Christmas in Ohio

December 26^th dawned bright and early for our family. We took quick morning showers and ate a light breakfast so that we could pull out early and try and beat the forecasted blizzard. We actually left my Grandparents house in Pennsylvania 15 minutes EARLY (never happens in our family!) We were so grateful when we arrived safely at my Grandparents' house in Ohio, 10 minutes before snowflakes started to fall.

Josiah was very excited to see the snow, so he wasted no time going out to play after lunch. I would have loved to have gone out, but somehow my coat got left in Texas. Oops! J

That evening my Uncle and his family came over and we had a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas feast. We had bread with butter, fruit, pasteles, pork fricassee, arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), maduros (fried plantains), and homemade punch. And of course, the meal was followed by lots of Christmas cookies!

The little kids were very anxious to open the Christmas gifts as soon as we were done eating. J We made them pause to take a picture, but as you can see the littlest one had a few too many cookies. J

Photo Credit: Mark

Opening gifts is always a happy sort of chaos! I’m not sure what people enjoy more, opening the gifts, or throwing paper all over the place. J

The next day was spent at home relaxing and enjoying the 8 beautiful inches of snow we received the night before. Once indoors, the boys had lots of fun borrowing Dad’s iPad to play games together.

That evening we had my Aunt’s parents over for dinner. We enjoyed the typical American Christmas feast that night, with ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and more. It was really good to visit with them!

The day after that, more company! One of my Abuela’s sisters and her children and grandchildren came over for lunch. It was good to see them all again, as we don’t see each other often.

That evening we had a special birthday celebration at my Uncle’s house, but you’ll have to wait until next week to hear more about that!

We left early on Saturday morning to begin the long drive back to Texas. Sadly, all good things must come to an end. We had received another 2 inches of snow the night before and we drove through snow much of the day. But driving through snow 1 day out of 5 travel days was not bad!

For lunch that day we stopped at a Steak n’ Shake somewhere in Indiana I think (all the states start to run together after awhile!)

Photo Credit: Rubia

We arrived at our hotel in St. Louis safe and sound. After we unpacked, we walked next door to Bob Evans for dinner (yes, we stayed at the same hotel we did driving down to Texas the first time.) The restaurant was very quiet as it was getting late. It was nice to just unwind after a long day.

Josiah’s expression when Dad told him he was paying the bill and he saw the total figure. J I think he would have to work for about a month to afford that!

Next morning, we left very early again and made it home to Texas just before dinner. We unpacked, ordered pizza, and collapsed! We had a great time visiting family, but we were looking forward to a few days off to celebrate a relaxing New Year’s together!