We had to open gifts before we headed off. Due to the week's hectic schedule, we decided to stay in on Wednesday evening and open presents. Justin was so excited to open his globe from Grandpa. He jumped up and down and then loved all over it. Momma threw in a DVD player and some new movies for the trip, and a couple of Transformers to play with. He got a Transformer from Uncle John and Aunt Debbie that rounded the night off and we hung his new ornament on the tree.
On Thursday evening, we went to Justin's program at Cesar Chavez Academy and watched the K-2 program. Justin really got into the festivities, but the camera just didn't get close enough to see his face. You could see that the children had worked very hard and it became apparent why I had been hearing those songs all month.
On Saturday, we headed out at 3:45 a.m. and drove all day.....we pulled into Billings, Montana at 2:30 in the afternoon. I could not believe how wonderful traveller Justin was. He did realize on the other side of Monument Hill that he had to go the restroom.....and due to the fact that it was only about 5 a.m. and nothing was open, he made "yellow snow." He talked about that for days!!
We made a quick stop in Billings to see Uncle Bobby at the Subway that he manges. He took one look at his uncle, ask "are you my uncle?" and when was told yes, ran right to him and gave him a hug.
After a quick hug and see ya later, we headed off for Laurel, and about 15 minutes later arrived at Grandma's house. Grandma true to her nature had every imaginable cookie and candy ever thought of just in case we might get hungry. Justin at this point checked out the house while I unloaded the luggage and Mitts. You might guess that Mitts was quite annoyed at being held at bay in a cat carrier and found freedom quite delightful.
On Sunday we attended church at the Laurel Nazarene church and got to see the crocheted wall hangings of the 23rd Psalm and The Lord's Prayer that are hung inside the sanctuary. How beautiful they are!! The pastor and his family were quite wonderful. They have adopted 4 siblings that had a rough beginning in life. What a blessing the children have become to both their family and to their church. I was amazed at how patient they were with 4 kids, especially knowing they have only had them a few short months. Never were adopted children wanted so badly as these children were! That evening the church family came by and sang carrols. That was so fun.
Monday afternoon we drove back up to Billings for a lunch with Uncle Bobby. Justin just loved him so much. He was like a piece of Velcro to Bob's leg. We got to eat at Fuddrucker's hamburger joint and boy was that good. I forgot how good their food is.....
The next few days were full of more family and making of goodies. Justin got to try his had at making a popcorn cake,which he decorated all by himself. Wednesday brought Christmas Eve at Grandpa Bob (Justin calls him his skinny Grandpa) and Grandma Ruth's home with Aunt Liz, Uncle Bobby, and Uncle Charlie. About 6 p.m. guess who should fly over.....Santa Clause in his sleigh with reindeer towing him through the valley (that jolly old man flies over every year just before bedtime in order to make sure all boys and girls are still listening to their parents and haven't topped onto the naughty list) and guess who saw him and heard the HO, HO, HO?? Of course, Justin was pretty pumped about that one! I know one boy who is definetely a believer. We had a light supper, visited a bit, then exchanged gifts before heading back to Grandma Ethel's.
Christmas Day was full of food, presents and more new family members. Uncle Bobby's car was in the shop for some repairs, so Justin and Momma went to pick him up. On our way back we picked up Sasha (Uncle's new girlfriend) and brought her with us. She was so delightful! Uncle Charlie, Aunt Liz, Grandpa Bob and Grandma Ruth were ready to eat at Grandma Ethel's place when we returned, and we enjoyed those festivities and were miserable....
The next day was quite a surprise!! A blizzard had blown in overnight and did we ever have some snow to enjoy!! There was about a foot of snow on the front entry and the door would not open. I got the snow removed in order to get the door open and before long Carl-the caretaker-and his son began snowblowing. It took them 3 hours to clear just the sidewalks. Yikes!
Two days later after the roads reopened we headed home. The winds howled all the way home and did we ever see some big rigs off the side of the road, littered like matchsticks. Prais God because he kept us safe and returned us home without any troubles. Glad to be home, with our own beds to sleep in.
