Cookies and hot chocolate at Major Heilmann's house

A few of our friends, Gary and Meg (and Gavin and Mikayla), John and Stephanie (and Katie), Mike, and Ryan and I were invited to come and awe at the marvelous lights at the home of Major Heilmann and her husband, Chris.  Major Heilmann is all of the guys' Organizational Behavior instructor at AFIT.  The neighborhood that the Heilmann's live in is definitely something to see.  Major Heilmann told us that each year thousands of cars will come (and even tour buses!) to see the spectacular lights.  Each year Chris dresses up as Santa and Major Heilman as Mrs. Claus to hand out candy canes to the kids that come.  So, we headed over there to check it out.  We really had a great time as we ate chocolate chip cookies and drank hot chocolate in the Heilmann's home.  Thanks so much for having us!

So, how was the Christmas journey?

Ryan and I left Dayton Ohio on Thursday, December 16 at about 9:00 that morning. When the traveled to Springfield, MO for eight hours to stay with his mom, Cheryl, and his step-dad, Ken.

Christmas with the Roys

We arrived in Springfield, MO Thursday afternoon.  The trip wasn't as bad as the last time we came. (Last time we were delayed by snow and lots of traffic.)  We got there about 4:00 CST.  After that, we ate and then Cheryl and Ken took us to see the ballet, "The Nutcracker."  It was a first for Ryan and me.  Surprisingly, Ryan liked it. I didn't think he'd like it as much as me, but he thought it was pretty good.  I really did enjoy the show, although I think I prefer theatrical performances where there is a dialogue.  Regardless, we had a great time. Thanks Cheryl and Ken!  We also picked up Ryan's nephew, Gavin from Alan and Melanie's.  He's two and alot of fun!  Sampson really didn't know what to think of him.  He just wanted to give him kisses the entire time Gavin was around.  And poor Gavin stands about eye level with Sampson, so it didn't make it easy for him to avoid such wet smacks on his cheeks.

Cheryl and Ken decided to give all of the boys a surprise for Christmas.  As you can see, all of them got remote control cars that they had to put together themselves.  After they finished assembling the cars, (which took a while!) they took the hyped-up vehicles outside to race around duck decoys and newspapers.  After several minutes of swerving, driving in the grass, and running low on energy, they called it quits.  Ryan claimed his to be the slowest and requested ice cream truck music as he drove his.

We were grateful that we were able to stay four days at Cheryl and Ken’s house. (We made up the difference by spending Thanksgiving with them also.) It was so good to see the rest of the family. We really had a blast with them. Thanks so much for having us Cheryl and Ken!

Christmas with the Nelsons

We arrived in Arkansas on Sunday night, the 19^th. Immediately, Sampson had made a new friend. Bill and Dell also have a boxer, Yeager, and he and Sampson played and played the entire weekend. They couldn’t get enough of each other!

 On Tuesday night Ryan and I were invited to come and have dinner with Ryan's cousin, Justin and his wife Tammy.  We haven't seen them since the news that they are soon to have a baby boy! Congratulations!  We had a great time with them, as always, and dinner was great.  After dinner, we stuck around and played cards and a dice game. (Justin- "100 or 150?") Thanks so much for having us Justin and Tammy!

Since the weather was good due to the snow on Wednesday, Ryan and I decided to go duck hunting on Thursday.  As you can tell, it was a really good hunt.  Every time I have gone with Ryan prior, I have never seen him even shoot a duck! I have never seen so many ducks before on any hunt that I have ever been on with Ryan.  And just a little added piece of info: I actually had to go and pick up two of those ducks. Yes, it was disgusting and I did not enjoy doing so.  I was afraid they were going to open their eyes and freak out...as if they were just PLAYING dead. Yes, I'm chicken.:-)

On Christmas day, Dell and Bill prepared a great deal of food.  And let me tell you, it was all delicious.  After we had dinner, the family exchanged gifts.  Here are a few in action. We enjoyed visiting with Bill and Dell, Ryan's step-brothers, Russ and Casey, and Ryan's sister Melynn and her husband David.  We also enjoyed getting to know Russ's girlfriend Teresa.  (She's so sweet!)

Ryan and I had a blast hanging out with his family. We really enjoyed seeing everyone and having the opportunity to spend time with them. Thanks for having us Bill and Dell!

Christmas with the Adams family

We arrived in Mississippi on Christmas day at about 9:30 that night.  The drive really wasn't too bad at all.  Needless to say, we didn't do too much that night.  Both Ryan and I were tired and followed sleep's beckoning call to go to bed.

Monday morning, we celebrated Christmas.  It has always been a tradition in my family to celebrate Christmas in the morning and cook breakfast before we unwrap gifts.  Although it wasn't Christmas day, it was an early morning. We started the day out with breakfast and then unwrapped gifts.  As you can see, we had a good time.  Ryan and Brian played X-Box for most of the morning. (which Brian has named "Shelia". Yes, Lynsey, he IS crazy.) 

Later that day, the rest of my family came to my parents’ house to celebrate our family Christmas.  (Thank y'all so much for waiting on us to be there!)  My aunts, cousins, Mamaw and uncle joined us for the gathering.  We really enjoyed seeing everyone.  We shared many laughs and lots of good food. 

Later that evening, my friend Courtney came over and Lynsey (Brian's girlfriend), Mamaw, my parents and Ryan and I, all played a few card games.  Between Mamaw sneaking cards past us, Courtney singing ("Raise your head up...") and Daddy's "shout out to the peeps", we all had a great time. 

On Wednesday, a few of my good friends came over and we ate junk food and exchanged gifts.  Here is a picture of Courtney, Heather, and Tish waiting on me so they can finish their hand in cards. (Not shown: Bridget)  We spent a full afternoon together.  I was thrilled that I got to see them!

After a week full of visiting with family and friends....and loads of shopping, it was time for Ryan and I to get a start on our journey home.  So, my parents, Brian and Lynsey also headed towards Memphis for the day.  Fortunately, my Aunt Alicia and Uncle Jesse invited us to stay at their home for the night so we wouldn't have to backtrack.  (Thank ya'll so much for having us!)  Ryan and I hadn't seen my cousin Brad and his new wife, Cindy, since they had gotten married.  Of course, we also got to spend time with my other cousin Hunter and my cousin Courtney.  We had a great stay with them and enjoyed playing games and simply visiting.  It's always good to see them. We were so glad we had the chance to visit.

We had a great time visiting with my family and friends. Thanks for having us Momma and Daddy!

Overall, the entire trip was a blast. We hope that we can do it again sometime. Thank you all for everything.

Take care of yourselves.

Much love,

Ryan and Amy Nelson