2400 miles but who's counting?

We are finally back! This Christmas has been a memorable one for so many reasons. We had a nice time but it has been exhausting too. We calculated that we put 2400 miles on the car in just 9 days. That's right- 2400 miles with a 3 year old and 9 month old strapped in their carseats.

Last Thursday we drove to Indianapolis to be with Brent's family for a few days. We got there on Friday around lunch time and time just flew by. We had the viewing for Brent's grandfather at the funeral home that evening. I was a little worried about Griffin handling it, but he was more curious than anything about seeing Great-Grandpa. The next day we had the funeral and burial. The service was very sad in spite of the fact that Grandpa wanted a "party" complete with the Purdue Fight Song and the Hallelujah Chorus. The graveside service was nice. The cemetary was very historic and beautiful. The grandkids and great-grandkids released red helium balloons into the sky at the end of the service. It was a sweet moment. Griffin even remarked that his balloon was "floating to heaven to be with Great-Grandpa". I wish we could have had more time to visit with his family under happier circumstances but I was glad to be there with them too.

Then we were on to Tupelo for Christmas. The drive there from Indy was by far the worst. Most of it was day driving which ended up being lots of Griffin asking "are we there yet?" and Gray fussing. This is why we drive at night. Anyway our time in Tupelo was nice and relaxing. My aunt Ann and uncle Ray were there to spend a few days with everyone. We did the Christmas eve service at my parent's church. Then it was on to opening Christmas presents in the morning (we made it to 7 AM), eating ourselves silly, playing card games, and sitting. The next few days were more eating, card games, shopping, and a quick road trip into Memphis. There we met up with my brother and his fiance and my friend, Rebecca, and two of her daughters for lunch at Bhan Thai. Great food!

We drove home on Friday and Saturday and made remarkable timing. We stopped in Abington and everyone slept from midnight to 8 Am- a true miracle when you have 2 adults, 2 kids, and an Italian Greyhound in the same hotel room. We had some funny memories that will stick with us.

1. Griffin falling asleep on my lap during the Christmas eve service at church. I couldn't even wake him up to do the Silent Night candle. And he loves blowing out candles:)

2. Watching the Bret Michaels (of Poison fame) reality show, Rock of Love, on VHI with Aunt Allie. I can't believe I actually heard him say that he hoped one contestant would "stick around and rock my world" as he handed her a backstage pass.

3. Playing musical sleep arrangements with the boys. Gray in the walk-in closet and Griffin on the pull-out sofa in my parents' room.

4. Chasing Griffin around a gas station in Athens, TN while he was running around in footed pajamas at 9 PM. Some drunk college guys thought he was hilarious. I couldn't catch him but he was pretty funny.

5. Griffin going to work with Papa. They made their 3 stops each time- the post office, bank, and to Papa's work. He loved it!

Anyway we are back! Happy New Year- let's hope 2008 is just as fun!