Sunday Before Christmas Eve

Today was a much anticipated day of travel adventure! Brother Sean Franky and Ariel stayed overnight to be ready to begin our adventure day, and Sister Kelly came over early to join Brother Sean Franky and Ariel in Sean Franky’s vehicle for the long trip to Vincennes. Mommy and Daddy awakened early and got the two of you ready for the trip, as well.

The plan was for Daddy to drive our vehicle and Sean Franky to follow in his vehicle occupied by Ariel and Sister Kelly (Brother Aaron couldn’t make the trip as he was scheduled to workL). We made a quick pit stop at McDonald’s to grab breakfast and the journey began!

Vincennes is 182 miles from our house, and typically that requires a three and one-half hour one-way trip, a round trip becomes rather grueling. Nonetheless, we were all excited about our trip so that we could join Grandma Betty, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Mike and Abbey and Aaron and Sophie and Aaron, Aunt Terrie and Cody and Missy and Kellan, and Aunt Diane and Uncle Brad (Rico) and Bre, Chrissie, Katie, and Derrick for a brunch and gift exchange. We made the trip without stopping until arrival, and then stopped, as has become tradition, at a Huck’s gas station (and potty break) and then made another traditional stop at Charlie’s Candies, and then one final traditional stop downtown near the George Rogers Clark Memorial and the Wabash river to gather a collection of rocks to add to our garden’s “rock garden.”

Aunt Terrie called us just as we were finishing our rock collection efforts, so we made our way to her house on Buntin Street. Everyone was excited to see everyone, and we enjoyed a brunch meal (our contribution consisted of shrimp cocktail purchased by Daddy and potato salad and deviled eggs made by Sister Kelly) consisting of a meat and vegetable tray, mashed potatoes, beans, bread, and Aunt Terrie’s famous homemade pies for dessert! Chrissie wasn’t feeling well, and Daddy too was perspiring greatly, to the point that Aunt Diane (a nurse) was especially concerned. We wondered if we were coming down with something.

Notwithstanding, we all enjoyed ourselves and our brunch meal, and the two of you, Ms. Bodhi and Mister Buddha, were hits with everyone, especially Grandma Betty and your cousins (Bre, Chrissie, and Katie) who just adore the two of you!

The gift exchange was intimidating, frankly, given the generosity of everyone giving gifts to each of us, especially the showering of gifts upon each of you, Emilia and Jude! Mommy and Daddy were amazed to the point of thinking we could stop our Christmas gift arrangements for the two of you with what you received from your family!

After our brunch and gift celebration, we traveled to view Grandma Betty’s new apartment at the assisted living complex. Her apartment and the entire assisted living community were quite impressive, much to Daddy’s relief, just as was assured by Aunt Debbie, Aunt Terrie, and Aunt Diane. Your Aunties did a magnificent job decorating and making the smaller space feel as big as her last place.  After kissing Grandma Betty goodbye, we traveled to her former apartment and met Aunt Debbie and Uncle Mike, and Aunt Terrie and Aunt Diane, and Mommy selected some glassware and China being distributed from downsizing Grandma Betty’s move to her new apartment. Mommy didn’t want to take anything away from Aunt Debbie, Aunt Terrie and Aunt Diane, and they wanted her to be a part of the family! Mommy loved a green colored (depression era) dessert set, and Mommy gave the glassware and China to Sister Kelly upon our return home. Mommy and Sister Kelly were both excited about getting some part of Grandma Betty’s collection (some of which came from Great Grandma Edith Holsapple).

After our fond farewells, we made our long trip home! Daddy really struggled to make it to Terre Haute (about 60 miles) where we made a pit stop for some hot coffee! We then resumed our long trip home, and were happily surprised upon our arrival that Grandma was there taking care of Arlo and Allie, and Ella and DoraJ. A wonderful day of family came to a close, with a welcome bed for all!

“Night, night!”

PS Daddy didn't mention that upon arrival to Grandma Betty’s new place, she insisted on you, Ms. Emilia, jumping on board her walker where she then scooted you all the way to the entry doors (Holsapple women must be made of some of the same tough stuff Grills women are)!  Mommy was disappointed that our camera was buried, I didn’t get to capture that amazing and super sweet moment shared between you and Grandma Betty J  

Grandma Betty Holsapple :)
You two kept asking over and over the entire car trip..."are we going to Grandma Betty's?" and "Are we at Grandma Betty's yet?"

Uncle "Rico" lending you a hand with one of your gifts.  It took you a minute to get into the unwrapping Jude man.

We all manage to fit into Aunt Terrie's living room :)

Mommy just missed you, Jude giving Grandma a kiss :(  Bodhi, you were so sweet as well.  You both gave everyone a kiss and hug for your gifts (they're probably all now sick with the stomach flu, yikes)!

Cousin Katie helping you with all your Hello Kitty goods :)

"Thank you Aunt Debbie for all my princess dolls!"

Sweet little Kellan :)

Cousin Abby and Cousin Aaron... Mommy can't believe how great Cousin Abby looks after just having little Sophi, so not fair!!!

Uncle Mike and the back of Aunt Debbie and Cousin Chrissie :)