Christmas Island

Tod and I decided we would take the boys to Grand Cayman before Christmas this year. For the past few years, we've tried to take them somewhere warm either before or after Christmas. We were so excited as we headed to the airport on the morning of December 19 to board our 9:30 flight. We were slightly disappointed when our flight was delayed for a 20 minute maintenance problem, but still felt good about our upcoming flights. That 20 minute delay, unfortunately, turn into a few hours and caused us to miss our connection to Grand Cayman in Charlotte. Hmmm.. What to do. After over an hour of searching flights, the gate agent booked us on a 9:00 pm flight to Philly where we would overnight and fly to Cayman the following morning. Back home we went to kill a little time. Then back to the airport around 8 to board our 9 pm flight. Only it was delayed. And delayed some more and then delayed again. We decided to head back home to let the boys sleep a bit while we watched the flight status online. By the time we got home, it had been cancelled altogether. US Airways had no idea how they would get us to Cayman as all of their flights were booked (make that OVERBOOKED) for the next few days. Luckily, Tod found a United flight online and we booked it ourselves. So we slept from midnight until 3 am and then drove to Charlotte for our flight. What a relief to be in the islands finally. A day late but totally worth the trouble. It was beautiful. We decided to stay an extra day to make up for our missed day.

We all had a blast. We swam with stingrays and we took a sunset cruise on a 65' catamaran on Christmas Eve. We swam and snorkeled and kayaked and ate and drank and overall had a very Merry time. We met some supernice people from Cary there also! The kids were both crying when it came time to leave. They loved their trip and didn't want to go home, even to a house full of presents. So, of course, we are begging Tod for another trip next year!!

Tod and Jackson kayaking

The boys at our hotel overlooking the beach at sunset

Jackson was feeling really strong after kayaking with Tod


At dinner

The boys enjoyed a strawberry smoothie every afternoon, while Tod and I enjoyed some adult beverages!

The boys loving their Daddy!

(and buttering him up for another trip!)

The view from our room was awesome!

The boys are snorkeling pros now!

Before dinner on our first night!

Enchanted Airlie

Every Christmas for the past 3 years, we have spent a Saturday night at Airlie Gardens for "Enchanted Airlie". Airlie Gardens is a beautiful botonical garden that is popular in the summer for their awesome concert series. At Christmas, the gardens are lit up and families, groups, and couples stroll through the gardens. There is what our family believes is the real Santa, electric train displays and all sorts of snacks, coffee, and wine available as well. Afterwards, we always go for a nice dinner somewhere to warm up. This year, I believe, we had more fun than any other year. Not sure if it was the unusually cold night or the ages of the boys, but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will cherish the memories we've created.

The boys before we leave

Shayla and the boys

The boys and the REAL Santa

The boys hanging out in our favorite adirondack chairs overlooking Bradley Creek

The boys love the electric train displays

Merry Christmas, Round 1

Tod's parents, Tom and Ginnie, spend the past few days with us to celebrate Christmas. We don't normally celebrate quite this early, but Tod and I are taking the kids to Grand Cayman the week before Christmas and the trip limited our options. Anyway, we had a great visit with them and of course, the kids were thrilled to be getting presents so early! We did the full celebration complete with a feast of a meal that we all devoured. Here are some pics.

Austin ripping into the first gift

Jackson ripping into his first

Jackson got an I spy book. He loves it!

Yikes! Austin got his first skateboard.

Jackson got an awesome microscope. Perfect start for his career as a scientist (which is of course his "backup plan" if the basketball thing doesn't work out)

My defiant child (kidding) in his Duke jersey. Doesn't he know we are Tiger fans?

At least Austin knows what team to cheer for!

The boys are dying to help Grandma open one of her gifts!

An Evening with Santa

Austin, Ginnie, Tod, Jackson, and Tom

Austin was a little shy at first

And then he loosened up a bit....

Jackson took his turn

Our sweet friend Maris Grant

Mommy is so proud of the boys' decorating skills but a little nervous about the sugar rush that is sure to follow

Grandma says "That is too much sugar!"

Daddy wants to sneak a bite




Austin enjoys his dinner

One happy family

Jackson is on his second plateful!

What a special night at Landfall Country Club! The club presented an Evening with Santa and it was a treat. We arrived and went straight over to Santa. The boys had both made a list to take with them, you know, just so they wouldn't leave any of their wishlist out. Austin even made a second trip to speak with Mr. Kringle because he had forgotten to mention that he would also like some Star Wars figures. After making all of their wishes known, we went into a special room to decorate Christmas cookies. Each child received their own special "kid sized" piping bag filled with icing and a cookie. After globbing as much icing as they could onto their cookies, they began to decorate them with M & M's, gum drops, and all sorts of goodies. As if that wasn't enough, we went on into a lavish buffet where we feasted and feasted! Tom and Ginnie Durst (Tod's parents) were in town and we were so happy to bring them with us. We all enjoyed a very special night and have started a new family tradition!