New Year's Eve 2010

As if flying with a 10-month old wasn't exciting enough, we decided to test our powers of organization, patience and quick thinking at the airport this year.  To be fair, we did leave our house in plenty of time to get to the airport.  We just didn't realize that with the canceled flights out East AND the Delta site being down that anyone taking a flight that day would need to check in in person.  We quickly realized we were in for an adventure when we arrived at the airport and saw a line of at least a hundred people waiting outside to check their luggage.  "Odd" I thought.

"Odd" wasn't what we said when we got into the airport and saw that the check-in line stretched from door 2 to door 6! Are you kidding me!!  So we hauled our luggage, stroller and carry-ons into line and waited...walked....looped around and waited some more.  I asked Ryan what would happen if we didn't make this flight.  He said we probably wouldn't be celebrating in DC this year!

After an anxiety ridden 45 minutes in line we did get to check in.  We then ran to security and luckily got in the stroller lane.  You would think we have traveled enough to know what we are doing when going through security...apparently not this time.  We sent the stroller, computer bag, backpack, shoes, belts, phones, toy bag and diaper bag through - but forgot to take the liquids out of the diaper bag.  This meant they had to scan each individual liquid-resembling item to make sure we weren't trying to carry on a bomb.  After scanning our items and deeming them safe, they then had to rescan the diaper bag.  Ryan and Claire went on ahead to the gate (we had less than 10 minutes before the flight left) while I waited for the diaper bag to come through.  I was lucky enough to be able to add a little exercise to my day by RUNNING to the gate, diaper bag in hand.  Out of breath, we grabbed water, pretzels and a Lunchable from the kiosk before boarding the plane. 

By the way - this was also my birthday.  Note to self - do not travel on your birthday next year. 

Long story short, we did make it to DC for several days of eating, drinking, playing and hot-tubbing.  Aaaahhh.

Though it might not look like it, it was actually quite warm!  Pop Pop wanted to make sure the girls were bundled for their walk.

We got to celebrate a birthday, Christmas (twice) and New Year's - oh my!  Grammy and Pop Pop decided to get the girls only necessities for Christmas.  First we started with Pillow Pets.

Then Tickle Me Elmo.

From there, pink bunny slippers (Ralphie anyone?)

Xylophones...

And bike helmets.

Now time for a multiple-choice.  Did we:
A) Have to leave Claire in DC so we had room to bring back presents.
B) Take a 3rd suitcase back with us.
C) Return all the presents

If you chose B you were correct.

Now for our 2nd (or is this 3rd or 4th) Christmas.  The girls wore their matching sweaters to be festive (thanks Cini!)

They has fun playing house.

Reading with Auntie Molly/Mom.

And even learned about cleaning - Gpa Jim, you're my hero!

Now you may have seen something like this before...but it is once again time to try to get a family photo.
125 photos later...

Close enough :)

Gpa Jim and his girls.

Maybe someone is going to be a ballerina?

Cousin Liz in her antlers.

Merry Christmas!

 And last but not least - New Year's Stocking!

And that's it - you made it through the recap of our Christmas extravaganza.  Apparently we didn't take any photos New Year's Eve.  This may have been because we hat 2 kiddos running around trying to touch all the appetizers and champagne glasses.

Ok Piper/Bach and Stelljes crew - we have to work at getting a whole family photo next time (doing it in Florida was so much fun!).

Scoring:
A+ = you read each of the last 3 entries in it's entirety and looked at the pictures.
B = you skimmed the entries and looked at the pictures
C = you only read the pictures captions and looked at pictures
D = you only looked at pictures (This is usually what Trisha earns!)

Just kidding! We're grateful for everyone who looks at this site. We are a very lucky to have so many family and friends to love and who love us.  Thanks for a wonderful year!  We are looking forward to making memories in 2011.