We survived. After 48 hours and over 3,000 miles in a tiny Nissan Versa, with two adults and two dogs, Bryan and I can successfully confirm that we can get through anything. Granted we knew this all along, but between pilot training in Del Rio, and then a drive cross country in a confined space and lack of sleep, we are still alive, and married. =) We had such a great time up in Ohio. It's true, you never really know what you've been missing until you return. I love the cold weather, I love the snow, I love all the options for food, and I absolutely love the fact that English wasn't the second language. Even though we were up north for over a week, it seemed like it flew by. We were constantly busy driving around, trying to stop by and see as many friends and family members as we could. Luckily Bryan's sisters live so close to each other, and were gracious enough to not only put up with Bryan and me, which as you all know can be a handful, but they put up with the pups as well. We also were able to stop by both my Grandparents in Celina. I hadn't seen them since January, and even lucked out and was able to see my Aunt and Uncle from California who were visiting as well. Later on in the week, our High School in Sylvania had their boys alumni basketball game that Bryan wanted to go to. Although I convinced him not to play, (we are so close to being done with Pilot Training, that I didn't want to chance him getting hurt) it was a lot of fun to be able to see some of our friends and teammates. In Sylvania we were then able to stop by and visit Bryan's family...Grandma Nancy, the Loyer/Ritson family, and the Weickerts. I always forget how much fun we can all have together.
Finn's first experience with snow...he loved it!
Our main reason for going up to Ohio though, was in hopes to catch the birth of our niece, who also will be our Godchild (the ultimate Christmas gift, we are thrilled!) Unfortunately we were able to catch a glimpse at her stubbornness, as she decided it was not the right time to make her grand entrance...maybe it was too cold outside. But regardless, it was fun to anticipate with Kendra and Matt, and Todd as he came in a couple days before we left. No new baby news yet...but I have a feeling today will be the day. Keep the Giblins in your prayers for a speedy/easy birth of Elaina Nicole.
Normally, I do OK saying goodbyes, but being around so many loved ones was really difficult for me. As we pulled away from Kendra and Matt's house I started to get teary-eyed. I love being a military family most of the time, but times like this, when you realize what your missing, it's a very hard lifestyle. We were so blessed to spend Christmas and open the New Year with family, and as we unpack the car, do loads of laundry, and take down the Christmas decorations, I can't help but smile in remembrance of memories from 2010, and excitement for what 2011 will bring.
We hope you all had as great of holidays as we did. Love and miss you all
xoxo
e.
My ugly sweater, courtesy of my mom, at the Holiday social I co-hosted for the Spouse Club. (Bryan says I look like a 40 year old lady)
At the base Christmas Party....probably after a few drinks =)
Kali's Christmas gift to us....clearly knowing the rumor mill on our base states that if you have gnomes in your front lawn, that is the sign for a swinging couple. These little guys will be hidden somewhere clever, and I guess we will see what happens. ha ha thanks Kali
