Christmas Vacation Rundown

Get ready for another long post. I have a lot to say but I'm not sure I have the will to write it all. I have a love/hate relationship with blogging these days....love the idea, hate the act. Anyway, on with the love!

The Trip

Thanks to some trickery on Pat's part, I didn't have to go into work on Monday the 22st! This meant we would be able to take as much time as we wanted to get to Pennsylvania. We started on Saturday and made to WV. We stayed at Glade Springs Resort which was great for us! We didn't get there until dark but that wasn't going to stop Pat from enjoying as many amenities as possible. There was a shuttle service that picked us up and took us everywhere! First we had dinner and more excitement ensued when I watched Lily and Pat devour a banana split. That was always something my Dad and I shared whenever we went for ice cream!

Next up, the leisure center. Pat and I wanted to go bowling but didn't think Lily would enjoy it for very long so we decided to take her to the children's play area. It was late, so there were no other (germy) kids to share it with, she loved it! She climbed and slid on everything.

Then Lily and Pat hit the court! If this tiny girl on a giant court isn't the cutest thing, then I don't know what is!

After a good night's rest and some breakfast we took a dip in the pool. Again, she loved it! She walked down the ramp, fell in water, got up, walked some more, fell, laughed....and so on. She "swam" back and forth to us, pushing to do it again and again. This was one of my favorite parts of the whole trip!

Next stop, Pittsburgh! This is how we roll in the car.

These two have it made!

The Ipad , of course.

She spent quite a bit of time with her nose in a book, literally!

We stopped to have a picnic lunch at New River Gorge. While dining, a nice couple took the time to come over and tell us what a lovely family we had. They shared some about themselves and their grandchildren, wished us a merry Christmas and told us how blessed we were. It was nice to be reminded!

When we arrived in downtown Pittsburgh, it was busy! The Steelers had a home game that day and there were people everywhere. Everything was loaded onto the luggage cart, I had Lily, her car, and Pat gave me the dogs to hold while he parked. If you are someone looking for attention, get 2 dogs that look almost identical and a baby, you will draw crowds. Everyone and their mother wanted to pet the dogs! Two women sat down next to Lily, one looked to be dressed like a colonial woman and the other an American Indian. At first I thought they were part of some sort of show but as they talked I realized, nope, that was just how they dressed. They were lifesavers! They took over watching Lily so I could explain the life story of our hound dogs to drunk Steelers fans. When Pat finally got back to the lobby I heard his voice, "Smile, Melissa!" I don't think he could believe his eyes.

Before we left the next morning we walked to the Christmas tree at Station Square.

The next day we would arrive at our destination, Port Allegany , PA! I hoped to have a bunch of pictures of snow, and sledding and my baby girl but it didn't snow; and then Lily got sick. Talk about a bummer!

Christmas

Despite being sick, Lily  still managed to win everyone over and the sickness allowed more time for cuddles! She wasn't feeling well Christmas morning but after a good nap she was more in the spirit!

Sweet baby

The perfect reaction to her first gift!

Love from Aunt Sandy

'Head, shoulders, knees and toes' with Grama

"Head" is her new favorite thing. "Eyes" too, but you have to

watch, her little fingers will poke one out if you're not careful!

It might not have been what I planned but it was perfect! Pat and I didn't buy her any gifts but she loved all of her new books and toys! I can only imagine how much better it will be next year!

Family

There is nothing like watching people love and adore your child. When my nieces and nephews were born, I felt a new kind of love. Now, watching them interact with her....it's priceless! 

'Cups' with Emily

To my cheerleader friends out there...this spring, my niece was floored when

I pulled out a cup and did it with her. I know you remember?!

Snack with Aunt Krista

Kisses!

The first day, Isaak squatted down to say hello; she wrapped her

arms around his neck, gave him a huge hug and patted his back.

My heart almost burst! 

Emily holding Lily, Rick holding Emily!

Dylan! How can he be 16?!

Time, Could you please slow down? Thanks, Melissa

"So big!"

  I'm not sure if she's referring to herself or the guns on that handsome fellow?! ;)

Two silly puppies!

We planned on coming home on the 30th but we didn't think Lily was well enough for the car ride so we stayed another night. Our tensions were beginning to run high. Anyone that has dealt with a sick child knows what I'm talking about. We were out of our element and had only spent a few hours alone in over a week, we needed a date. I asked my mom if she would be okay watching Lily and Aunt Cherie reassured me, she would be happy to help care for her. 

As we drove north, it started to snow!  Pat suggested we continue on to Holiday Valley, the ski resort he had already been to twice. They always get lots of snow and that night was no exception. We walked around, then headed into Ellicotville, NY for dinner. After dinner the snow had accumulated and was really coming down. How much more romantic can you get?! Thanks Mom and Aunt Cherie for a wonderful night! 

The perfect ending to our trip!