Eastward Ho!

We flew to Pennsylvania on a Friday. We were daring. A 3 and a half hour plane ride with a one year old. Here he is at the airport on the train to our gate. So far, so good.


He even got a TSA sticker.


Watching the planes before boarding.


Here we go! Thank you, Lord for giving Nathan his own seat that we didn't have to pay for! I have a feeling lap riding would not have gone well.


Picked up some toys at Walmart Nathan has never seen before. This doodle pad was the best dollar we ever spent!

All in all he did pretty good. The second hour had some rough spots though. And of course he did wait until as soon as we got on the plane to go the bathroom. So getting to the restroom on the front of the plane to change his diaper before take off was a feat in and of itself. I must say though, Southwest's flight attendants are like angels in the sky. They were great.

Arrived in Baltimore without a hitch. We decided to rent a car for the 2 1/2 hour trek to my hometown. Matt was thrilled of course. Even more thrilled when we paid less than what an economy car cost for a full sized SUV. They gave us a major free upgrade. When we got to the lot to pick up our car (after telling the sales person inside we didn't want any upgrades) they manager on the lot asked us what we were looking for. We were excited about getting a Maxima (premium car) but then Matt decides to point to a new Ford Explorer. They guy says that particular one is in the "dirty" line and is missing a key but he will check with some of the other companies. A few minutes later he pulls up with a Ford Explorer. Crazy. And a fun, cool and unexpected blessing.



Matt, happy as can be.


Me, happy as can be, because my son is finally sleeping. As tired as he was, he refused to sleep on the plane.


Saturday, we slept in and went over to see Colin, David & Age!


And of course, my nephew came home with us! To ours and Nathan's delight!






Sunday we went to church in the morning and then to Pap & Gram Berry's for Christmas with the family! But I'm going to move on for now and then come back to the Berry's Christmas in another post. At church, Nathan was so cute. He made it all the way through the service except for the last 10 minutes. AND he looked straight at my dad and said, "Pap-Pap" when he wanted him. I couldn't believe it. He did this when my parents were out here in the fall, but this time it was so clear and obvious and not when we were trying to get him to do it. Of course, the boy's only consistent first words are "pap-pap". Dad pulled this off with Colin too :)

Monday afternoon we went to visit my Pap and Grandma Melhorn. Nathan petting their cat that he met as a kitten in the summer. He looks like he is being gentle here, but he wasn't so much.





He was a busy busy boy at their house! Hard to corral.

And what's a visit to PA without a stop to the carwash...


Decorated for Christmas.


They washed our Explorer!

I really did enjoy this car and it's roominess. It just felt a little fancy for my blood with all of the touch screen controls inside. I'm a simple kind of girl in some regards.

Checking out the merchandise.




Colin over again..yay! Pappy feeding Nathan olives. We discovered he liked them at the Berry Christmas when Megan was feeding them to him.


Wednesday we went up to visit Pap & Gram Berry. Gram and I really took it to Matt & Pap in Hands & Feet this time!

Woot! Woot!



Chillin' with his Pap Berry after TWO naps! I was so proud of how he napped in the pack 'n play at their house.


Playing.


I love my Grandma.


And my Pap!

They have always made us feel so loved from little tots all the way through high school, college and even now! And Pap's squeezes are the best. I always walk away smelling like his cologne :)

Too much fun.


Check out Gram and Nathan's lips!


Gram showing off her cast!

She found out she broke her foot in two spots so she had to get it casted :( She's a tough lady though. Pray for quick healing for her!

Pap teaching Nathan how to crack nuts, and eat them!


Back at home that night. Nathan preferred to play IN the toy box then reach into it!


What?


Colin comes to play again :)

Nathan adores his big cousin. He tackles Colin and tries to cuddle up to him every chance he gets.

Colin and Pappy going up for bed...Nathan decides to follow them. Matt behind Nathan so he doesn't fall down the spiral staircase!


Hello down there!


On Wednesday, Matt and I went on a date! We went to downtown Lewisburg to check out some of the shops and then did some Christmas shopping. This is Keeley's bakery in Lewisburg.


Cute little coffee/pastry shop.


No bake cookie for me! Yum.




We always used to take pics like this when we were dating :)




On Thursday, we had our family Christmas. Matt moved some spotlights for me so they pointed on the fireplace.


Just wanted a closer look at the paintings.

Not really. I'm sure I asked him to do something here too. ha!

I should probably make this my stopping point and start fresh with our family Christmas in another post on another day! Closing on our house tomorrow. Probably should get some rest!