T-minus 2 Weeks

For weeks we think relaxation is right around the corner.  As soon as JDP finishes work and starts his six-month leave, we can relax we think.  Then work finishes and it's time to host Christmas.  ESP spends about three straight days in the kitchen! 

SMP with her cousins on Christmas morning

SJP cuddling with her Grandma

Christmas is a lovely blur of good food, good wine and a wonderful visit with ESP's family.  JDP's family joins us for Christmas dinner and we rent two more tables in order to accommodate everyone.  Our entire main floor is all table - from the dining room straight into the living room - it is boisterous, chaotic and peaceful all at the same time. 

Christmas Dinner

12	Adults
6	Children
27.5	Pounds of turkey
14	Feet of table
700	Square feet of space

The kids have a blast, especially during "The Amazing Christmas Race" that JDP puts together in the Ravine.  The marshmallow roast portion of the race is a spectacular hit (SMP doesn't want to stop roasting her marshmallow - it is a burnt little crisp of nothing by the time she is finished and we have to pry the stick out of her vice-grip hands).  We overhear our oldest nephew commenting "I can't believe we get to roast and eat marshmallows!"

The 'perfect marshmallow' roasting challenge of the race

Once Christmas is over, we can relax we think.  Christmas wraps up, and it is time to pack up, clean up, and clear out of our house.  Our tenant is set to move in on January 1.  We think that six days is plenty of time to get it all done, but it takes six solid days to do it all!  As Jan 1 fast approaches we find ourselves cramming things into Rubbermaid bins and stashing them unlabeled, unorganized, and un-ever-to-be-found-again, under the stairs, in the rafters of the garage, at JDP's parents' place, and even in our truck.

 

Now we can relax we think.  We have five whole days before we leave.  But it takes five whole days (of course) to decide and pack what we need for a 14-hour flight and 5-month trip to Australia with a toddler and a baby. 

The Gear (Amazingly within allowable limits)

2	Large suitcases
3	Small suitcases
1	Rubbermaid bin
2	Car seats (heavy)
2	Day packs
1	Diaper bag
1	Double stroller (Chariot)
1	Toddler suitcase
1	Toddler backpack
1	Pillow
1	Stuffed dog - AKA 'Puppy'

Big thanks to Popo and Grampa for all the help with feeding, bouncing, and bathing babies while we agonized over critical decisions like "Should we bring formula on the plane for our breast-fed, bottle-hating baby?  Y'know, just in case she stops taking the breast, starts liking bottles, and will only drink formula?  Y'know?  Just In Case?"

Are they seriously getting in the economy line-up???

Once we get through security, we'll be able to relax...