The last few years have been the hardest to go back. We've been back pretty regularly with the exception of last year when I was nine months pregnant but now that there are two little children in the mix it makes going anywhere a little bit more challenging.
We decided that we were going to make the trip up to Illinois to spend that precious time with my grandpa and family members that I don't get to see very often. Flying was too costly so we decided to make the long drive instead. Since my mom and sister were flying, they graciously offered to take Janie with them so we agreed to that knowing it would make the drive easier.
Janie's second plane trip!
We left the day after Christmas. We got the packing done in the knick of time and loaded everything and everyone up in the car (except for the dog... we had to go back and get him - oops!) and we headed to my parents' house to drop off Janie before we started the road trip.
We left before nap time hoping that Nora would take a nap in the car and then we would arrive in the early morning hours. Nora fell asleep way later than we would have liked for both nap time and bed time, but that was the worst of the drive with her. The only times she fought the car ride were when she was tired and was trying not to fall asleep. She watched some movies on the iPad and played with some of the toys that we had brought along in the car. We ate lunch on the road and stopped for dinner to walk around a little bit. We arrived safe & sound!
Watching movies!
My girl, cheesing in the back seat
"Stinky feet!" she says
(still wearing those slippers!)
Nap time - finally - at 5:00 pm!
We spent three days with family in Illinois. I just love being able to see this part of my family at Christmas time and so wished we lived close enough to see them more often. We had our Gruben family Christmas complete with catching up with family, tons of yummy food and desserts (FIVE pies - yum!!), gift exchange, and Pretty, Pretty Princess.
Nora & Auntie K
Nora in the little rocking chair that belonged to my mom
and her brother & sisters when they were young!
Reunited with my baby after her flight!!
Daniel being a good sport & wearing that black
ring proudly, just like he used to...
Janie Belle!
We also got to see my sister Amy and her brand new baby Chase! I was SO excited to meet my baby nephew and he is just as perfect as can be so praise the Lord for that!
Baby Chase!!!
Nora loving on her new cousin!!
It was hard to pack up and leave after our short trip. We left a little earlier in the day hoping to make it home a little earlier as well. The return drive went fairly smoothly - Nora leaked through her diaper while she slept and we hit a little bit of traffic - but otherwise decent. We were thankful for no ice & snow on the roads and a safe trip!
Nora & Daddy outside at Great Grandpa Gruben's house
Mommy & the girls - it was cold!!
The time flew by. I am so glad that we were able to make it happen. I am not sure how we will work this out in the future, but we know that this time is so important and want to be able to do it as often as we can. We love our Illinois family!
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