I felt like I barely made it. By the time exams rolled around I was just a giant ball of anxiety. Once I powered through my final grading, it was time to face traveling back to Manassas, VA for Christmas. I seriously had heightened blood pressure and stomach issues because I was so anxious about flying with the kids and just being out of their environment. Anyone who has small children understands what I'm talking about. Kids love their own habitats. For example, Z loves his own white noise machine, music box, stuffed animal, pillow, blanket, sippy cup, books, okay to wake clock... and that's just for bed time. You have to pack so. dang. much.
However, I am pleased to announce that they did amazing. Z did freak out a little when we went through security the first time, but I can't blame him. I mean, seriously, that shenanigans is scary for a little kid. I had to put him down and get him to walk through the metal detector by himself. Once that was over, they were both fine the entire flight. A little sleeping, no crying. Z got a tiny bit restless when we were waiting to get picked up and Bear fell apart on the drive to Joe's parents, but that was the worst of it. The flight home was even smoother because a Christmas miracle occurred and we got TSA precheck, which is awesome. No taking off shoes, belts, jackets OR children! Wooooot!
Both kids did great out of their environments too! I was the most concerned about Z because he's more of an introvert and gets unsettled by new places and people (like his mama). However, I needn't have worried because he waltzed in there like he owned the place. Grandma had a pirate ship waiting for him and he LOVED it. He pushed it up and down the hall singing the songs from Jake and the Neverland Pirates for about 50% of our time there. He napped every day, he only fought us on going to bed two nights and once he was settled for the night, he slept great. It was a huge relief for me. He also had a great time with all of his aunts and uncles, grandparents and the pack of four dogs running around. He also had the very exciting experiences of playing a piano for the first time and getting to touch a real live cello. He was completely enthralled by both, especially by his Uncle Tim's piano playing and the little cello demo he got after church. He is truly a music lover!
Bear, per usual, loved everything and everyone. Loved the people, loved the wrapping paper, loved the dogs, loved the food, loved scooting along the floor, loved it all. He was snuggled and cuddled to his heart's delight. Lucky babykins.
I was also very excited to get to see my BFF Shana and meet her gentleman caller finally. Living in different states and not able to afford regular visits SUCKS. I also got to see my childhood darling, Katie, and meet her little girl and introduce her to my boys. Both of these visits were too short, but I was immeasurably thankful for them. My brother, Aaron, and his wife also came up for a couple days, which was fun.
We ended December quietly at home, kids in bed, while Joe and I tried and failed at staying up until midnight. Reflecting on 2015, there have been some tough days but there have been glorious ones as well. All in all, I'm so thankful for my little family and all of our blessings. We are so fortunate to have our health, safety and love for each other. Here's to 2016!
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