Christmas in Ohio

"MOM, I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE..." 

That was what I heard through tears the night before we had to leave Ohio. Peter was going to stay at Uncle Ryan & Aunt Lettie's but ended up coming home around midnight with a stomachache. I tucked him in and he cried the above phrase barely understandable through his tears.

It is so hard leaving family behind!

We had 4 FULL days of wonderfulness...is that a word?

We ended up leaving Iowa on Thursday night because a HUGE storm was approaching (good thing because the city was shut down on Friday). 

We had a great time with everyone!

Todd, Shelly & the kids came in on Saturday and all 8 "guys"  - Papa George, Frank, Ryan, Todd, Zack, Peter, Sam & Kurt went to the OSU basketball game.  Peter LOVED it!! Frank was even able to get Brutus to hold the Traveling Pig for Peter's 4th grade project.

Shelly, Shelley, Mom & Katie ran to Dick's and Easton to get some las minute items while Let took the girls to get their nails done. Bellie & Allie got red & green nails with snowflakes on them and Cassi went with a french manicure.

We had Christmas that night! Once again, Nonni went overboard but she loves doing it!

We had such a great time with family all being together.

Sunday morning, Katie & Kurt hosted a brunch for everyone.  We all ended up hula-hooping to Wii Fit (even Nonni) - it was a hoot!

Todd, Shell, Zack & Cassi hit the road. Zack had a fever & they needed to get home. 

Mom, Shelley, Lettie & Katie went to a movie and did some shopping. We saw Seven Pounds. Wow - what an intense movie.  Sooooo good. Let & I felt we needed to see it again to pick up on more details....

Sunday night we all hung out at Nonni & Papa George's. Peter was under the weather so we post-poned the sleep over to Monday night. 

Monday we went to Cosi - the kids had a BLAST & Peter was finally tall enough to do the suspended  high wire unicycle.   He said it was awesome! That night went took the kids to Glow Putt!

Our drive home on Tuesday morning was a nightmare as it took us 11 1/2 hours. We hit an ice storm west of Indy and drove about 2o mph for 2 hours.

We are now home safe & sound and can't wait for the next time we are all together. I sooooo badly wish we lived closer.   Love to you all until we see you soon.