santa, including his favorite, the Smart Cycle.
After a few days with the Mires grandparents, we spent some time around the house and running errands around town. Then, on New Year's Eve, we ventured east again. The last night of the year was spent in the pleasant company of old friends and their families in McCook, NE. After cheering on the Huskers to a bowl victory on New Year's Day, we were joined by Aunt Janet, cousin Angela and our new baby cousin Myles from Topeka. Myles is adorable and Eli demonstrated great big brother potential around him.
The next two days we drove back and forth to Atwood, KS to visit with extended family and celebrate Christmas once more. We had a great time watching all the kids run around with each other.
We returned home to Colorado on the 4th and were greeted by a few inches of snow! Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to change the fact we had to go to work the next day. But it's been a good week back after a long and relaxing break. The only complaint I (Whitney) have is I gained 6 lbs over that time, and it was NOT all for the baby! Our family had a lot of good food to enjoy over the holidays!
