Christmas 2011

So this year, I got the opportunity to ride with my parents up to PA.  I talked to my boss to get the time off and once it was okayed by him, the plan was set in stone.  I got my backpack packed up Wednesday evening and Thursday after work I started the drive to Darlington.  I met up with Mom and Dad at their house and had dinner.  Around 8pm the decision was made to make the drive that night so that we could avoid the traffic on Friday.  So we packed up the rental car and headed north at 8:45pm.

The ride was nice.  Mom and Dad rented a new Buick LaCrosse.  The car is very nice.  We stopped a few times for the parents to stretch and Dad to take a short nap.  Dad ended up driving the entire trip.  I was rested nicely from sleeping in the car and so I spent the day catching up with my brother and his  family.   The day was nice and that evening I went to help my Mom and Grandmother with the cleaning business.  It did not take too long and we went shopping afterwards.  I bought the kids Christmas gifts and we headed back to the house.

Saturday, I slept in.  I got up and had breakfast.  We all spent the morning socializing.  Around lunch time, I went to Clarion with Jeff, Kyra, and Dad to shop for Mom.  Dad needed to pick up a few things for her.  I went just to get out for a few.  I ordered Melissa's Christmas present before we left the house.  so I was good with my shopping list.  I had a nice time out with them and we stopped for a snack at Arby's.

Sunday morning we did Christmas here at my Grandparents.  After breakfast we headed for Kendra's and did Christmas again there after having a huge lunch.  I over-ate and was sick the rest of the afternoon.  I made plans with Beau to take Jonathan four wheeler riding on Tuesday.  Dad decided to let Kendra shoot his .380 auto and so the whole group went outside to fire off a few rounds.  It was pretty cool.  Very funny!!

Monday morning Dad and I drove to Ridgeway to pick up Michaela and Jonathan.  Lisa and Amy drove them down to us and were nice.  Last time I saw them, they barely spoke to me.  They were much better this time.  We sat in the parking lot with them for about a half hour and talked with them about their new technology they got for Christmas.  they were so excited about their new phones.

Monday night I decided to take Michaela out for us to have some time together.  I took her to a movie and out for dessert.  We went to see Alvin and the Chipmunks in Clarion and then went across the street to the AppleBee's.  We sat at the bar and talked to new people.  I showed her that not everyone is a stranger. We had a good time.

Today, I took Jonothan to Kendra's and we woke Beau up.  After discussing bikes and 4-wheelers for a while we headed out into the rain and got riding.  We didn't go far but the weather was bad.  We went up on the shale hill and rode for an hour.  Jonothan had a blast and said he was looking forward to doing it again!  I am glad that I took the time to spend with each one of the kids alone.  They need it and I have not done enough of it.  I made plans to take them back to meet Erin tomorrow at 3pm. 

We have not devised a plan for tomorrow yet, but I will post a part 2 to this blog when I get home!  It has been well worth the trip and time off!  I am very happy I came up!!