It's about time.: Celebrating Christmas and We’re Off.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Celebrating Christmas and We’re Off.

Our Location today is Beaver Dam, Ohio, U.S.A.

After having a typical pretravel night’s sleep the alarm told us it was time to get moving at 6:00 this morning even though we were still tired. After a light breakfast I quickly loaded the truck of the first load of gifts to leave the apartment this morning.

Kylla loving her Fuzzy Blanket.

Tyler likes his Hoodie.

Ashley with her Snowboard Safety Helmet.

Sanford with his new toy.

Karen with a new Food Processor.

Greg with his Solar Powered Shed Light.

A quick stop was made at the Tim Horton’s for morning coffees to be brought to our daughter Karen and son-in-law Greg’s home for our first stop at 7:30. This has become our tradition over the last fifteen years where the children always wait for grandma and grandpa to arrive before any gifts are opened. I have also doubled as the official photographer of special occasions over the years. Ashley, Kylla and Tyler have gotten so used to this routine that they know to sit facing in my direction as I attempt to capture as many of the expressions of surprise as possible. After all gifts were shared and hugs of appreciation were given it was past 9:30 by the time we headed back to our apartment.

Cameron's all smiles with his 1930 Packard.

Matthew with his Soccer Training Tether.

Kevin is all smiles over his Big Spatula.

Melissa with new dishes.

Even Boots enjoying his new toy.

This time there was a double load that filled the back seat of the truck. It was past 10:00 by the time we were headed out to Amherstburg to our son Kevin and daughter-in-law Melissa’s home. One thing that was different was that Kathy was driving her car while I drove the big red sled filled with gifts. Traffic was not quite as light as we’d expected but we made great time getting to Kevin’s.

Snack at Kevin and Melissa's

We always start letting Cameron and Matthew opening their gifts and there were only big smiles and no signs of disappointment. While the boys were off to the back room Kevin and Melissa had the chance to be surprised by their gifts. We were once again accused of being mind-readers for what we gave. As usual Melissa had prepared a feast of finger-foods that were too good to pass up but with restraint we left room for supper that was four hours away. When we left the car remained at Kevin and Melissa’s for safe keeping while we are away.

Our Family Christmas Feast.

By the time we got home I was busy loading the last of our belongings that we’ll be bringing to Florida into the truck. At this point Kathy tried to catch a Snap while I finished closing up the computers to bring with us.

Because of our lunch I kept my supper light.

We were once again on our way to Karen and Greg’s shortly after 4:00 for our family Christmas celebration and dinner. Everyone contributed to the meal and it is always great when all the family gets together. Around 6:30 everyone had wished one another their best so we took that as our cue to leave.

(L-R) Tyler, Myself, Matthew, Kathy and Cameron.

Sibs Kevin, Karen and Ken.

After a brief stop at the apartment we locked the door until next spring. By 8:00 we were approaching immigrations on the U.S. side of the Ambassador Bridge. There was more traffic than we had hoped for (Other people thinking the same as us) but we spent less than a half hour before hitting I-75 southbound. The main reason for leaving tonight was to miss the long wait we had experienced last year. Tonight we are parked at the Flying J at Beaver Dam Ohio and then tomorrow we’ll be making tracks further south into warmer temperatures before stopping for groceries.