Holiday travels
Graduation was a whirlwind and then not even an hour after the commencement exercises, we were off to CALIFORNIA for the Holidays. We have been counting down the days of not waking up to pounding, screeching, blaring music from the repair men downstairs. It was absolute paradise to be going to the warm (warmer than here), happy, bustling house.
We were a little worried hearing about the storms coming through and kept up with the weather on the radio and over the phone. We bought some chains in Nevada, preparing for the worst on Donner Pass--chains required according to the announcements, so we pulled over to put them on. (Did it tip you off we had to buy them? No we didn't carry them and No we have never put them on before...) Bob tried to figure it out with the friend who rode with us and then they spotted the help crew in the orange jackets and fought the cold by looking down and walked toward the orange men. As they did so, the orange men packed up their trucks with the signs, roadblock, etc. and drove off! It was so funny and yet so odd. Bob looked up...and we were all alone.
With chains, I don't think you are supposed to drive over 30 mph, right? Well, we didn't know how to put them on but even without chains Bob did well UNDER 30! The roads were wet, but not icy when we went through, and we only encountered dense fog for a few miles. Bob said the hardest was just staying (or finding) his lane under all the snow. It was a miracle and we know that was the only time (about 1 am) that we could have driven through there safely.
In California, all of Bob's family was together for Christmas. It was the first time they had all been there together for Christmas since 2004 (before we were married). It was such a blast, always something new: dancing, singing, cooking, shopping, "home-alone"ing, sleeping, harping (on the harp and the children :), as well as wonderful friends who still claim us as such! We love you all.
We had a photographer take amazing family pictures! And kids for the most part were cheerful about it, if not really tired...from all the celebrating.
That is until the puppy came outside. Then the smiles popped from both kids.
Oh and when we all road together in a rented 15 passenger van, we found a photo op...
Patten University (spelled the real way, not like "General Patton") It was on our way to the temple in Oakland. If you are a Patten, check it out! If you're not a Patten, I am sure your family is amazing too!
One tradition I have heard about for years is the brass band caroling. (Hence, the Bob and Kevin band above) For Christmas Eve, Bob's family and friends sing and play their instruments for friends in their area. Many were so excited to have a band play for only them, in their own homes. As I stepped back, I noticed that four and five houses down the street, would open their doors to find out what the noise was. They would stand and listen as the music floated into their ears. The song that struck me the most was "Joy to the World." It's not joy to my neighbor, my best friend, but Joy to the Whole Wide World! As the brass instruments bore the message loud and strong, it was fun to think of how many more than the one, heard the joyful noise and memories we were making!
When we caroled at a nursing home (without the brass instruments) James, wearing his angel costume, excited many of the elderly. He shook hands, blew kisses, and said "Merry Christmas" (More like "Maey Kissma" to all.) And just for the record--Angels wear robes, not dresses, so he is not cross-dressing :)
It was a wonderful food, company, loving, fun Christmas! Thanks so much for fitting almost a dozen of us in a three bedroom house. We tried to think of what made it such a great trip, but the little things meant the most. We are very blessed and thankful to have been there.
We were a little worried hearing about the storms coming through and kept up with the weather on the radio and over the phone. We bought some chains in Nevada, preparing for the worst on Donner Pass--chains required according to the announcements, so we pulled over to put them on. (Did it tip you off we had to buy them? No we didn't carry them and No we have never put them on before...) Bob tried to figure it out with the friend who rode with us and then they spotted the help crew in the orange jackets and fought the cold by looking down and walked toward the orange men. As they did so, the orange men packed up their trucks with the signs, roadblock, etc. and drove off! It was so funny and yet so odd. Bob looked up...and we were all alone.
With chains, I don't think you are supposed to drive over 30 mph, right? Well, we didn't know how to put them on but even without chains Bob did well UNDER 30! The roads were wet, but not icy when we went through, and we only encountered dense fog for a few miles. Bob said the hardest was just staying (or finding) his lane under all the snow. It was a miracle and we know that was the only time (about 1 am) that we could have driven through there safely.
In California, all of Bob's family was together for Christmas. It was the first time they had all been there together for Christmas since 2004 (before we were married). It was such a blast, always something new: dancing, singing, cooking, shopping, "home-alone"ing, sleeping, harping (on the harp and the children :), as well as wonderful friends who still claim us as such! We love you all.
We had a photographer take amazing family pictures! And kids for the most part were cheerful about it, if not really tired...from all the celebrating.
That is until the puppy came outside. Then the smiles popped from both kids.
Oh and when we all road together in a rented 15 passenger van, we found a photo op...
Patten University (spelled the real way, not like "General Patton") It was on our way to the temple in Oakland. If you are a Patten, check it out! If you're not a Patten, I am sure your family is amazing too!
One tradition I have heard about for years is the brass band caroling. (Hence, the Bob and Kevin band above) For Christmas Eve, Bob's family and friends sing and play their instruments for friends in their area. Many were so excited to have a band play for only them, in their own homes. As I stepped back, I noticed that four and five houses down the street, would open their doors to find out what the noise was. They would stand and listen as the music floated into their ears. The song that struck me the most was "Joy to the World." It's not joy to my neighbor, my best friend, but Joy to the Whole Wide World! As the brass instruments bore the message loud and strong, it was fun to think of how many more than the one, heard the joyful noise and memories we were making!
When we caroled at a nursing home (without the brass instruments) James, wearing his angel costume, excited many of the elderly. He shook hands, blew kisses, and said "Merry Christmas" (More like "Maey Kissma" to all.) And just for the record--Angels wear robes, not dresses, so he is not cross-dressing :)
It was a wonderful food, company, loving, fun Christmas! Thanks so much for fitting almost a dozen of us in a three bedroom house. We tried to think of what made it such a great trip, but the little things meant the most. We are very blessed and thankful to have been there.
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