On December 28th, we were on our way to see my family in PA and to finally meet our beautiful new nephew Ayden. And, I was so excited for Rowan to get to spend some time with his cousins.
I just could not get my hands on Ayden fast enough! Rowan got jealous...didn't like all my attention on the new little baby. But, he was kind enough to share Mr. Bear with him.
December 29: While we waiting for Rowan's cousins to arrive, we had more Ayden time and then The Tripletts and The Drews went in town for the best pizza in the world at Tony's. (ok...I admit it. I now prefer the salad pizza at Abbot's Pizza in Venice. But, before moving to CA, Tony's was my favorite pizza (and favorite cheese steak, for that matter) place of all time.)
Later that day, Tonnie, Doug and Ben, Evan and Carter arrived and Rowan couldn't have been more thrilled. Just look at the gleam in his eyes and the big smile when he's with his cousins. He just adores those boys!
December 30: It was cold in PA, but surprisingly, not as cold as it was in Atlanta. So, Rowan and Evan made it outside to run off some of Rowan's energy. And, then it was time to have our Yohn Christmas and open presents. Ayden slept through most of it, but I'm sure he's now enjoying those crazy harmonizing doll things (I forget the name of the doll things, but they really freaked me out! Apparently, it's all the rave for babies/toddlers these days.)
After gifts, it was time to drive over the mountains and through the woods to the Yohn Farm for a wonderful and relaxing visit with Grandma/Great Grandma (she's 93!) Uncle Jim, and Uncle Phil. And, of course to say hi to the cows!
December 31: Was another jam packed day for us! We started New Year's Eve day out with the most fun we had on our entire trip - tubing at Whitetail Ski Resort. Too bad Greggie couldn't join in the fun, but he had a great time hanging with mom & dad and Tara, Jon & Ayden and taking great pictures from the sidelines.
We started off at the kiddie slope and Rowan was scared at first. But, I soon grew tired of the whining and just pushed him a couple times and then he was hooked. Uncle Jon helped with the manual labor.
It was against Resort policy (kids are supposed to be 5 years old to get on the big slope), but we eventually took Rowan to the big slopes to join his cousins and he had the time of his life. We all did! Just look at these smiles! This will definitely now be an annual activity for us. Thank you Nana & Pap Pap for a wonderful day of tubing!
After tubing, the big boys broke out the homemade Country Wine for some wine tasting. And, then we got a very special visit from my Aunt Rose Ann and Uncle Tim, who's sportin' the best Santa Claus look EVER. Of course, all the while, Greg was practicing on the new camera.
While Uncle Tim and Aunt Rose Ann were still there, my beloved Grandma (Rowan's GG) arrived for a visit. We opened more gifts, took some really nice family pics, and had our seafood extravaganza. Then, we happily and lazily watched the ball drop and brought in the new year together.
HAPPY 2011 everyone! We wish for a blessed, happy and peaceful year for those we love and adore! Thank you to my family for an extra special Christmas and New Year's and for making it so happy for Rowan. A special thanks to my wonderful, patient and caring nephews Ben, Evan and Carter, who were so amazing with Rowan and made him the happiest boy on earth while we were in PA! We love you all very much!
We flew back to sunny CA on Jaunary 1st. We were sad to leave our families. And, I know I asked Greg on the plane ride back if we should move back east. Probably not yet...
