On vacation and snow in the south!

We left NY on the 10th for our very long Christmas vacation. We stopped for the night at Chad and Caroline's. It was so nice to see them. Then we ventured on our way - stopping at Chick-Fillet since we don't have them in NY and we love their chicken - to let the kids eat and play at their play place. We arrived at the Crosby's not too late in the day. We had a nice dinner with them and the missionaries. Eric had to leave the following day, and it was that day that the kids started to come down with a wicked cold. We loved playing with the Crosby's. It was so warm, we went on a walk with only sweatshirts!! We stayed with them until the 15th when I made the night time 3 hour drive to my mom's. Noel's eye was so nasty, I wasn't sure if I should take her to the doctor... When we went into a store, people looked at me like I beat my child as her eye looked like she had a big shiner. Anyway, but with some cold medicine that of course she isn't supposed to have but I gave to her anyway, it cleared up. I think she had a plugged tear duct and her eye was really irritated from rubbing it and the goob getting in it. So anyway, Ty was just mostly the runny nose man. Poor kid couldn't sleep - his nose would just dry over with boogers and he'd cry and cry, and cough on congestion. Poor little guy (and mom who had to hold him to comfort him every hour all through the night for 5 nights). SOOO then Eric came back from work on Thursday night. Boy was I glad to see him! Friday they were calling for a storm. We had to go out anyway. Kroger, the local grocery store, was a MAD HOUSE as you might imagine. The snow didn't start until after noon. But when it started - oh my - it fell fast! It was so beautiful! I was feeling very blue after a week of no sleep due to the kids being sick and everything was so.... brown... To see the snow was just so wonderful! By the time we got the kids to bed we had a good foot of snow. Eric and I were supposed to get out on a date. Undeterred we went anyway. We had a blast! VA isn't very efficient at snow removal. It was the first time we actually had to drive continuously in 4x4. I told Eric, children sled, adults 4x4. The people at Target looked at us like we were crazy. Well, maybe we were, but we didn't have any problems. Eric is an expert at snow driving - if you've ever been to his childhood home you'd totally understand. This morning however - holy cow! It us up to 18 inches! They haven't even bothered to plow my mom's road. Everyone is literally snowed in! It is so exciting because this never happens in NY. NY is very efficient at snow removal. Even if we have a huge blizzard, you can bet the roads will be clear by noon. Ice is the only thing that brings NY to a halt. Anyway, enough from me. Enjoy the pictures!!! We love you all our friends and family and HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!



Noel wanted a picture with Santa when we went to Walmart (free Santa pics! Thanks Walmart!) But then she decided she was afraid of him.
Noel and Ty getting ready for our trip

Jake and Noel at Chad and Caroline's

Nicholas

Noel and Marika at the Crosby's. They never both smile at the same time and the pic where they were almost both looking happily at the camera, Noel had her foot up in front of the camera.. Go figure!

Ty and Corbin. They are just so cute together.

At the Crosby's writing letters to Santa. Noel wants a Princess toothbrush like Marika.

Snow at Roanoke VA Friday evening....

Noel didn't want to nap (erg) but fell asleep on Eric at 4pm.
Roanoke VA Saturday morning!

Mom's back yard table

"Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. So since we've no play to go, let it snow,let it snow, let it snow..."